Buy Wildflower Seeds in Bulk
Idealseed are dedicated to providing wildflower seed mixture “fit for purpose” as we specialise in seed and seed only. Our Wildflower seeds range comprises of 100% Native British wildflower seeds, Unlike many UK based suppliers who import from abroad. Along side our comprehensive range of mixtures, we also specialise in bespoke mixtures of native wildflower species. We can blend to any specification or wildflower mix you may require.
- They support pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators rely on wildflowers for nectar and pollen. Without them, our ecosystem would suffer.
- They are easy to grow: British wildflowers are easy to grow from seed and require minimal maintenance. They are an excellent choice for beginner gardeners or those with limited time or resources.
- They are beautiful: With their vibrant colors and unique shapes, British wildflowers add beauty and interest to any garden or landscape.
Sowing Wildflower Seeds
Wildflowers are a very important part of the countryside as they provide a rich, colourful and diverse ecological habitat for many insects and wildlife. They also offer great aesthetic value to enhance the natural beauty of the British countryside, motorway networks, parkland and gardens.
Over the past 50 years, the number of traditional wildflower meadows has sadly declined which has resulted in a noted decrease of British Insects. For pollination to take place, we need ideal flowers to attract those all-important bees, so they can ensure the plants become fertilised and reproduce. Using British wildflower seeds or native wildflower species will greatly help in restoring the British wildflower population around the UK countryside, woodland gardens and your own back garden.
Best Wildflower Seed Mix in The UK
Idealseed mixtures contain some of the recommended plants on the Royal Horticultural Society’s list of plants which are ‘Perfect Pollinators’.
The wildflower seeds in your mixture will have originated from a wildflower production field, harvested by qualified growers. This seed will have been multiplied in single species plots from seed sourced in the wild. From seeding to harvesting it can take two growing seasons before a seed crop is produced. Once harvested, the seed is cleaned to remove the inert matter and provide high purity seed.
Wildflower Seed Tips
Are you tired of the same old flowers in your garden every year? Want to add a touch of colour and vibrancy to your outdoor space? Then why not try planting wildflower seeds? Wildflowers are a great way to create a natural and rustic look in your garden, and they attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that help your garden thrive. But how do you plant wildflower seeds?
Before diving into planting wildflower seeds, let’s start with a quick fun fact. Did you know that wildflowers are often referred to as “weeds”? This is because they grow in the wild and are not intentionally planted. However, don’t let this discourage you from planting them in your garden. Planting wildflowers is an excellent way to support the ecosystem, and it can also add a natural and beautiful element to your outdoor space.
Choosing the Right Seeds
The first step in planting wildflowers is to choose the right seeds. Before you start buying seeds, it’s essential to research the types of wildflowers that grow in your area. This will ensure you select the right seeds adapted to your climate and soil type. You can also choose a mix of seeds to create a diverse and colourful garden.
Preparing Your Garden
Once you’ve chosen your seeds, it’s time to prepare your garden. Wildflowers require specific soil conditions to thrive. Most wildflowers prefer well-draining soil that is not too rich in nutrients. You can mix sand, perlite, or vermiculite with your soil to create the perfect growing conditions. Removing any weeds or grass from the area where you plan to plant your wildflowers is also essential to prevent them from competing for nutrients and water.
Planting Your Seeds
The next step is to plant your seeds. There are two methods of planting wildflower seeds: direct seeding and transplanting. Direct seeding involves planting the seeds directly into the ground. This method is more natural and requires less work. Transplanting consists in starting the seeds indoors and then moving them to the garden once they are big enough. This method requires more time and effort, but it can help you control the placement of your wildflowers.
If you choose to direct seed, read the seed packet instructions carefully. Some seeds require specific depths or spacing, while others can be scattered and lightly covered with soil. It’s also important to water your seeds regularly and keep them moist until they germinate.
