Wildseed Farms: Fields of Wildflowers in Fredericksburg, Texas

My grandpa loved gardening. I learned much from him. To this day I enjoy puttering around in our garden, growing plants for beauty and food.

Wildseed Farms, which is just seven miles east of the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg, offers much more than just wildflower seeds for sale. Be sure to take your camera if visiting there in spring or summer, as one is guaranteed to see vast fields of flowers in bloom. You don't want to miss the chance to come away with some brilliantly colorful photos of these wildflowers.

My husband and I happened to be in that area of Texas in April one year, and we decided to see what the largest wildflower farm in the country looked like. If one can envision hundreds of acres (200 to be exact) of different patches of vividly colored wildflowers swaying in the country breezes, then one has an idea of the appearance of this farming locale.

Walking trails lead into the center of some of these wildflower fields, all of which are carefully cultivated in order to harvest their seeds.

Wildseed Farms

The name of this establishment is most suitable because farming is the basis of what they do and wildflower seeds are the crux of their business. Much like most businesses Wildseed Farms has diversified their offerings so as to entice more people to visit and from what we saw they have succeeded.

April is a beautiful time in Texas because of the Texas bluebonnets (our State's official flower) blooming along the highways in fields and pastures. Despite the cost of gasoline people head out to see the annual blaze of wildflowers which include the bluebonnets and other wildflowers.

Parents take photos of their children sitting amidst the fields of flowers for use in adorning greeting cards later in the year or to simply put into family photo albums to be enjoyed for years to come.

Many of the seeds cultivated at Wildseed Farms undoubtedly end up being distributed along our Texas highways and elsewhere.

Wildflower Plants

My husband and I decided to join the other visitors in strolling through the paths with wildflowers blooming almost everywhere we cast our eyes. The different wildflowers had signs marking the names which made it interesting as well as helpful in case one was unfamiliar with the different plants and had a desire to grow them.

Seeing a picture on a packet of seed is not quite as nice as seeing a vast field of that wildflower in bloom!

Naturally I was busily engaged with some picture taking and the photos in this post are from that April visit. Were we to return during the summer months different wildflowers would be in bloom.

After walking amidst the area where the flowers are grown, one can then purchase that specific garden seed for one's home garden.

Native wildflower seeds as well as more domesticated kinds can be found and wildflower mixes can also be purchased if one wants a mixture of colors and shapes as is found often naturally occurring in nature.

Drummond Phlox

This is a fragrant annual plant native to Texas that generally blooms in the spring to summer months. It is grown in the southeastern part of the United States from Texas to Florida and also other states in which it has adapted.

A Scottish man by the name of Thomas Drummond (1793 - 1835) took plant seeds he collected in Texas and they made their way back to England where the pretty phlox flowers have been used successfully in European gardens ever since. They like well drained soil and sunny conditions.

There are a variety of colors. Growth habits vary in height between eight inches to about two feet. They make pretty bouquets or are nice additions to other cut flower arrangements.

Seed Packets and More

Truthfully we did not know what to expect other than knowing that we would see wildflowers at Wildseed Farms and that we saw in abundance!

This business establishment also offers so much more.

Some of the items one can purchase among other things include the following:

• Pots and jardinieres
• Plants of all types
• Specially prepared foods like local jams and jellies
• Specialty items like statuary for one's garden
• All types of gift items in addition to an enormous selection of seed packets for sale.

If one needs to study up on the art of gardening before delving in to the process of planting and maintenance...no problem! Gardening books are also available for sale to help in that effort.

Browsing through the gift shop one is likely to see a multitude of items that are not only useful but could make that perfect and pretty gift for other gardeners which one happens to know.

Moss Verbena

If you are looking for a hearty perennial flower that grows in just about all of the southern regions of the United States originally coming from South America then this is the plant for you! It grows as an annual plant further north.

It has a sprawling habit and can be a perfect ground cover plant. Moss verbena grows to around a foot or foot and a half in height. It typically has blue to purple to violet coloration and likes growing in full sun.

Another plus is that it is drought resistant. It blooms from late spring to early fall and birds, bees and butterflies love this prolific blooming plant but deer will generally leave it alone.

Wildflower Farms

While there are other wildflower farms located in other parts of the United States it was a pleasure getting to take a look at the largest one in the great State of Texas.

As they say, "Everything is bigger and better in Texas!"

