The new and very colorful Wildseed Incorporated Growers Guide to wildflowers just came off the press and is ready for distribution, according to John Thomas, president of Wildseed.

Incorporating over 100 color photographs of wildflowers whose seed are avaiable, the “guide” also offers bloom charts and maps denoting the areas in which specific wildflowers do best. A most interesting addition to this guide which is not found elsewhere is an actual drawing of what each of the plants looks like when it first comes out of the ground. “This is to make sure people don’t accidently mow them down because they can’t distinguish them from other plants and weeds,” Thomas said.

There are also “range maps” which indicate just where the particular species of wildflowers do best and there is an explanation of the flower, its blooming period, seeding rate, suggested use and a miscellaneous note about each flower. As an example when describing chicory (Cichorium intybus) the guide has this note, “When World War 11 disrupted shipping, most U.S. “coffee” was produced from chicory. Caffiene-free, it is gaining popularity.”

The Grower’s Guide also describes when and how to plant wildflowers, germination, watering guides, reseeding, fertilization and weed control and other specific information in order to allow both the professional and the amateur gardener to grow wildflowers successfully.