Selecting the Right Seed Mix

How to Choose among Applewood’s Different Seed Mix Categories

Each regional wildflower seed mix is designed to fit the broad cross-section of conditions that generally exist within a specific geographic region, i.e., variations in soil, slope, drainage, exposure and availability of moisture. For example, we include species for both moist and dry conditions in each mixture, provided that these conditions exist in the particular region. Furthermore, species are included on the basis of their versatility or ability to adapt. We offer two types of regional mixtures: (1) Regional Wildflower Mixes composed of native and adapted flowers for ornamental landscaping, and (2) Regional Native Wildflower Mixes composed of species that are native to the region. These mixes are appropriate for ornamental landscaping, meadow gardening, wildlife gardening and pollinator conservation.

Special-Use Mixtures were designed to meet certain site conditions, attract wildlife or beneficial insects, or produce flowers for specific purposes. If conditions are relatively consistent or the requirements exacting, one of our Special-Use Mixtures may be appropriate. For example, the Shade Seed Mix (SHMX) was designed for partially shaded sites while the Deer Resistant Seed Mix (DEER) is good for areas with high deer populations. There are several mixes based on water requirements (e.g. Dry, Moist, and Xeriscape Mixes). If you need a drought resistant flower seed mix, the Xeriscape Mix for the Western US (WXMX) or the Xeriscape Mix for the Eastern U.S. (EXMX) is perfect.

There are three Special-Use Mixtures based on height. The Super Short Mix (SSMX) which is less than 10 inches high, the Low-Growing Mixture (LGMX) which is less than 16 inches high, and the Knee-Hi Mixture (KHMX) which is less than 24 inches high, have been designed to meet the demand from urban and suburban landscape architects and contractors for low-growing blends. These mixtures have a “semi-wild” appearance and can be used along roadsides, in parks, and in commercial and residential developments without looking weedy. These mixtures do not require mowing except once in the late fall, if desired.

For ornamental landscaping, our annual cultivated flower mixes are popular, and we offer two specialized wetland mixtures for two types of wetland situations commonly found in urban and suburban environments.

To create a flowering meadow or native prairie, just add a native grass seed mix to a flower mix. Our regional grass mixtures were designed with non-aggressive, native grasses that do not out-compete the flowers. We avoided aggressive, sod forming grasses that are used for lawns or erosion control.

Applewood Seed Company specializes in providing custom seed mixes for many types of customers. Seed distributors and seed packet companies often prefer individualized, proprietary mixes for their customers, and landscape specifications may require a custom seed blend for the project. Government agencies such as the NRCS have strict protocols for mixes used in various CRP practices, and many customers request a native wildflower mix for their specific locale. If you need a mixture with specific requirements that cannot be met by our standard mixes, then a custom mix might be most suitable for your project. We can blend a custom mixture according to your specifications, or we can design the mix for you.

We encourage you to contact us with the specifications of your project; we will be glad to assist you in selecting the right seed mix for your needs. If you wish to personally determine or confirm which species of wildflowers are found in your area, we recommend the USDA PLANTS database or the database at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center online. Also, your local extension service or botanic gardens can be excellent resources on native wildflowers.

More Wildflower Planting Guide Resources

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