How to Plant Wild Flowers in Containers
If you have a small backyard, consider learning how to plant wild flowers in containers to save space. Wild flowers can easily be grown in containers with the right sun and soil conditions. Container gardening makes it easy to move and group plants according to colors, height and texture as well as treating for diseases. Potted wild flowers add a bright splash of color to patios, decks and balconies.
Research the types of wild flowers that will grow well in your climate. Wild flowers grow particularly well in places with plenty of sunshine and fairly dry climates such as New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Texas.
Select varieties within your planting zone that meet your growing conditions. Instructions on bedding plant labels and seed packages will provide necessary growing conditions as well as planting instructions.
Visit Wildflower Information.org to see a list of wild flowers and their growing conditions. You can learn what moisture, soil and lighting requirements are required for specific varieties. In addition, you can choose plants by flower colors and heights. Research soil and lighting conditions at wildflowerinformation.org/SoilListing.asp.
Decide if you want to try planting wild flowers from seed or pick up bedding plants from a nursery. Planting flowers from seeds is more economical, but will take longer to establish the plants. Bedding plants provide instant landscaping and are quick to flower.
Choose potting containers of plastic, metal or clay. Take care when planting in metal pots that heat up in the sun. Plastic pots are lightweight and easily moved. Ceramic pots are good and sturdy and come in a variety of glazes.
Prepare your container for planting. Line the bottom of a pot with small stones or broken pottery shards for proper drainage. Fill the pot with a combination of potting soil and sand according to plant requirements. Place seedlings in the pot leaving space at the top for watering. If starting from seeds, scatter seeds on the soil surface and barely cover with a small amount of soil. Keep bedding plants or new seeds moist until well established.
- Place planted pots in a sunny location and water when topsoil is dry.