Perennial wildflowers are an attractive and practical choice to fill empty spaces in a yard. A desirable aspect of perennial wildflowers is that they will return year after year, requiring minimal maintenance, and eliminating the need for annual replanting. While annual and biennial wildflower seeds will provide one or two years respectively of growth, perennials offer the benefit of yearly renewal, and ultimately, less overall work.

Selecting Perennial Wildflowers
In selecting wildflowers, it is helpful to read the planting instructions on the packet of seeds, and to ask for advice from an expert at the nursery from which they are purchased. Knowing the climate, and depth that is suited to specific types of wildflower seeds can optimize their health and ability to thrive. Ideally, it is best to choose types of wildflowers that grow naturally in the wild lands nearby. While this may not always be possible, it is important to choose a batch of wildflowers that are appropriate for the climate zone in which they are to be planted.

When to Plant
Knowing the appropriate climate zone for wildflowers is key to knowing when they should be planted. In general the hottest time of the year should be avoided for planting. In locations with mild climates winter planting can be ideal, while in more extreme climates, fall or spring planting may be best. The most correct information for planting time can again be obtained by reading the planting instructions that come with the seeds.

Preparing the Soil
Begin by clearing any weeds or undesirable existing plants from the area of planting. In locations with loose and rich soil a good raking may be all that is necessary to prepare the soil for planting. For hard or compacted soil, tilling may be necessary to separate the soil sufficiently to accept the seeds.

Planting
Wildflowers can be planted by sprinkling them onto loosened soil that assures their even distribution. Once the seeds have been distributed onto the soil, a light raking to a depth of about three times the diameter of the seeds will assure that a sufficient amount of the seeds are set into their proper depth to establish an even cover of growth.

Growth and Care
Once perennial wildflower seeds have been planted, they should be watered lightly and kept moist, but not saturated, until their roots take hold in the soil. The soil should be kept continuously moist for at least a month after planting, as the roots and soil form a firm and hearty habitat for the flowers.

Little maintenance is required for the wildflowers when they are established. Weeds should be removed when they appear to prevent their establishment among the flowers. They will rise to their individual heights, bloom, and eventually go to seed. When the wildflowers have clearly past their prime, and appear dried and browned, they can be trimmed back and prepared for another year of growth by simply running a lawn mower over them.