Looking at the video below you now know more of what is located at Wildseed Farms including a butterfly exhibit, the Brewbonnet Biergarten (note the German influence in the name) and other things in which makes visiting here a pleasure.

If you are visiting Fredericksburg, Texas be sure to allow a bit of extra time to drive out into the countryside and tour the beautiful fields of flowers and don't forget the picture taking opportunities! Open seven days a week, a journey to those wildflower fields with all their fluttering butterflies is sure to be a sensory delight.

Almost every person, from childhood, has been touched by the untamed beauty of wildflowers.

— Lady Bird Johnson

Location of Wildseed Farms

Source:

• Wildseed Farms

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is there a charge for touring the Wildseed Farms?

Answer: There is no charge for touring the Wildseed Farms.

Question: Can you take dogs to Wildseed Farms in Texas?

Answer: I am not sure whether they allow dogs there, but here is a number you can call to check on that or any other question you might have regarding visiting Wildseed Farms. (800) 848-0078

© 2011 Peggy Woods

Comments are welcomed.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on December 02, 2019:

Hi Patricia,

I'm so happy for you that you and your sister got to share the experience of visiting Fredricksburg together. It is a charming town.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on December 01, 2019:

O yes. My sister and I visited Fredricksburg about five years ago. The beauty of the flowers was not present then but I was enchanted with the small town and enjoyed strolling and popping into the shops with her. thank you for sharing. Angels are headed your way once again this evening ps

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on August 24, 2016:

Hi Rebecca,

I also love wildflowers and it was a special treat to get to see fields of them being grown for seed. Thanks for leaving a comment. :)

Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on August 24, 2016:

I love wildflowers, so I would be in heaven here, Peggy. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 30, 2014:

Hi Au fait,

The wildflowers do need to go to seed and fall to the ground for the next years crop to develop. Too bad if they are mowing them early up in your part of Texas. We have seen some of the bluebonnets in town but have yet to take a drive into the country which we need to do soon if we are going to enjoy them this year. Hope we all get more rain in Texas this year! Thanks for the pin!

C E Clark from North Texas on April 29, 2014:

The wildflowers here have only just begun to blossom about a week ago. They're very late this year because of the unusual and extremely cold winter (compared to normal) we've had.

I see people mowing our wildflowers while they're still in blossom and I find that offensive. I thought it was illegal to destroy certain wildflowers like the Texas bluebonnet, Indian paintbrush, primrose, etc. I'd much rather see them than the vast expanses of clipped weeds and grasses.

We're also in a serious drought. It's hardly rained at all this year so far and on the few occasions it has it was more of a drizzle or a mist. We've had perhaps one good Texas-style rain this calendar year, and even that was short.

This looks like a great place to visit and I hope people will plant some of these flowers instead of destroying them in order to grow a new mini-castle instead.

Pinning this to Awesome Hubpages. Great information and gorgeous photos as always!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on August 27, 2013:

Hi Dolores,

Yes, getting to see Wildseed Farms in person is amazing! Glad you at least have some idea of what it is like from the photos. Appreciate your comment.

Dolores Monet from East Coast, United States on August 27, 2013:

Hi Peggy - well this one is a bit out of my way, but I sure enjoyed the armchair tour. What a beautiful place! And your pix are fantastic. And though pix are one thing, it must be amazing to see in person.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on May 01, 2013:

Hi Indian Chef,

I'll admit...seeing those vast fields of wildflowers in bloom is a visual feast for the eyes. Happy to know that you enjoyed the photos and learned a bit about this wild seed farm. Thanks for the vote and tweet.

Indian Chef from New Delhi India on May 01, 2013:

This is absolutely beautiful farm. Peggy you bring so beautiful pictures here that I feel like going there right now. Voting it up and sharing on Twitter.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on March 27, 2013:

Hi again Annette,

My husband and I were fascinated with the Nimitz museum and am sure you will be also. It is a site well worth visiting! Enjoy your upcoming trip to Fredericksburg and Happy Easter to you also. :)

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on March 27, 2013:

Hello wabash annie,

We were actually pleasantly surprised when we happened upon Wildseed Farms the first time. Nice to be able to introduce it to others like yourself. Thanks for your comment.

