PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The Hummingbird Blend is a mixture that provides a season-long smorgasbord of wildflowers to attract hummingbirds to the garden. There are 14 Species of Wildflowers in this mix. If hummingbirds naturally occur in your area, this annual and perennial blend will attract them in abundance to your garden. Please look up "cold stratification" .. some of these seeds are perennials and need a "winter" in order to germinate and bloom. The Cold Stratification instructions will let you know how to (1) Cold Stratify in the refrigerator or (2) plant after first frost in fall and have flowers next spring and summer! So basically some will bloom when you plant and the rest will bloom (Perennials) the following year. WHAT'S IN THIS MIX? Bee Balm / Wild Bergamot Dianthus /Sweet William, Tall Mix Foxglove Gayfeather Hyssop (Agastache) Larkspur, Rocket Imperial Mix Lupine, Perennial McKana Giant's Columbine Mixed Colors Penstamon, Rocky Mountain Petunia, Wild Phlox, Annual Red Sage, Scarlet (Red) Snapdragon, Tetra Mix Tussock Bellflower WILDFLOWER MIX PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS WHEN TO PLANT WILDFLOWERS: When to plant wildflower seeds largely depends on the climate and rainfall patterns in your area as well as the type of seeds you are planting. In cool climates, planting wildflower seeds in spring or early summer is ideal since temperatures are warm enough for germination but not so hot that it’s difficult to keep seeded areas moist. Planting in summer is not recommended since it is difficult to keep seed beds continually moist for the first 4-6 weeks. The hot summer sun tends to dry the soil out too quickly. Wildflower seeds can also be planted in fall in cool climates. Dormant fall wildflower plantings should be late enough so that seeds do not germinate until spring. These must be done when air and soil temperatures are too low for germination, typically after several freezes but before there is snow cover. The seeds will lie “dormant” in the soil until spring when warmer temperatures and moisture are available. Soil expansion and contraction during the winter can also improve seed-soil contact (cold stratification). Perennials can also be sown in early fall provided that there are at least 10-12 weeks of growing time before the plants go dormant for the winter. This amount of time generally allows enough root growth for plants to survive the winter. WHERE TO PLANT WILDFLOWERS: Though many wildflowers do tolerate some filtered shade, and a few actually thrive in it. The vast majority are definitely sun lovers. Wildflowers will generally sprout in all but the most difficult conditions. This means that pampering your site with fertilizer or rich sod is not usually necessary. HOW TO PLANT WILDFLOWERS: Clear the area and work the soil as best you can before planting your seeds. We recommend mixing your seeds with sand - 2 parts sand to 1 part seeds. This allows for a more even distribution and also provides a convenient way to mark which portions of the site have been seeded and which have not. For a smaller area, you can hand-broadcast the seeds. After the seeds have been sown, lightly compress the seeds into the soil about 1/2" to protect from birds and wind. MOISTURE REQUIREMENTS: All seeds, including wildflower seeds, need ample moisture to germinate and to develop into healthy seedlings. Best results will be obtained by soaking the planted areas thoroughly and maintaining consistent moisture for 4-6 weeks. Afterwards, watering can be gradually reduced over several weeks. In non-irrigated situations, plant in the spring or before periods of anticipated rainfall. HOW TO CARE FOR WILDFLOWERS: Although Wildflowers are pretty easy to take care of, there are some steps to keep it looking beautiful. Regularly weed to ensure your wildflowers are getting the nutrients they need. Water your plants during dry spells. Deadhead blooms that are spent to encourage new growth. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR WILDFLOWER GARDEN: Most of our wildflower seed mixes contain annual, biennial and perennial species. Please read the mix contents. The annuals are included to assure maximum color during the first season and to act as a nurse crop for the slower-growing perennials. Annuals germinate quickly when conditions are favorable, providing a quick ground cover and competition against weeds. Most perennial and biennial species begin to bloom the second season, but not as profusely as annuals. Therefore, wildflower plantings look noticeably different after the first year. Buy Seeds Online Organic Seeds Heirloom Seeds Non-GMO Seeds Vegetable Seeds Flower Seeds Herb Seeds Fruit Seeds Garden Seeds Seed Starter Kits Rare Seeds Bulk Seeds Indoor Gardening Seeds Seed Catalog Seed Packs for Sale Sustainable Seeds Greenhouse Seeds Seed Suppliers Planting Seeds Home Garden Seeds