perennial plant seeds uk 100% Native British Wildflower Seed Mix

perennial plant seeds uk 100% Native British Wildflower Seed MixThis mixture consists of 100% native British wildflowers with no grass filler. It is formulated to establish a permanent mini meadow that is active from early spring through to the first frosts. By combining annuals and perennials, the mix provides a staggered flowering cycle. Year One: Annual species like Corn Poppy and Cornflower provide immediate cover and produce flowers. Providing food for pollators and giving the gardener an early reward for

This mixture consists of 100% native British wildflowers with no grass filler. It is formulated to establish a permanent mini-meadow that is active from early spring through to the first frosts.

By combining annuals and perennials, the mix provides a staggered flowering cycle.

• Year One: Annual species like Corn Poppy and Cornflower provide immediate cover and produce flowers. Providing food for pollators and giving the gardener an early reward for their efforts.

• Year Two onwards: Perennial species really establish themselves and produce flowers alongside the annuals (growing from the seeds that shed in year one). Perennial wildflowers are the backbone of a long-lasting meadow that returns year after year, over time they will dominate the annual wildflowers. 
  

Ecological Value

The diversity of the wildflower mixture supports the whole ecosystem.

• Pollinators: Provides a steady nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies over a long flowering period.

• Wider Ecosystem: An undisturbed wildflower patch offers shelter and food for small mammals such as field mice. Maintaining these habitats supports the local bird of prey populations like Barn Owls.

• Yellow Rattle: Included to suppress vigorous grasses, giving the wildflowers the space required to thrive.

Species List

Contains 21 native British wildflower species.

• Cornflower, Corncockle, White Campion, Oxeye Daisy, Self-Heal, Red Campion, Ladys Bedstraw, Salad Burnet, Meadow Buttercup, Wild Carrot, Lesser Knapweed, Meadowsweet, Ribwort Plantain, Yarrow, Nettle-Leaved Bellflower, Field Forget-Me-Not, Musk Mallow, Yellow Rattle, Corn Poppy, Corn Marigold, Corn Chamomile

Preparation and Sowing

Sow onto a fine, weed-free seedbed in spring or autumn. Importantly, ensure the soil is warm and not waterlogged - wildflowers do not establish well in cold, wet soils. Broadcast the seed evenly, rake gently, and water regularly during the first six weeks.

The first season is the most important for the longevity of the meadow. While the annuals flower quickly, the perennials grow slowly beneath them.

• Weed Control: You must keep the area free of invasive weeds during this first year. Removing docks, nettles, and thistles by hand prevents them from outcompeting the slower-growing perennial wildflowers.

• Patience: If the perennials are allowed to establish without being smothered, the meadow will remain productive for years.

Coverage

Aim to sow 1.5 to 2.5 g per square metre. This is equates to 600 - 1100 seeds per square metre. Good, fine seedbeds with plenty of moisture and low weed pressure can manage with nearer to 600 while poorer seedbeds or high weed sites benefit from the higher seed rate. 

Top tip - mix your seed with sand or sawdust or another mixing agent. This bulks out the seed to make it easier to spread evenly without accidentally sowing too much seed in any one area. 

Annual Maintenance

Once the meadow is established, maintenance is limited. The dead plant material can be cut and removed if desired, otherwise leave it in place over winter as ground cover and remove in spring to encourage the new-season's growth. 

After a few years, the annual wildflowers are likely to have run out of steam and the perennial wildflowers will be the dominant vegetation. If you would like annuals to remain in the meadow, simply scratch any bare ground in autumn or spring,  sprinkle some cornfield annual seeds and gently rake in and firm down. This will top up the annual wildflower seeds for another year or so.