Wildflower Planting Methods

1)    Thin Turf Cover: broadcast the wildflower seed over the area then rake or drag the area to obtain seed to soil contact.
2)    Average Turf Cover: Scalp the turf to 1 inch, remove the clippings, then broadcast the seed over the area and replace the clipping                           evenly as mulch. A mechanized seed drill may also be used without removing the clippings.
3)    Heavy Turf Cover: Herbicide and let sit for one month. Scalp to 1 inch then follow steps in number 2. The establishment of wildflowers is                 harder in heavily weeded areas. The use of a mechanized seed drill designed for planting wildflowers produces the best results.
4)    Taking the top 2 inches of topsoil off the area produces lees weeds, but the wildflowers seem to be smaller , possibly due to removal of soil         nutrients.

*    The most success, considering both wildflower and weed density, has been obtained preparing the plots with glyphosate  ( Roundup ).

*     Early spring application of a grass herbicide will help existing plots if they have a grass problem : Flauzifop, ( Ornamec 170, Grass Be Gone,        Fusilade II)
        1 Acre = 43,560 sq ft
        ½ Acre = 21,780 sq ft
        ¼ Acre = 10,890 sq ft
  
•    the amount of seeds per acre varies with the species

•    Florida grown fl. Native ecotype seeds are the most disease and drought resistant

•    Species available that do well statewide are Gaillardia pulchella (Blanket Flower), Coreopsis leavenworthii (Leavenworth’s Tickseed) and          Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan).

•    Phlox drummondii will do well down to Tampa.

•    Coreopsis basalis (Dye Flower) and Rudbeckia mollis do better north of Gainesville.

•    Flaveria linerais (Yellow Top) may be available this year

We encourage the use of the Coreopsis species, Florida’s state wildflower, throughout our state.