Caring for Your Wildflowers
Once your wildflowers have started to grow, it’s essential to care for them properly. Water your wildflowers regularly, especially during dry spells. However, be careful not to overwater them, which can lead to root rot. Removing any weeds or grass that grow near your wildflowers is also essential. Weeds can compete for water and nutrients, which can hinder the growth of your w
The question on everybody’s mind is the time you need to plant wildflowers. It would be terrible if you exerted a lot of effort into planting them but they don’t last long. You have nobody else to blame but yourself because you planted them on the wrong date.
Thus, it is important to keep in mind that the best times to plant wildflowers are the middle of March until the middle of May. Another good time would be the middle of August until the middle of October. It would be best to mark your calendar so you won’t forget the ideal dates.
Why are those dates the best times to plant wildflowers? There are many reasons as to why those dates would be a good time. Here are the factors affecting them:
Water
Perhaps, this is the most important factor as you definitely need water so the seed can rightfully grow. Those are the times of the year when the rain is just right. The rain won’t be too much during those periods. Also, the rain won’t be completely absent either.
If you decide to plant the wildflower seed at another time, you may end up putting water on it manually. That will definitely be a hassle so it is best to know the right times to plant it. You wouldn’t want to spend extra on materials.
Temperature
The wildflower won’t survive if it is too hot or too cold. Thus, those times are when the weather is just fine. Just like humans, the plants won’t survive a weather that is -5 degrees each day. Unlike humans, they don’t have the luxury of being able to wear warm clothes. It is like they are naked all the time.
The plant won’t have the power to test the temperature first before going outside. They are outside all the time so it is best to plant them at a time when they are most comfortable with. Unlike humans, they won’t have the power to wear a sweater when it is cold and to wear a cap when it is hot.
Depth of Seed
Keep in mind that the seed should not be buried too deep. Besides, walking on them is not going to do the job. The process is pretty simple as all you need to do is to rake it a little after it gets sown on top. You don’t even need measuring materials to make sure it gets sown where it is supposed to be.
In fact, there should not be too much thought given to this. There is no need to bury it deep down under like you’re in a cemetery. You must only push it a little further down the ground.
Frost
There is a time of the year when there is late frosts and you want to avoid that as much as possible. Good thing, you don’t have to worry about that when you plant the wildflower seeds at our advised time.
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of wildflower you will plant. There are many types of wildflowers and all of them react differently to temperature and frost. Thus, you can’t randomly pick a date when you will plant them. Let us take a look at the most common annuals:
Wildflower annuals
A lot of attention needs to be given to wildflower annuals. These things are delicate as they only flower once. Thus, they need a lot of attention. In addition, you need to get whatever you can get from them. After all, it takes a long time for them to grow so the end result should be good.
The best time to plant wildflower annuals would be the middle of April. It should be noted that they should not get planted earlier. Otherwise, its growth will suffer and you have nobody to blame but yourself. You certainly have to be knowledgeable about the details regarding this matter. After all, these plants are very sensitive.
Perennial Wildflowers
It is important to time the planting of perennial wildflowers. These plants take a lot longer to sow so it is important to plant them in the spring. Since you are dealing with a life, you should never plant them when you’re most convenient. You should adjust to the plant’s habitat so you’ll have success planting them.
If you plant the wildflowers whenever you have time, you are going to end up wasting your time. They may die because of negligence or unforeseen circumstances. You will just end up regretting your decision. Planting wildflowers needs a lot of deep thought into it. You just can’t do it randomly.
Since perennial wildflowers take longer to establish, it would take a lot of guts to choose this type to plant. You will need a lot of patience as you will wait a few months before it finally grows. Perennial wildflowers are worth the wait though as they are very beautiful. In fact, words can’t describe how beautiful they are. Even if they take long to grow, they’re pretty common.
Before planting wildflowers, you must prepare yourself by buying all the needed garden equipment. You must also wear safety gear to protect yourself from debris. For example, you must wear safety goggles because the dirt can get into your eyes.
When you look at people who have a successful germination, keep in mind that wasn’t by sheer luck. They took a lot of factors into consideration like the ones we mentioned above. Yes, planting a wildflower is not something you can do out of the blue. You need to consider when the best time to do it is.
Unlike the birth of humans, timing is very important to plant wildflowers. There is definitely a huge difference in the birth of humans and the seeding of plants. Of course, you will also need to watch the wildflowers closely. If you neglect them, they won’t last long.
