Selecting species to produce wildflower seeds

Abstract

Twenty-nine annual and perennial wildflower species were evaluated for commercial seed production potential in South Carolina. Species selection was based on adaptability to southeastern conditions and potential for use in wildflower sod. Potential for seed production was based on seed maturation ratings, percent germination 4 to 6 weeks after harvest, and yield. Individual species were seeded into 1-m2 plots (3.3 ft2), on 7 Oct. Seeds were collected, cleaned, and counted, and total seed yield (lb) was calculated based on seed germination and weight of 100 seeds. Species with potential for production were Hesperis matronalis L. (2605 lb/ acre), Monarda citriodora Cer. ex Lag. (1247 lb/A), Silene armeria L. (1122 lb/acre), Bidens aristosa (Michaux) Britton. (41 lb/acre), Centaurea cyanus L. (823 lb/acre), Coreopsis tinctoria Nutall (185 lb/acre), Gypsophila elegans L. (120 lb/acre), Ipomopsis rubra (L.) (2301 lb/acre) Wherry, and Rudbeckia hirta L. (500 lb/acre).