Frequently Asked Questions About Seeds

Frequently Asked Questions About Seeds:

1. How Much Seed Do I Need?

Use the square footage (multiply length x width) to determine your area. With that information, you can figure out how much seed you will need. If an area is 3' wide and 4' long, it will be 12 sq. ft.

Recommendations will vary somewhat, depending on species, slope, soil and weather conditions. Steeper slopes usually require more seed than flat areas, but measures should be taken, such as the use of jute netting, or terracing, to avoid the seed being washed to the bottom of the slope.

• Sowing Rates:
• 1/2 oz. sows an area approximately 25 sq. ft. or an area 5' x 5'
• 1 oz. sows an area approximately 50 sq. ft. or 10' x 5'
• 1/4 lb. sows an area approximately 200 sq. ft. or 10' x 20'
• 1/2 lb. sows an area approximately 400 sq. ft. or 20' x 20'
• 1 lb. sows an area approximately 800 - 1,000 sq. ft. or 20' x 40' to 50'x20'

2. Erosion Tips: Erosion is prevented not by the presence of newly germinating seeds or young seedlings, but by the root systems and above ground biomass of established plants. So planting seeds in the fall when the rains come will not help with erosion.

One strategy involves planting before the wet season, and supplying gentle irrigation to begin germination. Then already growing plants can take advantage of the rains, when they come.

3. Thinning Wildflowers? It is not necessary to thin wildflowers once they have germinated. If you want to do so, try to avoid damaging the roots of the plants you leave in place. Or let nature work it out. In the wild, a plenitude of seeds are sown by nature, and it works.

 

Viability: Seed that is not used when purchased will remain viable, with little change in germination rates, for up to three years, if it is kept in a cool, dry, dark location. Seed can be purchased in spring, when you have the opportunity to see spring bloom and make choices, then sown in late summer.

• 1/2 oz. sows an area approximately 25 sq. ft. or an area 5' x 5'
• 1 oz. sows an area approximately 50 sq. ft. or 10' x 5'
• 1/4 lb. sows an area approximately 200 sq. ft. or 10' x 20'
• 1/2 lb. sows an area approximately 400 sq. ft. or 20' x 20'
• 1 lb. sows an area approximately 800 - 1,000 sq. ft. or 20' x 40' to 50'x20'

Perennial Wildflowers and Native Grasses

These packets supply enough hand-collected seed for twenty to thirty plants, depending on the species.