I have wild flowers that are going to seed. I am collecting the seeds to resow in other areas.
My question is: If the seeds that are dropping off the plants now are seedlings for next year, then is now the time to plant? In other words, If I collect seeds from a plant that has ripened seeds that are falling or blowing off the plant, aren't those seeds being planted right now?
Should I sow the gathered seeds in the new location right now and let nature take it's course or should I save the seeds for late fall or early spring planting?

If these flowers have seeds that fall off, then yes, chances are many of them will take root, or, in other words, the flowers will propagate.

KFredenburg
I have Gaillardia and Black Eyed Susans that have naturalized. Both are going to seed right now. i collected them and I thought I would scatter them in another area. I am going to scatter the seeds as I gather.
Then I am going to buy more seed. That is what I am curious about planting. Should I just scatter them now or wait until later in the fall or spring?
Thank you for your response. Appreciate it!

I think you should wait until next spring to scatter them. They won't survive as the weather gets colder, and when winter comes, they'll die. The Black-eyed Susans bloom in late summer, and in early fall, so if you scatter them early next spring, they should be blooming by that time.

KFredenburg
Thank you. I appreciate your prompt and courteous replies. I ordered seeds. Spring planting is probably the safest and surest method as these "wild flowers" are planted widely in gardens. I will treat them as "domestic."

Good luck! I hope you get lots of wildflower blooms next year!

Southeastern Az? If you were in Benson I would expect cold weather, but instead of holding all seeds, try splitting them, half sown now so that they can take advantage of any moisture you get in the coming winter, half saved for Spring, but make sure they aren't sown near any wildlife to take advantage of you.

Thanks for the Reply!
I bought a large quantity of seeds, all perennial, so I may experiment, sowing at different times. I am new to the area and I am not certain what the cold is. I am assured the pipes do not freeze.
I can sow a portion of the Perennials that are already growing here and scattering their seeds now.
I do have some seeds that need scarification so I will sow a few of those after the first frost to see if nature will do the work.
I will sow now, sow after the first frost and then again in the spring. it should be interesting to see what works.
I am holding off on the Red Bird of Paradise because I know it is tender. I don't think it has enough time to establish this year so I will start that in pots in the early spring and transplant after the last frost next year.