In the News
The story behind the fields
Since 1983, Wildseed Farms has grown from one farmer's idea into the nation's largest working wildflower farm. Along the way, writers, photographers and television crews have come out to walk the rows with our founder, John R. Thomas, and see how a field of bluebonnets becomes the seed that colors roadsides and backyards across the country.
Here are a few of the places our story has been told.
Wildflower advice from John
Our founder has spent more than fifty years growing wildflowers for seed. Here he shares what he has learned, straight from the farm.
Planting Wildflowers This Fall
John explains why fall is the time to plant wildflowers in the South, how to prepare your spot, and his three-year approach to finding which flowers love your land.
Grass and Wildflowers
John explains the difference between warm-season and cool-season grasses, why they compete with wildflowers, and how to keep them from crowding out your blooms.
Summer Heat and Next Spring's Wildflowers
Why a hot, dry August doesn't hurt the seed waiting in the soil, and why John says to hold your planting until October.
Wildseed on screen
Television features filmed here on the farm. Pull up a chair and see the fields the way the camera crews did.
Hill Country, Texas
Samantha Brown walks the wildflower fields with John in this Season 1 episode, checking "frolic through the bluebonnets" off her bucket list.
Watch the episodeHidden Gems of Texas Hill Country
Wildseed Farms was one of five featured stops in this 2025 travel special exploring the best of the Hill Country.
About the specialSeason 20, Episode 7
Host Shane McAuliffe paid the farm a visit in this 2023 episode celebrating places every Texan should see.
Episode detailsWildseed Farms Wildflowers
Bob Phillips and the Texas Country Reporter crew came back out to the farm to rediscover the world of wildflowers. 2006.
Episode pageStories about the farm
Profiles and features on John, the farm, and the machinery he built to plant and harvest wildflower seed when none existed.
Wildflower Man
A profile of John and his passion for the bluebonnets that put Wildseed on the map. April 2016.
Read the storySowing Seeds
Fall at the farm, and a look at John's J-Thom 42 Wildseeder and Vacuum Seed Retriever.
Read the storyHow to Grow Texas Wildflowers
Planting advice for home gardeners, with insight from John.
Read the storyGo Wild
How a South Texas farmer turned roadside bluebonnets into a crop.
Read the storyPainting by Numbers
A look at John's big ideas and the color they brought to Texas hills and highways.
Read the storyBorn to Be Wild
Beauty blooms at Wildseed Farms: the fields, the seed, and the vineyard.
Read the storyBusiness Is Blooming
John walks through a top-ten bluebonnet season on the farm. 2017.
Read the storyVisiting Texas' Massive Wildflower Seed Farm
A visitor's look at the fields, the trails and the seed operation.
Read the storyFodor's Choice
Named a Fodor's Choice sight in the Texas Hill Country.
See the listingOver the years
John's story and the farm have also appeared in print in:
Media inquiries
Writers, producers and photographers are always welcome on the farm. Call us at 830-990-8080 to plan a visit.
