GBG Note No.23

Soils: Till or break up the soil surface to a depth of at least two inches (deeper is better). Wildflower seeds sown on untilled soil or sod will prevent or delay seed germination. If time permits, till, allow weed seeds to germinate, then till again to eliminate as many weeds as possible. Repeated tillings for one season before sowing minimizes weeds, especially perennials that can out-compete the wildflowers.

Wildflowers: Use Alaska wildflowers, non-native flowers or a combination of both. Use caution when selecting a nonnative wildflower. Avoid those that are considered noxious or invasive weeds. A non-competitive bunch grass such as 'Tundra' glaucous bluegrass can be added for a true meadow look. Mixture should be 50-80 percent grass seed by weight and 20-50 percent wildflower seed.

Sowing: Sow up to five times the recommended sowing rate, especially if using Alaska wildflowers. Sow Alaska wildflowers in the fall (early to mid September), and nonnative wildflowers in spring. Combine one part wildflower seeds with four parts fine, damp sand (i.e. builder's sand). Divide the sand/seed mixture in half and broadcast in two directions for more even coverage. Gently rake then tamp or roll the soil to get good soil/seed contact.

Maintenance: Irrigate, if possible, for up to six weeks after sowing to improve wildflower establishment and flowering. Periodic weeding may be necessary during the first season to maximize wildflower establishment. Following establishment, tree seedlings and perennial weeds may invade the meadow. They must be removed promptly to maintain the integrity of the meadow.

Establishment: Nonnative wildflower mixes provide the best color and show during the first three years, but gradually the annuals and non-hardy perennials die out. For best results they must be re-sown every three years. It will take several years for a true Alaska wildflower meadow garden to establish and flower. Alaska wildflower seeds often have complex germination requirements, and the plants may appear one or more years after sowing. With patience, you can have a beautiful wildflower meadow and help conserve our Alaska native wildflowers for many years to come.

GBG Notes

Recommended Alaska wildflowers:

Indian potato (Hedysarum alpinum)
Wild sweet pea (Hedysarum Mackenzii)
Tall Jacob's ladder (Polemonium acutiflorum)
Dwarf Jacob's ladder (Polemonium pulcherrimum)
Strawberry spinach (Chenopodium capitatum)
Yellow hawkweed (Hieracium scabruisculum)
Goldenrod (Solidago multiradiata)
Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis)
Yarrow (Achillea borealis)
Siberian aster (Aster sibiricus)
Wild iris (Iris setosa)
Arctic lupine (Lupinus arcticus)
Arnica (Arnica alpina)
Wild chamomile (Tripleurospermum inodoratum)

Recommended nonnative wildflowers:

Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Shasta daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum)
Shirley poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus)

School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences

This page was last modified on September 19, 2008 by GBG web editor