Have you ever wondered how to grow flower mix seeds, such as those that come in the cute and convenient shakers we sell at Leaf + Quiet in Missoula, Montana? The shakers are super cute, and make wonderful spring gifts (think Mother's Day, Spring birthdays, Easter Brunch Hostess Gifts). The shakers include basic instructions, but we've gathered some tips to make sure you or your gift recipients will enjoy gorgeous blooms!
When to Sow Flower Mixes Outside in Montana
Unlike some other seeds, experts recommend that flower mixes are sowed outside BEFORE the last frost. That's good news in Missoula, as our winters are long, and this is something you can plant earlier than vegetables.
In Missoula, Montana, the average last frost date falls between March 12 and March 31st. Always be sure to check local forecasts each year to see the expected last frost. In cold climates, like Missoula and most of Montana, you will want to sow your flower mixes in the spring, 1 to 2 weeks BEFORE the average last frost date. So early March around Mother's Day might be just the right time, depending on local forecasts.
You can also cover your bets and sow half of your seed mix 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost date, and sow the second half of your mix a week or two AFTER your average last frost.
Whichever approach you choose, be sure to get those flower seeds in the ground before mid-June. If you wait too long, conditions can be too warm and dry for the seeds to germinate and establish.
Professional Mixed Flower Seed Sowing Tips
Just like when planting vegetables or other flowers, you will want to get the area for your seeds ready prior to sowing:
- Rake the soil to loosen the surface
- Remove any weeds
- Amend the soil (if needed)
Shake your seeds first to make sure they are well mixed, then shake them over your prepared area
Use your rake to scratch in your seed mixture to a depth no greater than ¼ inch
Some people like to mix their seeds with sand to help spread seeds more evenly when sowing them. Also, the difference in color between the sand and soil can help remind you where to water.
Is that a flower or a weed?
With flower mixes, it can be tricky to tell which seedlings are flowers and which are weeds. If you sow a pinch of seeds in a container of potting soil, you can then compare the flower seedlings in your pot with the sprouts in the garden. Another idea is to water your prepared area a week before you sow your flowers, then eliminate the weeds before sowing your flower seeds.
Optimal Growing Conditions for Mixed Flower Seeds
Soil: Be sure you have the
optimal soil for growing flower seeds.
Water: Your seeds must be kept moist until the majority of the seedlings emerge. This may mean watering once a day, twice a day for short periods of time, or every other day, depending on how fast your soil dries out and how much natural precipitation you get. You don’t have to water deeply, just enough water to moisten the top quarter-inch of soil surface containing the seeds. Once the seedlings emerge, water less frequently and a little deeper; encourage deep roots by watering deeper each time you water.
Sun: Most flower seed mixes require full sun.
Fertilizer: Not usually necessary, as long as your soil is optimal for growing.
Thinning: The less square footage you cover, the more dense and smaller the plants may be. Seedlings that emerge very close to each other will compete for light and water, so a little thinning may be necessary to encourage larger plants.
Special Care: As seeds begin to germinate, pull any seedlings you know are weeds. Pull weeds frequently as your flower area continues to grow. Doing this regularly will result in few weeds to pull and lots of flowers to admire.
Stop in to Leaf + Quiet soon to stock up on seed mixes for Spring gift giving, and don't forget to grab one for yourself. Gardens full of gorgeous flowers are one of the reasons Missoula is known as the Garden City, after all.