Annette R. Smith from Ocala, Florida on March 27, 2013:

Thanks, Peggy. The Admiral Nimitz Museum is also on our list of places to visit, and we want to soak up the German culture, too. I've been to Wurstfest in New Braunfels but none of the cultural events in Fredericksburg. I think we'll visit in a couple of weeks. Enjoy the wildflowers, and have a lovely Easter!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on March 27, 2013:

Hi Annette,

That would be a nice trip from San Antonio to Fredericksburg this time of year. You should see many wildflowers along the roadways including those planted at Wildseed Farms.

Have you ever visited the Nimitz museum in Fredericksburg? I have written a hub about it. It is a fantastic place for history buffs who wish to learn more about the war in the Pacific during WWII. Plan a minimum of a half day to see it...and that would be pushing it. Nice thing is that you can go in and out and return the same day if you wish to take a break as we did.

Enjoy that new car of yours! Thanks for your comment.

wabash annie from Colorado Front Range on March 27, 2013:

Really enjoyed this trip through Wildseed Farms. Thanks for letting us know a place like this exists!

Annette R. Smith from Ocala, Florida on March 27, 2013:

What a beautiful hub, Peggy. My husband and I were just talking about a road trip to Fredericksburg (we want to take our new car for a spin). I must remember Wildseed Farms when we get there.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on March 26, 2013:

Hi moonlake,

I grew some red poppies when we lived in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin but have not tried growing them in Texas. Obviously they grow here given the fields we saw at Wildseed Farms. I well remember the beautiful wild orange poppies in California that we saw while on vacation out there. Thanks for the vote up + share.

moonlake from America on March 26, 2013:

Beautiful hub. I loved the videos. I wish I could grown poppies I keep trying and they keep dying. We use to have a field full of orange poppies when we lived in Calif. Voted up and Shared.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 06, 2013:

Hi Joan,

Anyone who loves flowers as you do would love visiting the Wildseed Farms were you ever to visit this part of Texas. So glad that you liked learning about it. Appreciate your votes and the sharing of this hub.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 06, 2013:

Hello Mike Robbers,

Yes...Wildseed Farms offers a color palette full of glorious colors in the fields surrounding the main buildings. So happy that you liked the photos. Thanks for the vote up and the share.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 05, 2013:

Hi DDE,

The landscape is truly colorful and beautiful when seeing places like the Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas. So glad that you liked it. :))

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 05, 2013:

Hi Au fait,

So glad that you liked this hub enough to vote up and share. It is an amazing site to be able to see fields of colorful wildflowers being grown for seed. Perhaps someday you will travel over to the Fredericksburg area and visit the Wildseed Farms.

Joan Veronica Robertson from Concepcion, Chile on February 05, 2013:

Hi there, many thanks for this beautiful Hub! You know how I enjoy flowers, I do so love the colors and shapes! This was a fantastic read, voted up, awesome, beautiful and interesting! Have a good day and thanks again! Sharing.

Mike Robbers from London on February 05, 2013:

Wow! All of these colors! Great hub - voted up and shared.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on February 05, 2013:

So beautiful photos, I really like to see such colourful landscapes

C E Clark from North Texas on February 05, 2013:

Gorgeous photos and videos! I didn't realize before that there were farms for wildflowers. I guess I should have because I have often purchased the Texas bluebonnet seed packs.

Voted up, UBA, and will share!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on October 01, 2012:

Hi RTalloni,

At some point in the year they obviously let the wildflowers go to seed so that they can harvest them. While interesting, it might not be the prettiest time to visit. If you are seriously thinking of making a visit, you might want to give them a call and get a "bloom report" if not going in the Spring and Summer months. The rest of the things at Wildseed Farms is interesting. Please come back and give us a report if you visit in October. Thanks!

RTalloni on October 01, 2012:

It would be difficult to decide which feature of the Wildseed Farms facility I would like the best! What a delightful lovely visit on this rainy, grey day with temps dipping to herald the seasonal change. I'm going to look more closely at your map!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on October 01, 2012:

Hi Eddy,

It is amazing to look across vast fields of wildflowers in bloom in all of the different colors. So glad that you liked this. Appreciate your nice comment.

Eiddwen from Wales on October 01, 2012:

Another true gem from you Peggy;you have set yourself a very high standard here;and not once have you disappointed.

Great work and enjoy your day.

