Photo by Jordan White on Unsplash

It's Getting Cold. So Why Are We Planting Seeds?

Fall is one of the best times to plant native wildflower seeds in Texas. While colder weather might seem like a reason to put gardening on hold, many Texas wildflowers actually benefit from being planted before winter. Cooler temperatures, seasonal rainfall, and natural growing cycles help prepare seeds for germination and spring growth.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation's Wildflower Planting Guide, the recommended planting window for most Texas wildflowers is September through November. So if you've been waiting until spring to plant wildflower seeds, you may want to reconsider!

Why Does Cold Weather Help?

Some native wildflower seeds benefit from a process called cold stratification, which is exposure to cold, moist conditions that help break seed dormancy. Planting in the fall allows seeds that need this process to experience winter conditions naturally.

Not all native seeds require cold stratification, but many are adapted to spending the cooler months in the soil. Some germinate in fall and develop roots before winter, while others wait until temperatures become favorable in spring.

How to Plant Native Wildflower Seeds

Planting native seeds is fairly simple, but proper soil contact and moisture are important for successful germination.

1. Choose your location. Most native wildflowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil, but requirements vary by species.
2. Prepare the area. Remove competing grass and weeds so your seeds can reach the soil.
3. Sow your seeds. Scatter seeds evenly and gently press them into the soil. Follow the recommended planting depth for each variety.
4. Water gently. Keep the area adequately moist during germination, adjusting for rainfall and the needs of your seeds.
5. Give them time. Some seeds sprout within weeks, while others may not emerge until spring.

For more detailed planting recommendations, check out TxDOT's Wildflower Planting Guide.

Native Wildflower Seeds to Plant This Fall

Ready to get started? We've recently added new native wildflower seeds to our collection at Nativo Gardens. Here are a few to consider for fall planting:

• Indian Blanket: A Texas favorite with vibrant red and yellow blooms that attract bees and butterflies.
• Lanceleaf Coreopsis: A perennial wildflower with bright yellow blooms that provide nectar and pollen for pollinators.
• Lemon Mint: An aromatic native wildflower with lavender-pink blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Mexican Hat: A distinctive prairie wildflower with cone-shaped centers that thrives in sunny, well-draining areas.

Whether you're starting a small wildflower patch or creating a larger pollinator habitat, fall is a great time to get seeds in the ground.

Our new native seed collection is available at Nativo Gardens! Shop our seeds online or stop by the nursery to find the right varieties for your space.

Grow Texas. Plant Native.