How do you plant hummingbird wildflower seeds?

Hummingbirds are beautiful, delicate creatures that add color and energy to any garden. Attracting hummingbirds to your yard is easy when you plant flowers that appeal to them. With a bit of knowledge about hummingbird favorites, along with tips on when and how to plant, you can create an inviting habitat that hummers will flock to all season.

What flowers attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are drawn to tubular, brightly colored blooms packed with nectar. Some of their favorites include:

• Bee balm
• Cardinal flower
• Columbine
• Foxglove
• Impatiens
• Petunia
• Salvia
• Trumpet honeysuckle
• Zinnia

When shopping for hummingbird-friendly flowers, read the descriptions to ensure they have the traits that appeal to hummers. Look for words like “tubular,” “nectar-rich,” and “brightly colored.” Stay away from double blooms, which make it harder for hummers to access the nectar.

When should you plant hummingbird flowers?

Hummingbirds migrate through many parts of the United States in early spring and late summer. To take advantage of this, plant your hummingbird garden in phases:

• Spring: Plant early blooming flowers like columbine, foxglove, and lupine 1-2 months before hummingbirds arrive.
• Summer: Add heat-tolerant flowers like bee balm, trumpet vine, and salvia.
• Fall: Plant late blooms like zinnia, cardinal flower, and sage to provide food before migration.

Check your local climate and hummingbird movement patterns to determine exactly when to plant each season. Maintaining flowers from spring to fall will provide food from the moment hummers arrive until their departure.

Where should you plant hummingbird flowers?

Hummingbirds frequent yards that are situated near woods or meadows, since these mimic their natural habitat. But don’t worry if your landscape isn’t ideal. You can make any yard or garden attractive to hummingbirds with a little planning:

• Plant flowers in brightly colored beds near windows so hummers have a clear flight path.
• Situate feeders and new plantings within view of your favorite sitting area so you can enjoy watching the birds.
• Add flowering vines, shrubs, and trees around the perimeter to provide shelter and nesting spots.
• Include flowering plants on balconies, patios, and porches to attract hummers to small spaces.

How do you prepare the soil for hummingbird wildflowers?

Hummingbird flowers thrive in loose, fertile soil with good drainage. Here are some tips for preparing your flower beds:

• Loosen the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches using a shovel or tiller.
• Mix in 2-4 inches of compost or other organic material to enrich the soil.
• Consider creating raised beds for better drainage.
• Test and amend the soil pH to the level recommended on the plant labels or seed packets.
• Add flower fertilizer or compost a few weeks before planting.

Preparing the soil properly makes a big difference in how well your hummingbird flowers grow and bloom all season.

How do you plant hummingbird wildflower seeds?

Follow these simple steps for successful hummingbird wildflower seeds:

1. Follow the planting guidelines on seed packets for depth, spacing, sunlight, and care.
2. Direct sow seeds in prepared soil after the last spring frost date.
3. Gently press seeds into the soil and cover lightly with 1/4 inch of soil or compost.
4. Water gently to avoid washing away seeds.
5. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks.
6. Thin young seedlings to recommended spacing.
7. Weed and water throughout the growing season as needed.

With proper planting and care, hummingbird wildflower seeds will produce waves of brightly colored blooms to feed your winged visitors.

How do you transplant hummingbird flowers?

Transplants allow you to add instant color and mature flowers to your hummingbird garden. Follow these tips for transplanting success:

• Select young, healthy plants with healthy root systems from the nursery.
• Prepare transplant holes twice the width of the root ball.
• Gently loosen root-bound plants before placing in holes.
• Backfill holes with native soil, pressing firmly around roots to remove air pockets.
• Water thoroughly after planting.
• Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Provide shade for newly planted flowers until they establish.

Give transplants attentive care in their first weeks. Once established, they will reward you with vigorous growth and flowers.

How should you care for hummingbird flowers?