British wildflower seed species are not just a beautiful addition to any woodland garden or landscape, but also an essential part of our ecosystem. These flowers support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths, which are necessary for the health of our environment. With their vibrant colors and unique shapes, British wildflowers are a source of wonder and inspiration for nature enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
There are many types of wildflower seed species, each with its own unique beauty and characteristics. Some of the most popular and easy-to-grow varieties include:
Birdsfoot Trefoil
This seed can’t be sown in any season. You need to select the perfect season and that is either fall or spring. Also, it would be better to add sand to the different soil types with the seed mix. The mixture will definitely be more stable if you do that.
Red Campion
Remember that there are specific months when you need to start sowing this one. It would ideally be better if you start sowing the seed on March/April or August/September.
Meadowsweet
Whatever you do, don’t sow this seed indoors. You must always do it outdoors so it can get some good light. Also, you should remember to cover it with good soil. The best time to sow it would be late summer and it should be put on a seed tray.
Field Scabious
Perhaps, this is one of the most difficult packets to grow. Thus, you should be a little patient for this to grow perfectly. Like most of the things on this list, you should grow this during fall. Also, it should be out in the grass and not inside in your living room.
Ox Eye Daisy
Pick spring as the season to sow this type. In addition, prepare the soil for this. Take all the time you want because it needs to really be prepared. This is another type that should be put on top of a seed tray. There is no need to cover the seed for this type which is great because there is a chance you will forget to put back the cover.
Cowslip
The best season to sow this type would be autumn and not spring. Since it is pretty delicate, it would be advisable to cover it with glass. Yes, that is going to protect it from rain and other particles. The process may be slow but it will be worth it in the end. For preparation, you may need to place the cowslip inside your fridge
Lady’s Bedstraw
Just like other items on this list, this should be put on a seed tray. You don’t have to completely cover it with soil as just have to do it partially. This will require patience as it take up to two to three weeks. Good thing, it will be worth it as long as you don’t forget that they should be at least 18 inches apart.
Purple Loosestrife
It is best to start sowing this type in the spring for a favourable result. This one needs all the light it can get. If you’re planning to put it indoors then place it near your windows.
Lesser knapweed
You won’t have to wait long before this one germinates as it is expected to just take a few weeks. Of course, you need to do all the right things and that includes putting it on top of a tray during spring.
Foxglove
When you sow Foxgloves, keep in mind that you will have to wait a full year after sowing it. That is only when they will flower. Thus, it would be best to pick the perfect season to sow it and there is no better option than later summer.
Wild Carrot
Before planting a wild carrot, you better decide where you want to plant it. You should take your time because it is going to grow the way it should. Thus, pick a place that is perfect for it. It is normal to pick summer or spring to sow it but the best time to do it would be fall.
Selfheal
It is one of those types that can hold its own when planted on the right season. You can start when the summer is about to end and it will still become great. You must not forget to cover it a little bit with soil. While it is young, you have the freedom of transferring it to the grass. Don’t wait until it is late to do so or you can only blame yourself.
Yarrow
There is a huge time frame to plant Yarrow as it can be from the middle part of the year until September. Also, you have the option to start it during fall or autumn and put the seed on a tray. You’re definitely going to be satisfied with the result if you do that.
Yellow Flag Iris
The humble beginnings of this type is none other than a root stock. When fall arrives, you have the option of splitting it so you can plant it out. This is one time when you must be patient because during fall, you may not notice anything. Don’t think that it is not going according to plan though. There are just times when it does not show up until spring.
Yellow Rattle
Yellow rattle seeds produce pretty yellow blooms and help to reduce the vigour of grasses by attaching onto their roots and feeding from them. This allows other wildflowers to flourish in their surroundings. Their dry seed pods rattle, hence, their name yellow rattle! The first thing you must remember about Yellow Rattle is that it needs to be surrounded by grass. If it is on its own then it will not survive long. It would be best to sow yellow rattle during the fall. One great idea would be to use a mixture of grass and yellow rattle. ow that is something that a lot of packets can’t possibly claim. Are you curious to know more about Yellow Rattle?
