Seed bomb mix for shady sites

Seed bomb mix for shady sites

$ 16.00

Create your own seed bombs for tossing into an area devoid of native plants. Combine a pinch of seeds into a small ball made of clay and potting soil for a fun way to disperse native seeds. November through early April is the best time to do this activity as the seeds need to experience the cold and wet weather of winter before they will germinate. Read more about this ancient technique of encasing seeds in earthen balls and spreading them in areas devoid of vegetation on our website blog: Native Seed Bombs – Dispersing seeds with guerilla action. 

This mix contains the seeds of 3 species of perennial native plants for shady sites with soils that are dry to moderately moist. Packet contains 600 seeds, enough to make 150 seed balls (directions included with order, clay and potting soil not included):

  • Blue-stem goldenrod (Solidago caesia)
  • Red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
  • Blue wood aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium)

Each seed package carries a specific germination code along with the plant description. These codes indicate specific sowing instructions.

  • A Seeds can be sown outdoors in fall or early spring.
  • B Seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate. Sow outdoors in fall or winter.
  • C Seeds need light to germinate; sow on soil surface and leave uncovered.
  • D Seeds need alternating cycles of warm-to-cold-to-warm to germinate. They can be sown either outdoors in spring or summer and will germinate the following year or in a flat in a warm place for 3 months, then moved to a refrigerator for 2 months, then moved outside in the early summer warmth.
  • E Seeds can not be allowed to dry out. Sow immediately.
  • F Seeds take two years to germinate. Sow outside in the fall or winter and look for germination in the second spring. A shady location prevents the flats from rapid drying and reduces weeding
  • G Large seeds should be soaked overnight in water.
  • FERN: Sow spores in a warm bright location in a sealed container and keep moist. Directions enclosed with package. Challenging.

If you have specific questions about seeds and germination guidelines please contact us at info@wildseedproject.net.

All seeds can be sown and placed outdoors in fall or winter bypassing the need for an artificial indoor cold stratification (refrigerator) required for some species when planted in spring. This is the simplest method. See How to Grow Natives From Seed for detailed instructions.