Expert Tips for Seeding Wildflowers Successfully

1. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact without burying seeds. Seeds should be no deeper than 1/4 inch. If planted too deep, seedlings exhaust their energy before reaching the surface—this is the most common mistake gardeners make, according to seed growers.

2. Sow at the right time. Desert wildflowers germinate best when daytime temperatures are consistently around 80°F and nighttime temperatures around 50°F (70°F/40°F is also acceptable). Germination stops when temperatures drop lower. In the Southwest, these conditions typically occur between September and early December, depending on your location.