Whether you are recreating a small portion of your garden or if you are transforming your outdoor space into a beautiful sweeping meadow, we have all the tips and tricks to get you started.
The best wildflower seeds for your garden
Wildflowers are notoriously great at thriving in low-nutrient conditions; in fact, they prefer it! Some wildflower mixes consist exclusively of wildflower seeds, while other mixes include grass seed.
- With grass seed – a wildflower grass seed mix offers a year-round habitat for wildlife.
- Without grass seed – a wildflower-only mix provides you with a stunning ornamental display.
Also, it will help to understand the difference between annual and perennial wildflowers, as this can help you determine what kind of bloom you will achieve – we’ve got a great blog that breaks this down, which you can read in our Wildflower 101: Annuals vs. Perennials article.
Wildflower mixes for normal soil types in non-shaded areas
- Annuals Mix (does not include grass) – contains the nation’s favourite cornfield annuals for an ornamental look.
- Meadow Magic (does not include grass) - contains a mix of UK native annuals and perennials for an immersive display.
- Flowering Meadow (includes grass) – contains a mixture of UK native annuals and perennials approved by RHS Plants for Pollinators and complements arable grasses.
- Bees and Pollinators (includes grass) - contains a mixture of UK native annuals and perennials that are excellent at attracting bees and pollinators and are approved by RHS Plants for Pollinators. This mix also contains complementary arable grasses.
Wildflower seed mixes suited to shaded areas
- Shaded Area Wildflowers (includes grass) - contains UK native annual and perennial wildflowers that are shade tolerant and can typically be found growing naturally in forested areas.
Wildflower seeds for problematic soils
- Heavy Clay Soil Wildflower (includes grass) – contains UK native annual and perennial wildflowers that thrive in clay soils and also contains complementing arable grasses.
- Sandy Soil Wildflower (includes grass) – contains UK native annual and perennial wildflowers that thrive in sandy soils and also contains complementing arable grasses.
When to sow wildflower seeds
March to October is typically the wildflower sowing season. When you decide to sow within that time frame will dictate when you can enjoy your wildflowers. You can expect your wildflowers to fully bloom between approximately 60 and 80 days after sowing.
For summer wildflowers
Sow your wildflower seeds in early spring, around March or April. You won’t see your wildflowers during this time, but you will be greeted with a plume of wildflowers in the summer.
For spring wildflowers
Sow your wildflower seeds in early autumn, around September or October. Sowing early enough in autumn will ensure you are met with a pop of colour in the spring. For further reading, explore our blog ‘When to sow wildflower seeds’.
How to sow wildflower seeds
Preparation is everything when it comes to successfully growing wildflowers in your garden. Start by clearing away absolutely all pre-existing grass, pesky weeds and competing flora from the area you plan to sow the wildflower seeds, in order to give them the best chance of thriving. Here’s what comes next:
- Trim the top 5-10cm of soil to reduce its fertility (since wildflowers prefer poorer soil conditions).
- Let the area sit for a few weeks, diligently plucking out any stubborn weeds that dare to sprout during this period.
Top Tip: Resist the urge to supplement with topsoil, compost, or fertilisers because wildflowers prefer soil with low nutrients!
- After you have readied the soil for planting, we recommend allowing the soil to settle for up to 6 weeks.
- Once the soil has had time to settle, tidy up by removing any rocks or debris and give it a good raking to achieve a smooth, crumbly surface.
- Sprinkle the seeds at a rate of 5g per square meter.
- Gently rake the seeds into the soil, ensuring they’re snug and secure.
- Give your newly sown seeds a thorough watering.
With these steps, you’re well on your way to a vibrant wildflower display!
Top tips for sowing wildflower seeds
- If you’re sowing during a dry spell, keep a watchful eye and water as needed to maintain moisture levels during the crucial first six weeks.
- For the most promising growth, it is vital that the soil is warm and does not dry out.
- Remember, you don’t need to add compost or fertiliser as your wildflowers will thrive in poorer soil conditions.
To keep your wildflowers flourishing year-after-year, check out our wildflower meadow management guide. We also have helpful advice on our range of UK wildflower seeds and tips for growing grass seed throughout the year!
As always, we are here to help you choose the right wildflower seed mix for your garden! If you need advice on wildflower varieties, drop us a message on Instagram or Facebook. You can even leave us a message via our website!
In the mood to show off your gardening skills? Tag us in your favourite lawn photos on Facebook and Instagram!
