Wildflowers, when to start?

[beeper]

I want to try to grow wildflowers on part of the ranch where I work. Just throw out the seeds and let the rain(hahaha) water them. I live above Santa Barbara CA, about 1/2 hour from the ocean it gets hot in our valley, so question is, when should I throw them?

 

[Ridgerunner]

What kind of wildflowers, or more to the point are they suitable to that climate? When do they normally grow there? Is it tied to your "wet" season. Since you are Southern California I'll put wet in parentheses. You can chat with your county extension agent or maybe local master gardeners for specifics but I'd think a little before they normally grow. The actual types of wildflowers could be important information.

 

[bobm]

I want to try to grow wildflowers on part of the ranch where I work. Just throw out the seeds and let the rain(hahaha) water them. I live above Santa Barbara CA, about 1/2 hour from the ocean it gets hot in our valley, so question is, when should I throw them?

Just some things to consider before anyone takes action in a situation such as this ... Are the "wildflowers" a native species that grow in this area or are they something that you want to introduce ? Do you have permission from your employer to scatter these "wildflowers " ? More important is do you have permission to plant them from the US / State Agriculture department as they could be an ivasive species that the Industry wants to eliminate from our ecosystem due to it's ability to crowd out native species or possibly be a poisonous plant , or even a host plant for invasive insects ?

 

[beeper]

Yes the seeds will be for our area, yes my boss would love them, just thought I would get a quicker answer as to when I should plant them from here, I will get the seeds and look on the package. Thanks for the reply's.

 

[Nyboy]

Not sure who planted them but in the space between north and south lanes on merit parkway are signs not to mow wildflowers.

 

[ninnymary]

If they are not too expensive could you plant in the fall and spring also? This way you've covered more possibilities.

Mary