The Native Seed Farm in bloom Throughout the year, Irvine Ranch Conservancy works diligently to produce native seed that supports habitat restoration efforts across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Since 2009, Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm has played a key role in these efforts by providing a reliable source of local native seed, while also creating unique opportunities for the community to connect with the land.
The seed production cycle starts with hand collection of a small batch of native seeds from the wildlands. Those seeds are the source material for the large plots of native plant species that are maintained on the farm. Seed production is a year-round effort. Since native plants are adapted to our Southern California climate, they grow in the cool, moist winters and bloom in the warm spring and summer sunshine. To align with this natural timing, annual wildflower seeds are sown on the farm in November and germinate with the winter rains. Perennial species are grown in the nursery over the summer, and seedlings are planted into farm plots in December and January.
The seed production cycle starts with hand collection of a small batch of native seeds from the wildlands. Those seeds are the source material for the large plots of native plant species that are maintained on the farm. Seed production is a year-round effort. Since native plants are adapted to our Southern California climate, they grow in the cool, moist winters and bloom in the warm spring and summer sunshine. To align with this natural timing, annual wildflower seeds are sown on the farm in November and germinate with the winter rains. Perennial species are grown in the nursery over the summer, and seedlings are planted into farm plots in December and January.
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