Description
Simcoe County Native Seed Mixture 8150
A Resilient, Drought-Tolerant Blend for Naturalized Landscapes.
The Simcoe County Native Seed Mixture is a specialty blend curated for cottage and rural homeowners who desire the effortless beauty of Ontario’s native wildflowers and grasses. This mixture is specifically designed to perform in less-than-ideal soil conditions, offering exceptional drought tolerance once established. Whether you are naturalizing a large backyard or restoring a rural meadow, this blend provides a diverse habitat for local wildlife while delivering a changing tapestry of seasonal colour and texture.
Quick Seed Details
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Product Code: 8150
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Type: Specialty Native Mixture (Perennial Grasses & Forbs)
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Coverage: Sow at 500 g per 180 m² (Large scale: 25 kg/ha)
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Height: Varies by species for a tiered, meadow effect.
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Light Requirement: Full Sun
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Blend Composition: Canada Wild Rye, Indiangrass, Sand Dropseed, Little Bluestem, Black-Eyed Susan, Common Milkweed, Canada Goldenrod, New England Aster, Smooth Blue Aster, Wild Bergamot.
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Establishing a native planting is a long-term investment that typically takes three to four years to reach full maturity.
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Best Sowing Time: Late fall (Oct. 15 – Nov. 15) is highly recommended. The winter freeze naturally stratifies the seeds, ensuring they “wake up” for spring. April sowing is possible but may result in some seeds remaining dormant until the following year.
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Site Preparation: Remove existing weeds and grass first. Loosen the soil to a 2.5 cm depth. Native species establish much better in loose, well-drained beds than in compacted topsoil.
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Sowing: Broadcast seed evenly. Mixing smaller seeds with dry sand can help ensure even distribution.
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Maintenance: During the first two seasons, mow the site to a height of 20 cm to keep aggressive weeds in check while the native plants focus on root development.
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Nurse Crop: OSC recommends mixing in a nurse crop (like annual rye or oats) at a rate of 22–25 kg/ha. This protects the soil from erosion and provides shelter for your native blend before dying out over the winter.
Why this Native Mixture belongs on Your Property
The Simcoe County blend is a “workhorse” for challenging sites. By including specialized species like Sand Dropseed and Little Bluestem alongside pollinator favourites like Common Milkweed and Wild Bergamot, you are creating a resilient ecosystem that thrives where traditional gardens might struggle. It is the perfect choice for the weekend gardener looking to trade mowing and fertilizing for a thriving, self-sustaining meadow.
Another specialty cottage/rural home-owner mixture for those gardeners who want the beauty of native wildflowers and grasses. Drought tolerant and performs well in less that ideal soil conditions.
