Ez Straw Wildflower Mix

Bring Vibrant Blooms to Your Landscape with This Versatile Wildflower Product

Adding a splash of color to your yard or garden can be as easy as scattering some Ez Straw Wildflower Mix. This popular product provides a convenient way to grow gorgeous wildflowers with minimal effort. Before you purchase Ez Straw, read this comprehensive buying guide to learn everything you need to know to get the most out of this versatile wildflower mix.

What Exactly is Ez Straw Wildflower Mix?

Ez Straw Wildflower Mix contains a blend of annual and perennial wildflower varieties native to the United States. The mix includes popular wildflowers like Dame’s Rocket, Oxeye Daisy, Indian Blanket, Plains Coreopsis, and Black-Eyed Susan. The wildflowers are combined with sterile straw made from wheat, barley, or oat plants.

The straw protects the wildflower seeds and helps retain moisture in the soil after planting. This allows the seeds to germinate and establish their root systems more quickly. The straw also serves as an attractive natural mulch around the growing wildflowers. As the flowers bloom, the straw slowly decomposes, providing nutrients to the soil.

Key Benefits of Using Ez Straw Wildflower Mix

There are many excellent reasons to use Ez Straw to add gorgeous wildflowers to your lawn or garden:

• Fast, easy planting – Simply scatter the mix onto prepared soil. No need to dig holes or plant individual seeds.
• Low maintenance – Ez Straw wildflowers are drought tolerant once established and don’t require fertilizers or frequent watering.
• Long blooming season – Flowers begin blooming within 2-4 weeks after planting and continue through summer and fall.
• Deer resistant – The wildflowers are largely ignored by deer, protecting your investment.
• Environmentally friendly – No pesticides or chemicals needed. Attracts pollinators to your garden.
• Versatile uses – Can be planted in flower beds, meadows, along borders, and in problem areas where grass won’t grow.
• Stunning colors – Mix includes beautiful shades of red, pink, yellow, white, blue, and purple.

How to Properly Apply Ez Straw Wildflower Mix

One of the biggest advantages of Ez Straw is how fast and easy it is to plant. Follow these simple steps for gorgeous results:

• Choose a site with full sun and good drainage. Amend poor soils with compost or topsoil to improve drainage.
• Remove any existing weeds or vegetation. Rake area smooth.
• For best results, lightly till top 1-2 inches of soil before scattering mix. This creates a seed to soil contact.
• Apply mix generously and evenly over prepared soil, using approximately 1-3 lbs per 100 sq ft.
• Pat down lightly to ensure seeds make contact with soil. Do not bury seeds.
• Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist for 2-4 weeks to aid germination.
• Within 4-6 weeks, colorful blooms will begin to appear as seeds start to germinate.

Where to Buy Ez Straw Wildflower Mix

The easiest place to find Ez Straw is from online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Home Depot. It can also be found at most garden centers and nurseries during spring and summer months. Pricing is quite reasonable, usually between $15-$25 for a 5 lb bag which covers up to 500 sq ft.

When purchasing, always look for the distinctive Ez Straw packaging with bright green lettering. Avoid generic or off-brand wildflower mixes which may contain undesirable filler seeds. The Ez Straw brand is specially formulated to yield the best results.

How Much Area Will One Bag Cover?

A standard 5 lb bag of Ez Straw Wildflower Mix will cover approximately 500 square feet when applied at the recommended planting rate of 1-3 lbs per 100 sq ft.

For larger areas, multiple bags can be applied. Or for smaller spaces like flower beds, part of a bag may be sufficient.

The mix can be divided or shared with gardening friends. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years if stored properly in a cool, dry location.

Consider the size of the area you want to cover when purchasing to ensure you buy an adequate amount of seed mix. Proper density is important for best results.

Is Ez Straw Wildflower Mix Pet and Child Safe?

Yes, Ez Straw Wildflower Mix can safely be used in areas frequented by children and pets once the flowers are established.

The mix contains only non-toxic wildflower varieties that are not harmful if touched or ingested. Supervise children when planting to prevent ingestion of seeds.

The sterile straw mulch also poses no risks to kids or pets. It will slowly break down into the soil over time.

Of course, sensitivities can vary so supervise closely when pets or children are around newly planted areas. Once plants are established, the mix can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Wildflower Varieties Included in the Mix

One of the great things about Ez Straw Wildflower Mix is the diversity of flowers you’ll get in one bag. Here are some of the standout wildflower varieties typically included:

• Black-Eyed Susan – Cheery yellow and brown daisy-like blooms that attract butterflies.
• Plains Coreopsis – Abundant yellow and maroon flowers ideal for cutting. Blooms all summer.
• Dame’s Rocket – Tall spires of fragrant lavender, pink, and white blooms excellent for borders.
• Oxeye Daisy – Classic white daisies with sunny yellow centers.
• Indian Blanket – Brilliant red flowers with yellow tips. Blooms late spring through frost.
• Blue Flax – Delicate sky-blue flowers loved by pollinators.
• Purple Coneflower – Pink/purple blooms are a magnet for butterflies.

