Pollinator Conservation Seed Mixes

The Xerces Society partners with the native seed industry to produce wildflower seed mixes meeting Xerces specifications, to provide foraging and nesting resources for a diversity of pollinators. For details about species composition, recommended seeding rate, and how to contact the producer, please download the specification sheet for each seed mix.

About the Seed Mixes

Regional seed mixes are locally produced in their respective regions by independent farmers, using local eco-type seed wherever possible. Seeds are not treated with pesticides, and are designed to include widely adapted, non-weedy species. Most species require full sun and average soil drainage. For extremely wet, dry, or shady conditions, please contact the respective nursery in your region for recommendations. Note that mixes are designed to include multiple blooming species throughout the entire growing season. Only wildflowers with extensive documented value to pollinators are included. Where appropriate, host plants for regionally important butterflies are included, along with bunch grasses to provide bumble bee nest habitat.

If a recommended seed mix for your region is not featured on this page, we have not yet partnered with a regionally-based seed producer to design a mix. To search for a seed mix that is suitable for planting in your region, please visit the Native Plant, Seed, and Services Directory to browse the list of native pollinator plant nurseries by region, and then contact seed vendors to inquire about the availability of pollinator seed mixes that are composed of native wildflower species. Please see our Seed Mix Calculator Template Spreadsheet to help you design your own seed mix.

How Much Seed Do You Need?

Seed mixes are sold based on planting area size. Depending on the region, and the species included in each mix, 1/4 to 1/3 lb is required for each 1000 ft. For areas of 1/2 acre in size, 3 to 5 lbs of seed is required, and for areas of 1 acre in size, 3 to 10 lbs of seed is necessary. In general, this results in 20 to 40 seeds per square foot of planting area.

Planting Directions

Please see our Habitat Restoration page for details and resources to guide planning, site preparation, installation, and maintenance of native wildflower plantings.

Seed Mixes for NRCS Programs

These seed mixes may meet the requirements for NRCS-administered private landowner conservation programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). For cost-share approval, please consult your local NRCS Service Center prior to purchase.

Seed Mixes

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California Central Valley / Central Coast Perennial Insectary Cover Crop Seed Mix

This seed mix has been formulated based on field trials and monitoring conducted by the Xerces Society and other conservation partners and is appropriate for planting in most parts of California’s Central Valley and Central Coast regions.

California Central Valley / Central Coast Annual Insectary Cover Crop Seed Mix

MNL Upper Midwest Pollinator Mix – Wet Mesic

The Minnesota Native Landscapes Pollinator Mix – Wet Mesic was developed through a collaboration with The Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation and is well suited for medium-heavy soils. This mix includes over 25 species of wildflowers including 3 or more in each bloom season: spring, summer, and fall.

Minnesota Native Landscapes

Prairie Moon's Insectopia mix

Prairie Moon's Insectopia mix was developed through a collaboration with The Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation and boasts a variety of wildflowers and grasses chosen specifically to attract predatory and parasitoid insects, as well as spiders that feed on insect pests. This mix is ideal for farmers and gardeners who are looking to utilize the benefits of biodiversity and conservation biocontrol in field perimeters, insectary strips, and gardens.

Prairie Moon's Insectopia mix

Manitoba Native Seed Mix

The Manitoba Mix produced by Skinner Native Seeds was developed through a collaboration with The Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation and consists of approximately 40 varieties of local native wildflowers, either grown or hand-collected locally, that attract and support pollinators. It will provide bloom from early spring to late fall, from prairie crocus to many-flowered aster. It includes 5 species of local native bunch grass for a variety of habitat for bumble bees and other beneficial insects.

Skinner Native Seeds

MNL Upper Midwest Pollinator Mix – Dry to Mesic

The Minnesota Native Landscapes Pollinator Mix – Dry to Mesic was developed through a collaboration with The Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation. This mix includes over 25 species of wildflowers including 3 or more in each bloom season: spring, summer, and fall.

Minnesota Native Landscapes

Pollinator-Palooza! (Upper Midwest Native Seed Mix)

The Pollinator-Palooza Seed Mix is produced by Prairie Moon Nursery and was developed through a collaboration with The Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation. An all-out party for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators - designed for full sun to partial-shade sites with medium soils. This 3 to 5-foot-tall mix boasts 45 native prairie species, including some not commonly available like late figwort and hairy mountain mint. This mix is highly appropriate for habitat restoration in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa.

Prairie Moon Nursery

Pacific Northwest Native Seed Mix

This Pacific Northwest Native Seed Mix is produced by Northwest Meadowscapes and was developed through a collaboration with The Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation. This mix attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects with this dramatic wildflower show. The combination of native annuals and perennials in these seed mixes provides an ongoing succession of flowers over multiple years.

Northwest Meadowscapes

Eastern Great Lakes Native Seed Mix

This Eastern Great Lakes Native Seed Mix is produced by Ohio Prairie Nursery and was developed through a collaboration with The Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation. It includes diverse native wildflower species that provide high-quality sources of pollen and/or nectar to pollinators, and several species of native bunch grass that provide nesting habitat for bumble bees and other beneficial insects. This mix is suitable for planting in Ohio, Indiana, western New York, and western Pennsylvania.

Ohio Prairie Nursery

California Central Valley Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Seed Mix

California Central Coast Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Seed Mix

This seed mix has been formulated based on field trials and monitoring conducted by the Xerces Society and other conservation partners. This mix is sold by several local producers including Nature's Seed or, for quantities over 10 pounds please contact Hedgerow Farms. The mix is comprised of native wildflowers and grasses and is designed to provide permanent, high quality foraging resources for a diversity of pollin