Eddy.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on December 03, 2011:

Hi natures47friend,

There is much beauty in the USA and Wildseed Farms is but one small example. Glad to hear that you liked these pictures. Thanks for your comment.

natures47friend from Sunny Art Deco Napier, New Zealand. on December 03, 2011:

Oh, how beautiful. To imagine being in a sea of colourful blooms like that would be amazing. USA is sounding like a great country after the hubs I have read today!Lovely photos!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on May 26, 2011:

Hello Miss Paula,

It was fun visiting Wildseed Farms and seeing those swatches of color in those fields of wildflowers. Hope you get to see it for yourself someday. Thanks for the comment.

Miss Paula on May 26, 2011:

These are beautiful pictures, This looks like a nice place to visit someday

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 19, 2011:

Hi Micky,

Hope that these bright and beautiful fields of flowers brightened your day! Thanks for the visit and comment.

Micky Dee on April 19, 2011:

Incredible report and pictures dear Peggy. You're a great vacation for me and I never leave the house.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 17, 2011:

Hi agusfanani,

I believe the entire purpose at Wildseed Farms is to grow the wildflowers...let them go to seed and then harvest the seeds. They can then package them as single sources of flowers or mix them up purposely and sell them that way. As you can see they have also grown to include a gift shop, restaurant, etc. Yes, they cultivate them in a big scale. Thanks for your comment.

agusfanani from Indonesia on April 17, 2011:

I love village scenes and this one is very beautiful. Do they make any products from those flowers ? It seems that they cultivate them in big scale.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 17, 2011:

Hi marcoujor,

Driving across Texas from tip to tip in almost any direction is like driving across two or more other states combined! According to the news the other night on television they are thinking of raising the speed limits again. When one is driving out in the wild open spaces of West Texas (for instance) this makes great sense. One can go an hour or more without even seeing another car!

You will be way up in the Panhandle of Texas. With maps and guides you will be able to figure out distances and approximate timing (without road repairs, of course) and hopefully get to see more of the State when you come this direction.

Happy Easter to you also!

Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on April 17, 2011:

Thanks for taking the time to look up the town, Peggy... I know in PA cities can be as far as 8-hours away by car so I can imagine Texas is even further in parts... but we may be able to build more time into our trip... take care & have a wonderful Easter.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 16, 2011:

Hi Hello, hello,

All crops when doing well are probably beautiful to farmers...but as you say, the Wildseed Farms folks get an extra splash of beauty when gazing on their colorful fields of flowers. Thanks for your visit and comment.

Hello, hello, from London, UK on April 16, 2011:

Thank you, Peggy, for bringing such a delightful hub. The owners have a wonderful way of life and working.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 15, 2011:

Hi Cheryl,

Hope that you get to visit Fredericksburg, Texas and Wildseed Farms in the near future. Appreciate your comment.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 15, 2011:

Hi Prasetio,

These fields of flowers at Wildseed Farms if visited at the right time of year are amazing. Glad that I could give you a sense of what you would find were you to visit in person. Appreciate your votes and comment. God Bless you too!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 15, 2011:

Hi again marcoujor,

I had no idea either so looked up Fritch and it is way up in the panhandle of Texas. As you will learn distances in Texas can be vast. Hope that you get to eventually visit more of Texas in the future.

Cheryl J. from Houston, TX on April 15, 2011:

Hi Peggy,

I love the beauty of the wildflowers. Thanks for introducing the Wildseed Farm to me. A beautiful paradise kind of place. I would love to visit Frederickburg Texas soon. Great photos and videos.

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on April 15, 2011:

Wow.... this was fascinating hub. Well done, Peggy. You always teaching us new and interesting place to visit. I can't wait to see this place in person. I love all stunning pictures here. Awesome video. I give my thumbs up for you, I make it double with my VOTE UP. God bless you!

Blessing and hugs,

Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on April 14, 2011:

Hi Peggy~~ The town is Fritch... we have not had a chance to check out where it is in the grand scheme of Texas yet...just having found out recently.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hello Charlu,

The pictures that I took of Wildseed Farms give you just an idea of what you would experience in person. Thanks for the votes and comment.

Charlu from Florida on April 14, 2011:

Absolutely incredible. Voted up and awesome. Just breathtaking.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hi Simone,

If you ever visit Texas, plan to stay a while. There is so much to see and enjoy here...Wildseed Farms being just one tiny thing (even though it is the country's largest wildseed farm.) Thanks for your comment.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hi Frankie,

When we visited the wineries on the Bluebonnet trail last year, we were given packets of bluebonnet and other wildflower seeds which we scattered at the right time of year in our greenbelt area. Very few wildflowers came up this year due to the drought conditions. Maybe next year! Thanks for your comment. I like poppies also.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hello A.A. Zavala,

Yes, it makes sense that there have to be seed farms like this one at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg...or we wouldn't be able to as readily purchase wildflower seeds. Thanks!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hello D.A.L.,

So happy to hear that you enjoyed this. You take such great pictures of wildflowers and other things in nature from your part of the world. Thanks for the visit and comment from across "the Pond."

