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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 Pollinator Conservation Resource Center 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.

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

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. It is comprised of annual and perennial native wildflowers and non-native forbs, brassicas and legumes and includes spring, summer and fall blooming species known to be attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects. This seed mix is recommended for vineyards, fruit orchards, or other situations where permanent cover is desired.

California Central Valley / Central Coast Annual 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. It is comprised of annual native wildflowers and non-native forbs, brassicas and legumes and includes spring and early summer blooming species known to be attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects. This seed mix is recommended for almond orchards or other situations where seasonal cover is desired. If managed properly, many species self-sow.

Manitoba Native Seed Mix

Produced by Skinner Native Seeds, this mix 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.

Western Great Lakes Native Seed Mixes

These mixes from Prairie Nursery include high quality annual and perennial wildflowers that provide pollinators with season-long sources of pollen and/or nectar. To provide nesting habitat for bumble bees and other beneficial insects, several species of bunch grass are also included. These mixes are appropriate for habitat restoration in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Separate mixes are available for sites with dry versus mesic soils.

Southern Rocky Mountain Native Seed Mix

Produced by Applewood Seed Company, this mix features high quality native wildflowers that provide sources of pollen and/or nectar for pollinators. To provide nesting habitat for bumble bees and other beneficial insects, two or more species of bunch grass are also included in the mix. This mix is appropriate for habitat restoration in the Southern Rocky Mountains (elevations between 6,000 and 10,000 feet in Wyoming, Colorado & New Mexico).

Pollinator-Palooza! (Upper Midwest Native Seed Mix)

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. Produced by Prairie Moon Nursery.

Pacific Northwest Native Seed Mix

From Northwest Meadowscapes, attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects with this dramatic wildflower show. The combination of native annuals and perennials in these seed mixes provide an ongoing succession of flowers over multiple years. Unlike many commercially available ‘pollinator’ seed mixes for the Northwest, these mixes consist of 100% true native species, including some fantastic—but often hard-to-find—plants such as Oregon phacelia and Puget Sound gumweed.

Eastern Great Lakes Native Seed Mix

This regionally adapted mix from Ohio Prairie Nursery 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.

California Central Valley 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 pollina

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

Bee Happy Native Seed Mix for the South-Central U.S.

From Native American Seed in Junction, Texas, this mix includes a diversity of annual and perennial native wildflowers that provide quality sources of nectar and pollen for pollinators. This mix is appropriate for habitat restoration in southern Arizona and New Mexico, eastern Colorado, Kansas, southern Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, northern Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, and the Southeastern coastal plain.