When can I lay down mulch?

I am new to gardening and I just planted some flowers from seeds in my flower bed. I would like to add mulch to the area but have no idea when that should be done. Should I wait until the flowers start to come up or can it be laid down loosely now and can the flowers grow up through it? Please help!

When can I lay down mulch?
Don't mulch until the plants are well established. The purpose of mulch is to smother weeds, but it will also smother young plants that you want. Mulch also retains soil moisture and keeps the soil cooler. You want your flowers to germinate and get established in warm soil before you mulch.
Reply:I would wait until the seeds have sprouted and they are a few inches tall (maybe about 3 inches). The seeds need warmth from sunlight and to be planted at a certain depth so if they are covered up with mulch the sun won't be able to get thru and they may be too deep. So I would wait a little while and then mulch. Hope that helps!
Reply:I agree with what the others say but would add that, as part of the intent is to retain moisture, doing it when the soil is moist is a good idea, especially if the mulch is dry when you put it on (like cocoa shells are).