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  4. Can you just throw wildflower seeds?

Can you just throw wildflower seeds?

Can you just throw wildflower seeds? featured image

Wildflowers are notoriously hardy plants, favouring poor soil conditions and can be planted at virtually any time of year. With this in mind, it’s common misconception to think that no preparation is needed and that you can simply scatter or throw wildflower seeds on the ground and they will grow. Unfortunately, sowing wildflower seeds isn’t that easy but don’t worry, it’s also not tricky to grow wildflowers either!

Why can’t I just throw wildflower seeds on my lawn?

Simply put, a little preparation is needed. Wildflower seeds won’t be able to germinate if they are just thrown on top of a pre-existing lawn and even if you scatter them on soil, it needs to be properly prepared and the seeds need to be gently raked in so that they are snug and secure if you want the best results!

How do I grow wildflowers?

The main task to do in order for your wildflowers to thrive is clear away any pre-existing grass, weeds and flora from the area that you plan to sow on. This removes any competition for the wildflowers and allows them to properly thrive!

  • Trim the top 5-10cm of soil to reduce its fertility (since wildflowers prefer poorer soil conditions).
  • Allow the area to cultivate for a few weeks to allow any dormant weeds to crop up which you can then remove by hand
  • Sprinkle the seeds at a rate of 5g per m² and gently rake into the soil
  • Thoroughly water in the newly sown seeds (doing so regularly) and wait for the bloom!

Read more on sowing wildflowers with our guide: How to sow wildflower seeds in your garden

Can I plant just any wildflower seeds?

Whilst wildflowers like to grow in poor soil conditions, some seed types are better suited to certain conditions.

 This means the wildflower mix you choose will affect how well your meadow blooms. Be aware that seed mixes without grasses provide a full floral display, and seed mixes that do contain grass offer the best year-round habitat for a wider range of wildlife.

Take a look at the breakdown of our wildflower seed mixes below - we have listed a range of our seed mixes and the variety of conditions that they are suited to:

Wildflower Mixes for Normal Soil Types in Non-Shaded Areas:

  • Annuals Mix (does not include grass) - contains the nation’s favourite cornfield annuals for a beautiful pop of colour.
  • Meadow Magic (does not include grass) - contains a blend of UK native annuals and perennials for a flora-full meadow.
  • Flowering Meadow (includes grass) - contains a beautiful mixture of UK native annuals and long-lasting perennials - RHS Plants for Pollinators approved.
  • Bees and Pollinators (includes grass) - contains a mixture of RHS Plants for Pollinators approved UK native annuals and perennials expertly picked for their bee and pollinator-attracting abilities.

Seed Mixes Suited to Shaded Areas: 

  • Shaded Area Wildflowers (includes grass) - contains UK native annual and perennial wildflowers that are shade tolerant and can be typically found growing naturally in forested areas. It also helps to provide a canopy habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Wildflower Mixes for Problematic Soils:

  • Heavy Clay Soil Wildflower (includes grass) - contains UK native annual and perennial wildflowers that thrive in clay soils to provide a year-on-year range of species variety and colour. It also contains complementing arable grasses.
  • Sandy Soil Wildflower (includes grass) - contains UK native annual and perennial wildflowers that thrive in sandy soils and contains complementing arable grasses. RHS Plants for Pollinators approved it as a great food source for bees and other pollinators.

What time of year can I plant wildflower seeds?

You can plant wildflower seeds at almost any time of the year. However, as hardy as they are, we recommend to avoid sowing the seeds in winter. If you plant them at any other time of the year, they will begin to bloom in around 60-80 days. So, if you sow the seed in autumn, you will have a blooming wildflower meadow come spring. And if you sow in early spring, you will see colourful blooms by the end of summer.

 

Read more on wildflower seed sowing times with our blog: When to sow wildflower seeds

Embrace the beauty of wildflowers in your garden

The beauty of having wildflowers in your garden is that they are relatively low maintenance. After preparing the soil and sowing your wildflower seeds, nature does the rest of the work for you!

For further reading on all things wildflowers, explore our Wildflower Advice page!