When is the Best Time to Sow Wildflower Seeds?

Pollination is the process of plant fertilisation. It is a critical ecosystem service that makes possible the productivity of agricultural systems around the world.

However, over the past three decades, the UK has experienced a significant decline in pollinator species. 

Establishing pollinator gardens to sow wildflower seeds is a popular way for individuals to attempt to rectify the situation.

If you’re interested in starting a pollinator garden, you'll need to know the best time to sow wildflower seeds.

When Is the Best Time to Sow Wildflower Seeds?

Wildflower seeds can germinate successfully when sown anytime throughout the year. But they tend to do best when sown in summer or autumn.

The best time to sow wildflower seeds will depend on the location and climate in which you live. Typically, wildflowers will bloom between 60 and 80 days after germination.

Wherever you reside, you should have success planting in spring, summer, or Autumn. In a warmer climate, it is possible to plant wildflower seeds in winter as well.

Advantages of Planting In Autumn

If you live in a relatively cool climate, sowing your wildflower seeds in autumn has a few advantages. Autumn sowings will ensure you have the earliest possible wildflower blossoms come spring.

Ensure you plant the wildflower seeds late in the Autumn so the seeds do not germinate until the following spring. The seeds will lie dormant in the soil until the warmer temperatures of spring encourage germination.

You will need to take note of the air and soil temperatures. They must be too cold for the seeds to germinate. Otherwise, your seeds will try to sprout too early.

The best time to sow is after the first few freezes and before the first snow.

Although you can grow wildflowers throughout the year, sometimes the first blooms will not appear until after the seeds' first winter.

Advantages of Planting In Spring

Planting in the spring has its advantages, too. One such advantage is the ability to clear the area of weeds before sowing the wildflower seeds. 

The consequence of sowing in the spring is that it can delay planting. If the idea of a weed-free wildflower meadow appeals to you, it might be worth the wait.

If your soil is dry during the spring, make sure to water it regularly. This will encourage the wildflower seeds to germinate and sprout.

Keep in mind that because wildflower seeds experience dormancy, it can be difficult to get immediate germination when sowing in spring.

Mild-Winter Climate Planting

If you are someone who lives in a region with minimal winter frost, you will have success planting wildflowers year-round.

Keep in mind the hottest time of the year will prove the most difficult for wildflower seed germination.

It is necessary to keep the soil moist for the first four to six weeks after planting. Extreme heat can make this difficult so it is best not to plant seed in late summer.

Cold Climate Planting

If you reside in a region that snows or has bitterly cold winters, wait until spring to sow wildflower seeds.

The best time to plant in a cold climate is before the spring rains. Then there will be enough sustained precipitation to keep the soil wet.

You may also have success planting in the Autumn. You will want to wait until after the first significant frost. The seeds will sprout in the spring when the soil has warmed up.

Preparing A Space for Wildflowers

Most wildflowers require minimal preparation. They will grow well in poor soils that have low fertility. Almost any well-drained site with moderate quality soil will work quite well for planting a wildflower garden.

Wildflowers grow best in soil that is lacking in nutrients. While you will have the most success if you plant in soil that is already unhealthy. This can also starve your planting area of nutrients.

How To Cultivate The Soil

Select a planting area where the soil is already well-drained. You'll want to make sure this is not an area where water will pool or accumulate during rain or watering.

Check the packaging of your seed varieties to find out what amount of sunlight they'll require. The best areas to plant wildflowers are typically those that experience six hours of sun every day.

Be sure to remove weeds, rocks, and debris from the planting area. Leaving any of these things behind will make it difficult for your wildflower seeds to emerge.

To reduce soil fertility, strip away the top five to ten centimeters of soil. You might find it easier to do this with a hoe if you're working with a large planting area.

Continue to water the bed and remove any remaining weeds that crop up over the next few weeks.

How To Sow Wildflower Seeds

Begin by preparing the area you wish to plant. Prepare the ground by clearing the area, removing any existing grasses and plants, and leaving only the bare soil.

You will have the most success with germination if you prevent any weeds from disrupting the establishment of your wildflower seeds.

Dig into the first layer of soil and turn it over. Then tamp down the soil to create a level bed and go over it with a rake.

Sow your wildflower seeds evenly over the planting area. It is best to spread seeds at a rate of 5 grams per square metre of soil.

Cover the area with a net to keep out birds and rodents. Finally, keep the soil moist for at least the next month to ensure thorough germination.

The Benefits of Using Wildflower Turf

Wildflower meadows can sometimes prove to be difficult to cultivate. Especially in soils where weeds continue to crop up, sowing wildflower seeds can feel like a losing battle.

An easy alternative to sowing wildflowers from seed is wildflower turf. It is a great way to create an established wildflower meadow free of weeds.

Wildflower turf contains a balanced consistency of many varieties of wildflowers and grasses.

You can lay wildflower turf just as you would lay lawn turf. As with sowing wildflower seeds, you will need to remove any weeds and other plants from the planting area. You will also need to strip the soil of its nutrients.

After you've laid the turf, make sure to water it and keep it wet until it is fully rooted. Even a short period of drying out can cause the flowers to struggle.

If you're looking for a middle ground between planting wildflower turf and sowing from seed. You could use plug plants and transfer the seedlings into the ground once they are strong enough.

How To Choose Wildflower Plants

With so many beneficial varieties of wild flowers, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Deciding between perennials and annuals is a topic of debate in the wildflower world.

Annuals

Annual wildflowers are a popular choice among those who like to change the varieties of their wildflower gardens yearly. People also like them because they bloom quickly.

Echinacea, corn marigold, zinnia, and blanket flower are some of the easiest hardy annuals to grow.

Yellow rattle is a useful annual that can help to establish an abundant wildflower meadow with limited grasses. Yellow rattle contains a partial parasite that feeds on meadow grasses and can help to reduce their growth.

If you're hoping for a colourful meadow in the shortest amount of time, you could plant a mixture of cornfield annuals. They will flower the first summer after sowing.

Perennials

Perennial wildflowers are the best choice if you want to avoid replanting each year. Perennials will last for three to five years on average. They are great for larger planting areas because they require less work.

Buying Wildflower Seeds

If you are planning to sow wildflower seeds this season you will want to start with the best quality source.

Grass Science Seeds has 20 years of agricultural expertise.

We offer an extensive variety of seeds. Including wildflower seeds, environmental/stewardship seeds, bee attractor seed packs, clover seeds, and bespoke seed mixtures.

To learn more, fill out this contact form or send an email to grow@grass-science-seeds.co.uk today.