When To Sow: September-November (autumn sowing); March-May (spring sowing)
Bloom: May-September
Germination: 14-21 days
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Wildflowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, providing a natural look and supporting local wildlife. They can be sown directly outdoors either in autumn or spring.
Direct Seeding: Prepare the soil by removing weeds and raking to a fine tilth. Sow seeds evenly over the surface, either by hand or using a seed spreader. Mix the seeds with sand for better distribution. Lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds, but do not bury them too deeply as wildflower seeds need light to germinate. Water gently to settle the seeds.
Autumn Sowing: Sow seeds from September to November. Autumn sowing allows seeds to undergo natural stratification, improving germination rates.
Spring Sowing: Sow seeds from March to May. Spring sowing is ideal for annual and biennial wildflowers.
Maintenance
Wildflowers generally require minimal maintenance. Water the area if there are prolonged dry periods, especially during germination and establishment. Once established, wildflowers are drought-tolerant. Avoid using fertilizers, as they can encourage the growth of grasses and weeds over wildflowers.
Weed Control: In the first year, control weeds by hand weeding or mowing at a high setting. In subsequent years, mow the meadow in late summer after the flowers have set seed to maintain the area.
Companion Planting
Wildflowers thrive on their own and do not require specific companion plants. They create a habitat for beneficial insects, bees, and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden. Avoid planting in areas with aggressive grasses or invasive plants that can outcompete wildflowers.