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hi Om,

Great quote. The purple fields of flowers are hard to ignore! Thanks for the votes and comment.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hello marcoujor,

I hope that you get to see this in person when you are visiting your nephew and his new wife next year. In what part of Texas are they settling? Near Fredericksburg? Thanks for the votes and comment. :-)

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hello dahoglund,

So glad to hear that you liked these pictures taken at Wildseed Farms. Very colorful spot to take pictures. Thanks for the votes and comment.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hi E.A. Wright,

Wildseed Farms really would make a pretty backyard! Thanks for the comment.

Simone Haruko Smith from San Francisco on April 14, 2011:

Ooooooooh!! I want to go to Wildseed Farms!! How pretty!!

Frankie Comeaux on April 14, 2011:

Just as pretty as blue bonnets. I've thrown out wild seed paks on the edge of the lawn near the road hoping to enjoy a spring surprise but was never that lucky. I love the Poppies. Probably should have bought my seeds from a better source.

Augustine A Zavala from Texas on April 14, 2011:

I'm familiar with the see farm, but never visited. Beautiful!

Dave from Lancashire north west England on April 14, 2011:

PeggyW once again you have produced another gem. Wild flowers are so important to all of us and the eco-system of our planet. Your photographs as usual take me into your world, a place I enjoy sharing with you.

Om Paramapoonya on April 14, 2011:

Very interesting info and gorgeous pics (as usual). That photo of moss verbena field reminded me of a famous quote from The Color Purple: "I think it pisses God off when you walk by the color purple in a field and don't notice it." lol Rated up, useful and beautiful :)

Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on April 14, 2011:

Oh my lands, these pictures look like a child who has gone crazy with a crayon box... just gorgeous...

I am thrilled that our nephew will be marrying his sweetie/ moving to Texas in May of 2012 so I will be saving this and hope to be able to check it out live at some point...

Thank you~~ Voted UP, BEAUTIFUL & AWESOME...!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hello GNelson,

I guess it makes sense that places like Wildseed Farms and others exist, or where would we get all of those flower seeds? Our bluebonnet season as well as many other wildflowers along the highways and fields in Texas was very sparse this year (poor showing) due to the lack of needed rain. Maybe next year! Thanks for the comment.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hi Pamela,

If you ever come to this part of Texas be sure to visit in the Spring of the year or at the latest in the summer to see the best displays of color at Wildseed Farms. Thanks for your visit and comment.

Don A. Hoglund from Wisconsin Rapids on April 14, 2011:

rated up and beautiful. I especially like your picture of the barn with the two wheel cart in front of it.The field with the fence also attracts my attention.voted up and beautiful.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hi Darlene,

Thanks for the compliments on my picture taking at Wildseed Farms. Nice that you and Jerry have also been there to see it. Appreciate your comments!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 14, 2011:

Hi Eiddwen,

So very happy that looking at these pictures of the fields of flowers at Wildseed Farms brought you such pleasure. Thanks for your comment.

E. A. Wright from New York City on April 14, 2011:

What a wonderful backyard that would be.

GNelson from Florida on April 14, 2011:

Wow, it makes me feel good just to know that a place like this exists.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on April 14, 2011:

Peggy, I would love to visit there as those pictures are breath taking! Rated beautiful!

Darlene on April 14, 2011:

Jerry & I visited and it truly is beautiful. Your photos really capture the beauty.

Eiddwen from Wales on April 14, 2011:

Wow Peggy, I loved this one and thank you so much for sharing.

Definitly another to bookmark for armchair travelling.

The colours and everything are beautiful, rate up and up all the way.

It's certainly brightened my day .

Take care

Eiddwen.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 13, 2011:

Hello Bob Ewing,

Wildseed Farms just outside of Fredericksburg, Texas is indeed a great place to visit in the spring and summer months when the fields of flowers are in full color. Thanks for the first comment!

Bob Ewing from New Brunswick on April 13, 2011:

Now this is a place I'd love to visit, thanks.