Can I plant flower seeds in the fall in Central Illinois?

Question

I have a large "wildflower" bed at my home that was there when I moved in. The first couple years I added a few lillies, etc but didn't do any weeding and it quickly became overgrown with weeds. Last summer I weeded about 2/3 of it removing tons and tons of weeds and this year it looks much better. My thought is, in order to keep the flowers thick and keep the weeds down, to overseed it each year with new flower seeds while hopefully not disturbing the perrenials roots. I tried this year but think I started too late and the seeds never had a chance due to the perrenials and weeds coming up too soon. I know in some warmer climates, they seed certain flowers in the fall for next spring. Does anyone know, will this work in Illinois? I would think it would at least work for wildflower and other self seeding varieties since they would be naturally dropping their seeds in the fall....Any tips or advice?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It really depends on what type of seed you have.  True wildflowers have built-in mechanisms to survive the winter and then sprout in spring (growth inhibators).  Cultivated wildflower seed has sometime lost that ability.  If the varieties that you would be planting are all perennials, it would be okay if you planted them now and allowed them to get some growth before winter.  However, if you are planting biennials or annual types, then it would be best to wait until spring.