Wildflowers in Pots: A Step-by-Step Guide to Container Gardening
Although wildflowers grow best in garden borders, you can also grow them in pots. A container of wildflowers provides the perfect pit stop for pollinators and brings an explosion of color to your outdoor space. In this article, we’ll explain how to grow wildflowers in pots.
How to Grow Wildflowers in Pots
Here’s a quick guide to growing wildflowers in pots:
- Place some crocks or large stones in the bottom of your chosen container to improve drainage.
- Fill the container with compost, garden soil, and grit. Leave a few inches at the top.
- Sow a layer of wildflower seeds and cover it with a thin layer of soil.
- If you want, you can sow an extra seed layer and top it with another layer of soil.
- Water the pot thoroughly and place it in a sunny spot.
- Once your wildflowers are growing, water them once a week.
What Conditions Do Wildflowers Need?
Wildflowers are often exposed to the sun for most of the day, so position your pot in a sunny area. Many wildflowers are also drought-tolerant. However, if your wildflowers dry out too much, they won’t produce their best blooms. Remember that plant pots dry out quickly, so plants growing in containers need regular watering.
Once you’ve sown your wildflower seeds, water the pot once a week. Only water if the top two inches of soil feel dry when the flowers emerge. Wildflowers won’t cope with waterlogged soils that don’t provide good drainage.
Most wildflowers need loose, nutrient-poor soil that drains well. Mix some garden soil with a small amount of compost and coarse grit to improve drainage.
What Type of Pot Should I Use?
Always grow your wildflowers in a pot with drainage holes. This helps excess water to drain away, preventing waterlogged soil. Almost any type of container will work for wildflowers if it has drainage holes.
Which Types of Wildflowers Should I Use?
Although pre-mixed wildflower seed packs are available, you can create your mix. A mix of annual wildflowers is the easiest option, but remember to resow the pot yearly. Alternatively, use a mix of annual and perennial wildflowers.
To maximize pollinators’ benefit, choose wildflowers that bloom at different times. The goal is to provide a constant nectar source from spring until fall. Choose wildflowers with different colors and heights to maximize visual interest.
Remember that biennial and perennial wildflowers won’t bloom during their first year. When wildflowers finish blooming, you can collect the seeds yourself or let the plants self-sow back into the pot.
Some of the best annual and perennial native wildflowers include:
- Asters
- Black-eyed Susan
- Bee Balm
- Blanket flowers
- Columbines
- Coneflowers
- Cosmos
- Lupines
- Milkweed
- Poppies
- Purple Loosestrife
- Yarrow
Wrapping Up
Growing wildflowers in pots is an easy way to help pollinators while providing a beautiful display for your garden. Provide wildflowers with plenty of sunlight and use well-draining, nutrient-poor soils.