Cut and Come Again Wildflowers
Wildflowers are one of nature’s most charming gifts and one of my favorite things to grow. Cut and come again wildflowers take this charm to the next level. These flowers not only brighten your garden with their vivid colors and natural beauty but also offer the bonus of frequent blooms throughout the season. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these remarkable flowers—how to grow them, the best conditions for planting, how to encourage reseeding, and more!
What Are Cut and Come Again Wildflowers?
The term “cut and come again” refers to wildflowers that, when regularly cut or deadheaded, continue to produce fresh blooms throughout the growing season. These flowers often grow quickly, bloom profusely, and—true to their name—respond to cutting by producing new flowers. This makes them excellent choices for gardeners who enjoy having fresh cut flowers throughout the summer months.
While the term is often associated with some wildflower species that naturally regenerate, it can also be applied to a wide range of annual and perennial flowers, as long as they can grow back with frequent harvesting. Some examples of cut and come again wildflowers include cosmos, nigella, sunflowers, feverfew, sweet peas, and bachelor’s buttons. These flowers are both hardy and resilient, meaning they can thrive even under less-than-ideal conditions. Even some poppy varieties will branch out to allow for multiple blooms and cuttings per plant!
Are Wildflowers Cut and Come Again?
Yes! Many wildflowers are cut and come again plants! Some flowers considered to be wildflowers we often don’t grow that way such as sunflowers but they are technically considered a wildflower. A lot of cottage style flowers are often considered wildflowers such as Queen Anne’s Lace.
Best Growing Conditions for Cut and Come Again Wildflowers
Cut and come again wildflowers, being versatile and hardy, tend to adapt to a variety of growing conditions. However, to ensure that these flowers thrive, there are certain environmental factors and growing conditions to keep in mind.
1. Soil Requirements
Wildflowers generally prefer well-draining soil that is not overly rich or nutrient-dense. While they do need some nutrients, too much fertilizer can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms. Most wildflowers do best in moderately fertile, slightly sandy or loamy soil.
A pH level of around 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for most species. If you’re uncertain about your soil’s pH, you can easily test it with a home pH kit available at garden centers. If necessary, amend the soil with organic matter to improve its structure and drainage.
2. Sunlight
Most wildflowers require full sunlight to thrive. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms. If your garden has areas with partial sunlight, you can still grow some wildflowers, but they may not bloom as prolifically as they would in full sun.
3. Watering Needs
Wildflowers are generally drought-tolerant once established, but they need consistent moisture during the germination and early growth stages. After that, you can reduce watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot or other issues, so make sure your garden has good drainage. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
4. Temperature and Climate
Most cut and come again wildflowers thrive in temperate climates. They do best in regions with warm summers and cool to mild winters. For instance, flowers like cosmos and zinnias grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-10, while others like sweet peas may prefer cooler conditions, thriving in zones 4-8.
If you live in an area with hot, dry summers, you’ll want to choose drought-tolerant species like California poppies or Russian sage. In cooler climates, sweet peas or cornflowers are good options.
When to Seed Cut and Come Again Wildflowers
Timing is key to growing cut and come again wildflowers. The ideal time to sow seeds depends on your climate and the specific species you’re planting. Check out my article about starting wildflowers in the spring – here
1. Direct Sowing Outdoors
For most wildflowers, the best time to plant is in the spring when the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. For regions with a mild winter, you may also be able to sow in the fall for an early spring bloom. If you’re planting seeds directly into the ground, wait until daytime temperatures reach at least 60°F (15°C) to ensure that the seeds germinate properly.
If you’re growing annual cut-and-come-again flowers, sowing them after the last frost date is usually the best plan. Perennial varieties can be planted in spring or fall, depending on the species. Keep an eye on the first and last frost dates in your area to avoid any unnecessary stress on your plants.
