Choosing a Wildflower Seed Mix for Bees

The "Search Amazon" links on this page are Amazon affiliate links; we show no prices or ratings. Facts checked Oct 26, 2026 against the sources linked on the page. Rules and products change, so check the current version.

A packet that says "bee mix" tells you little. The species list tells you a lot. This page follows guidance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Plant Materials Center in Aberdeen, Idaho, and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The NRCS guide was written for Idaho and Utah, so use its method and check your own region's recommendations from your state extension or NRCS office.

What to look at on the packet

1. Ask for the list. NRCS says to ask for the percent of each species in the mix and the seeds per pound. If the listing doesn't show a species list, look elsewhere.
2. Native or not? NRCS says to check the species list, because pre-made mixes may be mostly non-native, and to use the USDA PLANTS database (plants.usda.gov) to look up species. When in doubt, it suggests vendors who use local-ecotype seed. BWSR says to use only mixes that have regionally adapted and appropriate species.
3. Bloom through the year. NRCS and BWSR both suggest at least three species per bloom period. See bee-friendly plants by season.
4. Mix of life spans. NRCS suggests balancing annuals, short-lived perennials and long-lived perennials at roughly 20–40% each.
5. Watch for bullies. NRCS says to watch for species that can dominate a mix, naming yarrow and non-native clovers.
6. Grasses. NRCS says bunchgrasses should be 15% or less of a pollinator mix.
7. Ask about pesticides. Xerces suggests seeking USDA certified organic plants and seeds, and asking the seller what steps it takes.

How much seed?

NRCS gives a seeding rate of about 75–100 seeds per square foot (about 10 pounds per acre) for its region. To turn that into a packet: multiply the area by 75 to 100. Our arithmetic: a 400-square-foot bed would call for roughly 30,000 to 40,000 seeds. The packet should say how many seeds it holds; if it only gives weight, ask for the seeds per pound (as NRCS suggests). Sowing dates and site preparation depend on your region, so ask your local extension office.

A seed seller to browse

Outsidepride is one seller whose site has a "Bee Plant Seed" category and wildflower seed filters by region and by use. This is a plain mention, not a link, and we haven't tested the seed. Open any seller's listing and apply the checklist above.

Source: USDA NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, pollinator seed mix guidance (Idaho and Utah); Minnesota BWSR, Pollinator toolbox; Xerces Society, Bee-safe nursery plants; Xerces Society, pollinator-friendly plant lists. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Source (maker or seller page, not linked): Outsidepride homepage categories (outsidepride.com). Checked Oct 26, 2026. These are the seller's own statements, not our testing.