If you thought that the wildflowers in Florida were boring, think again! The state has a vast array of floral species, many of which are quite unique. From the bright orange blossoms of the lion’s mane flower to the delicate white petals of the trailing arbutus, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
So why not take a stroll through a Florida wildflower garden and see for yourself?
You may be surprised at how beautiful these humble plants can be.
Planting and growing wildflowers in Florida. It is the best outdoor activity that teaches you to care, patience, nurture, and much more. You learn to take care of plants. And it made your day as a healthy & natural activity. Florida has 2,800 types of Wildflowers and native plants.
In every spring season, they bloom forth to create a mesmerizing mosaic of alluring colors. It was the feast of flowers that greeted Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513.
And having arrived during Pascua Florida a Spanish term for Easter season Pascua de Leon named this newly discovered land la Florida, Florida today. Many people of Florida are rediscovering Wildflowers in Florida.
Through gardening and low-input landscapes, gardeners are helping the wildflower plants to grow.
Wildflower gardens take a new look each year because of variations in weather and the inherent nature of individual species. The shape, color, and texture of the plants change from season to season.
Florida has the most productive habitats for viewing Wildflowers. In the peak springtime, Wetlands Prairies and pine savannas are the real attraction to view. Check some more details of planting Wildflowers in Florida.
Can I just sprinkle wildflower seeds?
Probably No. You can try it, but certainly, it might not be workable. You can make it happen if you consider such a few things.
Whenever you think to just sprinkle Wildflower seed, the first thought comes to your mind. Will this Wildflower can take root or grow?
Maybe not! Because if the garden is not in good shape, it is hard to grow wildflowers just by throwing seeds. For instance, you often notice how difficult it is to form a root mat of grasses. If the soil is not prepared ahead of time, it is problematic to seed or grow a plant. For planting, seeds should lightly be raked into the soil.
Maybe you are planting a native wildflower seed. However, the soil is not as it was 150 years ago. Our atmosphere has already changed.
And you cannot repeat the same old methods. When you lightly rake the seeds, it does not mean that the seed should not be raked too deep. For this purpose, you must ensure soil preparation. If you are not sure how fertile your soil is you can get a soil test for checking it.
After the soil test, you will be able to evaluate the alkaline or acidic properties of the soil.
Furthermore, a few factors are really essential for growing wildflowers just by sprinkling seeds.
As mentioned above soil fertilization & preparation, grass rooting, seeding can help you to grow Wildflowers by spreading seeds. In early spring, you can plant these seeds on the ground by sprinkling seeds.
At this point, you do not need to cover the seed with soil because the seed needs light to germinate. It will take 10 to 15 days to germinate and 65 to 75 days to bloom.
The plants start growing which is why reseeding will increase the blooming period.
How long do Wildflowers Bloom in Florida?
Annual wildflowers bloom 2-3 months after seeds have been planted. But usually, they got die after one season. These flowers bloom for two months before falling to the first frost.
Similarly, if you have planted wild annuals then it takes them to bloom around six weeks after the seed sprouts in the ground.
You can see the first full blooming flowers in 90 days after sprouting them. Coneflowers, Scarlet Poppies, and coreopsis are some of the first flowers that you will see after the baby flower’s breath.
You can also see taller plants such as the cosmos. These taller plants will bloom beautifully until the first frost. Orange cosmos, Prairie asters, Evening Primroses, African daisies, and Zinnias are examples of fast blooming plants.
Native Florida Wildflowers:
No matter if there is a spring season or fall, Florida has wonderful wildflower walks to view. There are so many places to visit for viewing Wildflowers in Florida.
Florida Wildflowers might find at the Longleaf Pine Reserve, Volusia County, the State Forest of Seminole, West Sanford, and the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area near Orlando.
Many species give a magnificent view of Wildflowers in Florida such as
- Twinflower
- Golden aster
- Blanketflower
- Milkweed
- Tickseed
- False Rosemary
- Blazing Star
- Skullcap
- Spotted beebalm
- Black-eyed Susan
- Sunflowers
- Silver-leaved aster
- Verbena
- Senna
- Goldenrod
- Wild Petunia
- Sage
- Rosinweed
South Florida Wildflowers:
It is a bit challenging to grow Wildflowers in Florida. Not all Wildflowers can grow well in South Florida.
For this purpose, you need to explore a local nursery to find species of native plants that can grow wildflowers in the Southern area of the state. At the Flamingo Gardens, there are just a few plants that can grow well.
The following are some species that can easily plant.
Black-eyed Susan, Coneflowers, Blanketflower, Firewheel, Indian Blanket, Seaside Goldenrod, Corky Stem Passion Flower, Red Salvia or Tropical Sage, Beach verbena, and Dune sunflower.
You can also enjoy the best wildflowers areas in south Florida. These places are famous attractions for visitors to view the amazing sight of wildflowers in Florida. Check this highly recommended list of wildflowers’ destinations.
- Stranding Steves at Fakahatchee
- The Ghost Orchid
- Paynes Prairie: A North Florida Gem
- Sunflower Season on the Johns River near Orlando
- Summer in the Savannas
- Pine Lily Preserve
- San Felasco Hammock
- Wood at Leon Sinks
Wildflowers in Florida are the best choice to visit in your summer vacations. These wildflower meadows are the perfect habitat for many other species, insects, and animals.
Wildflowers are essential for agricultural development and agriculture in Florida. Because they provide food and shelter for pollinators like birds and bees, as well as local animals.
