Wildflower plants are an excellent option to incorporate colour and vibrancy into your garden and meadow. They aid bees, butterflies, and other pollinators greatly, and once they are established, they require very less maintenance. However, with the vast numbers available, how do you choose what suits you best?
This is a simple guide to aid you in finding the best wildflower seeds suited to your environment.
1. Learn About Your Growing Region
Look at your land before you buy any wildflower seed. Are you planting in a sunny area or shade? Are your soils dry or wet? These factors are very important when picking wildflower seed. Wildflower species vary, but some need full sun, other species like shade, while others prefer wet soil.
If you do not know what type of soil you have, you can dig a hole and take a look. Sandy soil is lightweight and drains very quickly. Clay soil is very heavy and retains water. Most garden seed pouches will tell you what type of soil it is best suited for.
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2. Pick a Mix That Suits Your Goal
Now, think about what you actually want to happen in your wildflower patch. Perhaps you like lots of colour during summer? Perhaps you want to support bees and other insects? Some wildflower mixtures have been developed to produce colour over a long period. Other mixtures involve native British plants that support wildlife.
These are some examples of different mixes:
- Bee and butterfly mixes – full of nectar-filled flowers
- Colour combinations – selected to emphasize strong flowers throughout
- Shaded area mixes – grow better where sunlight is not present
- Meadow mixes – may contain grasses & wildflowers
Attempt to combine this mix with your objective and where you can grow.
3. Selecting Seeds from a Reliable Source
Not all seed is equal. The best thing is to source these seeds from reputable suppliers of wildflowers, they being best suited to your area. The other option could contain flowers that are not suited to UK soil, to name two examples.
A reputable supplier, such as Seeds4Bees, offers seed mixtures specifically designed to cater to UK garden and meadow plants. They also work to aid pollinators and preserve nature. This is definitely a safe option to choose if you desire your seeds to thrive while assisting native species.
4. Look at Flowering Times
To have flowers throughout spring, summer, and autumn, you should ensure that you have a mixture of those which take varying periods to open up. There are those which take a short while to open up completely, while others take much longer.
Look for mixes with:
- Early Bloomers (Examples: red campion)
- Mid-season colour (such as poppies and oxeye daisies)
- Late-flowering plants (such as knapweed and scabious)
This ensures you have colour throughout, and you will also offer insect food.
5. Consider Annual &/or Perennial
Wildflowers can occur annually and perennially.
They will grow, flower, and die within a year. You can re-seed every year if they don’t self-seed.
The perennials take time to grow back and may not produce much during the first year but can live for many years.
Some contain both, which gives you immediate colour and long-term growth. If you prefer a perennial meadow, you should choose grass mixtures that contain more perennials.
Final Tip: Do Not Add Extra Grass Seed
If you already have grass in your mix, there is no need to put grass into your wildflower garden. Grass can take over and repress the growth of flowers. Wildflower mixes are generally put together to allow blooming to occur.
Places to Acquire Good Quality Wildflower Seeds
If you are ready to begin planting, pick a supplier that is concerned about the UK’s wildlife and soil. Seeds4Bees provides high-quality wildflower seeds, and they have very impressive mixes for garden, meadow, and landscape options. They are one among the most trusted suppliers of wildflower seeds available within the UK.
Wildflowers are a simple and stunning method to incorporate more nature into your life. The correct combination could provide colour to your life for months to come and could also serve to provide bees and butterflies with more resources. Take your time to know your land and select your choice of seed mixture accordingly.