You’ll enjoy flowers of different heights, shapes, and colors all season long. The mix changes a bit each year too, so you never know what surprises may bloom!

How Long Does it Take to Grow?

One of the biggest advantages of Ez Straw Wildflower Mix is how fast it establishes and blooms compared to planting individual seeds.

You can expect to see blooms beginning in just 2-4 weeks after planting the mix in spring or early summer. Different flowers will continue blooming for months on end.

Seed germination time can vary based on soil temperature, moisture levels, and localized climate. Sprouting may take a little longer when planting later in summer.

But the great thing about wildflowers is they’re resilient and will flourish under a wide range of conditions. With proper planting and care, Ez Straw will yield waves of blooms in short order.

Can Ez Straw be Used in Flower Beds and Gardens?

Absolutely! Ez Straw Wildflower Mix is perfectly suitable for flower beds, borders, cutting gardens, and any ornamental planting area.

Just be sure to plant in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best results. Amend soil with compost or organic matter to ensure good drainage.

Space taller wildflowers towards the back and shorter varieties in front for a charming, naturalized look in beds and borders.

You can also scatter Ez Straw into vacant spots in vegetable and herb gardens. The blooms will attract pollinators to benefit your food crops.

Watering and Moisture Needs After Planting

Adequate moisture is crucial for seed germination and getting wildflowers established.

After sowing the mix, water thoroughly to moisten soil 4-6 inches deep. Then water lightly every day for 2 weeks to keep top 1 inch of soil moist.

Once seedlings emerge, water deeper twice a week if rain is lacking. Deep weekly soakings are better than frequent light sprinklings.

As plants mature, taper off watering. Established wildflowers only need 1 inch of water weekly from rain or irrigation.

The straw mulch helps retain soil moisture, protects seedlings, and keeps roots cool. So don’t let mulch dry completely.

Ez Straw varieties are drought tolerant, but adequate moisture during the first month is vital for success.

Does Ez Straw Help Retain Moisture in Soil?

The sterile straw incorporated into Ez Straw Wildflower Mix plays an important role in retaining moisture in the soil to benefit the wildflower seeds and seedlings.

The straw acts as a light mulch to help keep soil protected and cooler. This slows down evaporation from the soil surface and cutting down on water needs.

The straw also provides insulation from hot sun and wind exposure that can dry out soils quickly.

As the straw slowly breaks down, it releases organic matter and nutrients into the soil – improving moisture retention over time.

The end result is the wildflower seeds and roots stay evenly moist for better germination and establishment – especially important during the first few weeks after planting.

So the straw in Ez StrawWildflower Mix offers multiple moisture-preserving benefits right from the start.

How to Properly Store Unused Ez Straw Wildflower Mix

If you have unused Ez StrawWildflower Mix left after completing your planting, follow these tips to store it properly until needed:

• Transfer any unopened bags of Ez Straw to an airtight plastic bin or tub.
• Make sure mix is dry before storage to prevent mildew issues.
• Store in a cool, dark place like a closet or dry basement at temperatures between 40°-70° F.
• Avoid exposing seeds to extreme heat, humidity or direct sunlight. This can impact seed viability over time.
• Use within 2-3 years for best results and germination rates.
• Write the year purchased on the bag or bin. Use oldest seeds first.
• For small amounts, you can store in sealed jars out of sunlight.

Properly stored, Ez Straw Wildflower Mix seeds remain viable for several years. Then you’ll have seeds handy for fall overseeding or starting new patches next season.

What Do Customer Reviews Say About Ez Straw Wildflower Mix?

Ez Straw Wildflower Mix earns overwhelmingly positive reviews and feedback from gardeners:

• “This created a colorful wildflower meadow on my property in just a few weeks.”
• “I love how easy it is to plant – just sprinkle and water!”
• “The variety of flowers is amazing. I spotted new blooms every day in my garden.”
• “It attracts so many bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.”
• “My kids love lying in the wildflowers and making flower chains.”
• “It was very affordable and covered a large area.”
• “The flowers lasted all season here in Ohio with very little care.”

Many reviewers remark how quickly and easily the mix establishes, as well as the diversity of blooms and longevity of flowering. It’s clear Ez Straw delivers outstanding results!

Is Ez Straw Environmentally Friendly?

Ez Straw Wildflower Mix provides a very environmentally friendly way to add beautiful flowers to your landscape.

It eliminates the need for pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers or excessive watering once established.

The mix contains native wildflower varieties that benefit pollinators. Bees, butterflies and birds flock to the nectar-rich blooms.

The biodegradable straw mulch breaks down over time to enrich the soil.

At the end of the season, you can simply till spent plants into the soil to add organic matter. Or collect seeds for future propagation and let plants self-sow.

The mix is also produced regionally to reduce transport carbon emissions from shipping.

Overall, Ez Straw is a very eco-conscious product from planting to maintenance. The beautiful flowers come with environmental benefits.

