Growing Things: How to grow wildflowers in containers

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I decided this year to try my hand at growing wildflowers in containers. As urban spaces shrink and our connection to nature wanes, bringing a touch of Alberta’s wild beauty to our doorsteps has never been more appealing.

Growing native wildflowers from seed in containers offers a low-maintenance, eco-friendly way to enjoy vibrant blooms while supporting local pollinators. Here’s how to get started on your own miniature prairie oasis.

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Choosing Your Seeds

Alberta boasts a diverse array of wildflowers adapted to our unique climate. Consider a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers to ensure continuous colour. Popular choices include blue flax, blanket flower, wild bergamot, and prairie coneflower. Local garden centres often carry region-specific wildflower seed mixes, or you can create your own blend.

Container Considerations

Select containers at least 30 cm deep with drainage holes. Position your containers where they’ll receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Matters

Wildflowers thrive in leaner soils. You can certainly use a regular potting mix which I did successfully or you can create a custom blend using equal parts topsoil, coarse sand, and compost. This mimics their natural growing conditions and promotes strong root development.

Sowing Success

Timing is crucial when sowing wildflower seeds in Alberta. For best results, plant in early spring just as the soil begins to warm. Alternatively, try fall sowing – the freeze-thaw cycle can actually help break seed dormancy.

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Scatter seeds evenly across the soil surface, then lightly press them in. Avoid burying them too deep; most wildflower seeds need light to germinate. Water gently but thoroughly, and keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.

Patience and Care

Wildflowers often take their time to establish. While some species may bloom in their first year, many invest energy in root development before putting on a show. Resist the urge to overwater or fertilize, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.

Once established, your wildflower container garden will require minimal maintenance. During prolonged dry spells, water deeply but infrequently to encourage

deep root growth. Deadhead spent blooms to promote continued flowering, but leave some seedheads intact for winter interest and to feed birds.

Beyond Beauty

Your wildflower container isn’t just a visual treat – it’s a miniature ecosystem. Watch for visiting bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds drawn to the nectar-rich blooms. Native plants also tend to be more resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

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As your wildflowers flourish, consider harvesting seeds to share with neighbours or sow in new containers next season. With each passing year, your container prairie will become more established, offering a sustainable slice of Alberta’s natural heritage right outside your door.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed my wildflower pots. The burst of colour was amazing and lasted far longer than anticipated. I loved the variety and the uniqueness. The containers were low maintenance and were very inexpensive to create.

Every week, Growing Things Outdoors runs online at edmontonjournal.com or, if you prefer an epaper format, epaper.edmontonjournal.com

Learn more by emailing your questions to filipskigerald@gmail.com, reading past columns or my book Just Ask Jerry. You can also follow me on Twitter @justaskjerry01.

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