Proper care keeps hummingbird flowers healthy and blooming prolifically:

• Watering: Water thoroughly when top few inches of soil are dry. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to avoid flower damage.
• Fertilizing: Apply flower fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers. Cut back perennials in fall.
• Weeding: Pull weeds when young to eliminate competition for water and nutrients.
• Insects & Diseases: Address problems promptly to keep plants vigorous. Remove insect-ridden flowers.
• Winter Care: Mulch fall plants for insulation. Prune, divide, and replant perennials.

With attentive care and regular bloom maintenance, your hummingbird flowers will thrive indoors and out.

What is the best way to water hummingbird flowers?

Hummingbird flowers need consistent moisture in the top few inches of soil. Here are the best methods:

• Drip irrigation – Delivers water slowly at the root level to encourage deep roots.
• Soaker hoses – Release water along the length of the hose to soak the root zone.
• Hand watering – Allows you to deliver targeted water to each plant’s needs.
• Early morning – Water early so leaves can dry out during the day to prevent disease.
• Infrequent deep watering – Penetrates deeper to encourage stronger roots than frequent shallow watering.

Always water the soil rather than leaves, and avoid overhead watering that can damage delicate petals. With the right watering method, your flowers will thrive.

What kind of fertilizer is best for hummingbird flowers?

Hummingbird flowers grow best with fertilizers that promote prolific blooms. Look for options that provide higher levels of phosphorus and potassium compared to nitrogen. Some good choices include:

Use fertilizers at half strength and increase if plants show need. Reapply every 2-4 weeks during the active growing and flowering season.

When should you prune hummingbird flowers?

Pruning hummingbird flowers encourages vigorous growth and prolific blooms. Follow these tips:

• Deadhead flowers by pinching or snipping off spent blooms. This promotes new bud production.
• Cut back flower stalks by 1/3 their height midseason to encourage bushy growth.
• Trim leggy annuals like zinnia occasionally to shape plants.
• Prune back perennials by 1/3 in fall to prepare for winter dormancy.
• Clean up debris and dead growth in fall or early spring to make room for new sprouts.

Timing pruning properly, such as deadheading before seeds form, keeps plants focused on producing flowers for hummingbirds to enjoy.

What should you do about pests on hummingbird flowers?

Hummingbird flowers can fall victim to pests like aphids, whiteflies, Japanese beetles, and snails. Here’s how to address them:

• Check plants frequently for early signs of pests before they multiply.
• Dislodge aphids and whiteflies with a strong stream of water.
• Pick off Japanese beetles and other insects by hand early on.
• Apply neem oil, insecticidal soap, or other organic pest control.
• Use row covers, garden twine, copper strips, and other barriers to block pests.
• Trim off badly infested flowers or plants to prevent spread.

Controlling pests quickly helps prevent them from spreading and keeps hummingbird flowers healthy and beautiful.

How can you attract hummingbirds all year?

You can create an enticing haven for hummingbirds with these tips:

• Plant early, mid, and late blooming flowers for year-round color.
• Include flowers, vines, shrubs, and trees to provide food and shelter.
• Supplement with 2-4 hummingbird feeders, cleaned weekly.
• Provide a water source like a mister, fountain, or bird bath.
• Let ground cover flower for added foraging opportunities.
• Allow leaf litter and dead stems to remain for insect habitat.
• Avoid pesticides and chemicals toxic to birds.
• Place feeders and new plants where you can enjoy the show!

By providing hummingbird favorites throughout the seasons, you can make your yard or garden a go-to spot all year long.

Conclusion

With proper planning, planting, and care, it’s easy to create a beautiful hummingbird flower garden that will attract these magical creatures right to your door. Choose a variety of tubular, nectar-rich blooms in colors that appeal to hummers. Situate flowers and feeders in optimal viewing locations and nurture plants with attentive watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Your flower garden will soon be abuzz with hummingbirds feasting on the bounty through the seasons.