How to Prepare Soil for Planting Ez Straw Wildflower Mix

Proper soil preparation helps ensure Ez Straw Wildflower Mix germinates successfully:

• Loosen any compacted soil and remove weeds/debris. Rake area smooth.
• Mix 2-4 inches of compost or manure into soil to improve fertility and drainage.
• Soils should be neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.5-7.0 is optimal). Test and amend pH if needed.
• Work any fertilizer into the top 2 inches of soil per package instructions.
• If possible, lightly work top 1-2 inches of soil once area is prepped.
• Scatter seeds just before rain if possible to help work seeds into soil.
• Water thoroughly after planting for good seed-to-soil contact.

Taking time to prepare soils will get your wildflowers off to the best start. Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil helpsensure abundant blooms the first year.

Using Ez Straw on Slopes and Hills

Ez Straw Wildflower Mix is the perfect solution for establishing wildflowers on slopes, hills, embankments, and other erosion-prone areas where grass is difficult to grow.

The included straw helps weigh down seeds so they don’t wash away and provides soil stability as wildflowers establish.

To plant on slopes:

• Work parallel with the slope lines as you plant for best seed adherence.
• Consider creating terraced rows on steeper slopes to help control erosion.
• If possible, amend soil with compost or cover slope with landscape fabric before planting to improve drainage.
• After planting, use biodegradable netting anchored with stakes to help stabilize the slope as flowers establish.
• Water carefully to avoid runoff and aim for deeper weekly soakings rather than frequent light watering.

Take some additional steps when planting on slopes and you’ll enjoy gorgeous, erosion-preventing wildflower displays.

Does Ez Straw Contain Fertilizer for Wildflowers?

No, Ez Straw Wildflower Mix does not contain any pre-mixed fertilizers or compost. It’s simply the specified wildflower seed blend combined with sterile straw mulch.

This allows you to amend and fertilize soils as needed specifically for your growing conditions and soil needs.

Work compost or manure into planting areas before seeding to enrich soil nutrients and organic matter.

Once established, wildflowers included in the Ez Straw mix are quite hardy and don’t require regular fertilization. But you can top dress around plants with compost in early spring or fall.

Use care when applying nitrogen-heavy chemical fertilizers, which may cause wildflowers to become leggy and inhibit blooming.

With proper soil preparation before planting, the flowers thrive with minimal fertility inputs long-term.

Removing Ez Straw After Flowers Bloom

The sterile straw incorporated with the seeds in Ez Straw Wildflower Mix isn’t meant to be removed after planting.

It’s designed to slowly break down over time as a natural mulch. This provides the following benefits:

• The straw mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weeds as flowers establish.
• As it decomposes, the straw releases nutrients into the soil that benefit wildflowers.
• It provides continual insulation of plant roots and soil.
• The straw helps prevent erosion, especially on slopes.
• It gives a neat, tidy appearance around blooming flowers.

So it’s best to leave the unbleached straw in place even after wildflowers finish blooming. Remove tattered, unsightly foliage at the end of the season if desired.

The straw will gradually disappear into the soil over one to three years. Then reapply fresh Ez Straw as needed to maintain your wildflower planting.

How Does Climate Impact Results with Ez Straw?

Ez Straw Wildflower Mix contains a regionally customized blend of native wildflower species suitable for a broad range of climates across the U.S.

The mix performs well in both cool and warm regions. Varieties selected are hardy down to USDA Zone 3.

That said, cooler northern climates may see some varieties struggle with shorter growing seasons and harsher winters.

Hot, humid southern regions can impact germination if planting later in summer when soil temperatures are high.

Adjusting planting time for your local climate, amending soil properly, and providing supplemental water during drought periods will yield great results with Ez Straw in any region.

This versatile mix is specially designed to establish quickly across varying growing zones and weather conditions.

How Does Ez Straw Compare to Other Wildflower Products?

When compared to other wildflower planting products, Ez Straw Wildflower Mix stands out for several reasons:

• Results are faster – Blooms emerge quicker thanks to incorporated straw. No need to wait for seed pods to dissolve.
• Thicker flower density – Heavier seed count and straw allows for fuller, lush growth.
• ** Superior seed blend** – Specially curated mix of wildflower varieties versus generic seeds.
• Mulch included – Convenient straw mulch eliminates extra steps. Also contains seed-free straw to allow for overseeding.
• Better erosion control – The straw provides immediate soil stabilization, especially helpful on slopes.
• Enhanced moisture retention – Straw reduces frequency of watering wildflowers need by preserving soil moisture.
• More cost effective – More area covered per pound versus pre-seeded mats or pods.

For both quick, fool-proof blooms and long-lasting performance, Ez Straw Wildflower Mix offers clear advantages over other seeding methods.

Let the Flowers Flourish!

With this comprehensive buying guide, you now have all the key facts and planting tips to successfully establish gorgeous drifts of Ez Straw Wildflowers this season.

Take time to properly prepare planting sites and care for flowers during the germination process. Before you know it, you’ll have a landscape ablaze in colorful, carefree blooms year after year.

It’s simply amazing how quickly and easily areas from garden beds to meadows transform with the application of Ez Straw Wildflower Mix. So let your inner wildflower flourish!