2. Starting Seeds Indoors
If you want to get a head start, you can start many wildflowers indoors 4-6 weeks before your area’s last expected frost. This is particularly beneficial for flowers with a longer growing season, like sunflowers and zinnias. After the last frost date, you can transplant them into your garden once the soil temperature is consistently warm.
3. Succession Planting
To keep your garden in bloom throughout the growing season, you can practice succession planting. This involves sowing seeds every few weeks to ensure that new flowers are constantly maturing. This method works particularly well with annual wildflowers that have a shorter blooming period. You’ll get a continuous supply of fresh flowers all summer long.
Encouraging Reseeding: Keep the Blooms Coming
Many cut and come again wildflowers are annuals, meaning they die after one growing season. However, many of them are self-sowing, meaning they’ll reseed themselves in the garden and return next year without needing to be replanted. To encourage reseeding, there are several techniques you can try.
1. Deadheading and Cutting Back
Deadheading—removing spent blooms—encourages the plant to focus energy on producing new flowers rather than seeds. However, if you want to encourage reseeding, allow some of the flowers to go to seed in late summer or fall. By doing this, the plants will naturally reseed, and you’ll have new plants come spring.
For flowers like cosmos and sunflowers, you can simply allow the seed heads to dry on the plant, and once they’re ready, scatter the seeds back into your garden bed or allow the seeds to fall naturally.
2. Mulching
After the flowers drop their seeds, cover the area with a light layer of mulch. This helps protect the seeds from being washed away during rainstorms and keeps them at the ideal soil depth for germination. Just be sure not to apply too much mulch, as it can block sunlight and prevent germination.
3. Leave a Wildflower Patch
If you’re growing cut and come again wildflowers in a meadow-style garden or a designated “wild” garden area, try not to disturb the soil too much. Leaving the area undisturbed allows the wildflower seeds to take root, ensuring they come back year after year.
Best Growing Zones for Cut and Come Again Wildflowers
The best growing zones for cut and come again wildflowers generally span USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10. However, the specific species you choose will determine the optimal zone for planting.
- Zones 3-5: For colder climates, perennial wildflowers such as black-eyed susans, cone flowers, and lupines work well. Annuals like sweet peas and cornflowers can be grown as summer flowers.
- Zones 6-8: This is the ideal zone for a wide variety of cut and come again wildflowers, including zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, and bachelor’s buttons. You’ll enjoy a long blooming season with many of these varieties.
- Zones 9-10: If you’re in a warmer zone, you can grow heat-loving wildflowers like California poppies, Mexican sunflowers, and lantanas. These flowers will bloom throughout the summer and even into fall.
When to Expect Blooms
When planting cut and come again wildflowers, expect blooms typically between late spring and early fall, depending on your growing conditions and the specific flower varieties. Annuals like cosmos and zinnias will bloom in the first summer after planting, while perennials may take a year or two to fully establish before they start flowering.
To get the most out of your flowers, be patient and diligent about caring for your plants. As long as you provide the right growing conditions and keep up with regular cutting or deadheading, you’ll enjoy vibrant flowers all season long.
🌼 Burpee Wildflower Pollinator Seed Mix
Attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with this vibrant wildflower blend! One bag covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. and includes 18 beautiful, non-GMO flower varieties perfect for a pollinator paradise.
Why I love this: I always use this mix along with specific seeds I choose out because I know it contains flowers that pollinators will love! It makes it easier to get some variety into the seeds I select by adding a nice mix already chosen for me. I’ve had great success throwing these seeds out in the spring and then watering.
My Final Thoughts
Cut and come again wildflowers are a gardener’s dream—beautiful, easy to grow, and capable of providing flowers throughout the growing season. By following a few simple tips on planting, care, and encouraging reseeding, you can enjoy a bounty of wildflowers year after year. Whether you’re growing them for your garden, cutting them for bouquets, or just marveling at their beauty in the wild, these flowers are sure to bring joy to your garden. My best advice is to plant a mix, things like Lupine take time to establish and bloom while Bachelor Buttons will give you gorgeous flowers in their first year. 
