Color Iowa Wild contains perennials & annuals in a blend that was specially formulated for use across the Midwest. Color Iowa Wild provides a rainbow of color throughout spring, summer, and fall. It is perfect for the flowerbed or mixed with native grass mixtures for the open meadow.

This mixture is less than 24 inches high and provides a neater appearance than taller mixes. Good for residential or commercial landscaping where height is a factor.

This mixture is less than 16 inches high and provides a manicured appearance, which is ideal for residential or commercial landscaping where height is a factor.

This mixture requires strong, filtered sunlight or 1-4 hours of direct sun per day. These plants will not prosper in dense shade.

Other species can be used as a nursegrass to wildflowers as long as they are noncompetitive. Grasses such as Chewings fescue, Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, Buffalograss, Side Oats Grama or Blue Grama are recommended where adapted for growth. Consult a Des Moines specialist for the recommended seeding rates.

The look of wildflower mixtures will change as they age. Typically, perennial and biennial wildflowers will germinate the first year and bloom the next. Annuals will grow and flower the first year and may reseed themselves for bloom the following year. The first season, however, is always the showiest for annuals. To preserve the original balance of the mixture, a site may be reseeded every two years. Yearly mowing, monitoring and controlling weeds, and occasional overseedings will slow down natural succession and promote a colorful wildflower meadow for many years.

Good soil-seed contact is essential for successful seed germination.

On Bare Soil

1. Rake to form grooves.
2. Apply seed with a drop or cyclone spreader using a carrier of sand, vermiculite or fine fescue. For small sites, seeds may be broadcast by hand.
3. Lightly rake to ensure proper soil-seed contact. Roll or track over the seed bed, and apply a light mulch to preserve surface moisture and aid soil stabilization. For optimum germination, keep the area evenly moist.

Seeding Into Existing Vegetation

1. Use Roundup®, following manufacturer’s recommendations, to eliminate any grass or weed cover which may compete with the wildflower seedlings.
2. Scarify or shallowly till the soil surface with a rake or tine harrow to create a crumbly seed bed.
3. Apply seed with a drop or cyclone spreader. A vertical groove slit seeder may also be used to simultaneously scarify the soil surface and deposit seeds into grooves.
4. Lightly rake or roll over area or follow with a tractor to ensure proper soil-seed contact. Add a light dressing of straw mulch. For optimum germination, keep the area evenly moist.

   Note: Rototilling or plowing the site tends to expose weed seeds which compete with wildflower plantings. Use either of these soil preparation methods only when soil compaction is a definite problem. Plan weed control measures accordingly.

For Environmentally Sensitive Sites

For small sites, cover the area with black or clear plastic for several weeks during the spring or summer to kill unwanted weeds. On larger sites, till existing vegetation several times during the course of the year prior to planting. Seed as specified for bare soil.