British wildflower seed species are essential for several reasons:
Wildflower meadow are beautiful when in full bloom. The following information should cover most of what you need to know regarding the making of a wild flower meadow. Of course, you can’t expect to learn everything in one sitting. You’ve seen lots of fast learners in the world but learning that in a few minutes is nearly impossible. We are all ears in case you have any questions though. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any question in mind. We will be more than happy to answer your questions.
We will cover several topics here including Cornfield annuals and Wild Flower meadows without grass. Our instructions are easy to follow. Thus, it won’t be long before you will be confident about your gardening skills. You may even be the one teaching other people in the future.
The first thing to remember is that other grasses on the garden should not interrupt its growth. Thus, it would be better if it is on a soil with not much there. After all, you don’t want to hinder the growth of the wild flower meadow. There were some people who thought about this so they decided to remove the topsoil in the beginning. This can’t be something you can always do though. The thought is what counts in this process.
Just like planting other flowers, always remember to prepare your garden for what is to come. Don’t fret if you take a long time to get started. Just like what they say, it is better to be prepared than to be sorry. This is one time when you should not be hasty in your decisions. In this process, patience is key.
Be alert for any invasive weeds around the area as you need to get rid of them as soon as possible. They won’t do anything except hinder the growth of the wild flower meadows. You may also need to think twice about the area where you decide to plant your wildflower meadows. Be sure it is an area where nothing is surrounding it.
There are a couple of ways to eliminate all the weed in the area. You can either use a fork or use your bare hands. Both methods have proven to be successful but it is deal to use a fork. Of course, if you use your hands, make sure you are wearing gloves since you never know what you will find in your garden. You may come across gnarly insects that will immediately bite you and you may faint.
Better check in your garden shed if you have a rotavator as you will need it to turn the soil over. When you see anything on the soil, the next step would be to act like a serial killer and eliminate everything. You will probably feel satisfied when you accomplish that task.
Sowing is one delicate task so before it, you must break up all the soil. Don’t worry though as you won’t be throwing them away. You can spread them all over to a tilth. Before doing that, it would be best to mix it with sand so it would be spread more evenly across the tilth. If the area is rather large, don’t make it too hard on you. You can always use a lawn fertilizer spreader.
Sowing just can’t be done any time over the course of the year. It must be done during the autumn so the weather is perfectly fine. Once again, patience is key as this process does not finish in a few weeks. In fact, it takes weeks and even years before you start to see some development. You will be glad when you see the result though as wild flower meadows are beautiful.
Maintaining the Wildflower Meadows
If the wild flower meadows are in a large garden, you should not ignore it. You must mow the lawn regularly so you can get the most out of the meadow. If you don’t have time to do that, that is no excuse for not doing it. You can always pay someone to do it for you. Besides, you wouldn’t want to get a wildflower meadow that only delivers half of what it is supposed to.
It is best to put the wild flower meadows at an area that is not neglected. If you have a large garden, there is a chance you will neglect some parts. Those are the parts where the wild flower meadows should not be. You should never make the mistake of ignoring your wild flower meadows as it needs a lot of attention.
No matter how old the house is, you should not let the grass grow too long. It will make the house lose value and that will be terrible for the wild flower meadows. Thus, it would be best to cut the grass several times in one year. If you are someone who often forgets this task then put it in your calendar. In addition, buy the best equipment for grass cutting so the best results will be delivered. You would not want to be stuck with second-rate equipment.
While it would depend on the type of wild flower meadow you have, you should be dedicated to cutting the meadow consistently. Of course, this should be done during January to May as it will not be the same during the later months of the year. After doing that, you may need to observe the development of the wild flower meadows. Some of them may grow again so you may need to cut them a second time.
While cutting the wild flower meadows, always remember that they should always be 4 inches. It should not be too far from that length or the plants will suffer the consequences. In addition, after cutting the meadows, you must remove all the grass that were cut out. If you don’t do that, the other plants there may be killed. Yes, being responsible will play a big part in the growth of the wild flower meadows.