Creating a beautiful and vibrant garden that stands the test of time is the dream of many gardeners.
Not only do wildflowers add a burst of colour to your garden’s palette, but they also support its biodiversity by attracting birds, bees, and butterflies.
Our Continual Colour Wildflower Mix is a unique blend of annual and perennial wildflowers that produce blooms with year-round appeal.
It includes Oxeye Daisy for charming white flowers, Lady’s Bedstraw for a burst of yellow, and Viper’s Buglos for striking spires of blue.
Continue reading to learn how you can successfully sow, grow, and maintain your wildflower meadow.
When should I sow Continual Colour Wildflower Mix?
Choosing when to sow your seeds is crucial for successful germination and establishment.
We recommend sowing our Continual Colour Mix during the following seasons:
- Spring (March to June). Sowing during these months allows annual species to bloom in the first year, while perennials establish themselves for flowering future years
- Autumn (August to October). Planting seeds during this time enables perennials to establish over winter, resulting in robust growth and flowering the following year. Annuals may also bloom later in the season, depending on weather conditions and your local climate
How to sow Continual Colour Wildflower Mix?
Preparing your lawn and soil for seed sowing is crucial for the successful growth of your wildflower meadow.
Improper conditions can lead to weak blooms, uneven growth, and the appearance of weeds.
Here is how to give your seeds the best possible start and sow them correctly:
- Location, location. Wildflowers favour areas that receive the most sunlight. Ideally, try to choose an area of your lawn that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day
- Manage weeds and debris. Carefully hand-pull or cut any weeds to stop them from competing with your seeds for air, water, and nutrients. In addition, remove any dead organic matter and leaves from your lawn to prevent them from smothering your seeds
- Prepare the soil. Loosen the top 2-3 inches of soil using a rake to create a fine and even seedbed
- Sow evenly. Distribute the seeds evenly across your chosen areas at a rate of 3-5g per m²
- Ensure seed-to-soil contact. Lightly rake or press over the sown area to make sure your seeds are making good contact with the soil, which is essential for optimal germination
- Keep the soil moist. After sowing, lightly water the area to moisten the soil and allow it to settle around the seeds. Ensure the soil is kept moist throughout the germination period to support seed growth
Tips for successful wildflower growth
After successfully sowing your seeds, you can then move on to the next phase, which is caring for your wildflowers as they grow.
Your blooms will begin to sprout within 2-6 weeks, depending on weather conditions and soil temperature.
Here’s how you can care for them:
- Keep on top of weeds. Regularly monitor the area for weeds that can compete with your young seedlings for nutrients. If weeds have sprouted up, carefully hand-pull them and avoid disturbing your
- Thin if necessary. If you find your seedlings are overcrowded, you may want to thin them out to avoid competition for resources. You can do this by selecting the weaker or excessive seedlings and cutting them at soil level with clean, sharp scissors or garden snips
- Avoid fertilising. Wildflowers tend to prefer and thrive in low-fertility soils. Adding excess nutrients can reduce their flowering, weaken your blooms, and contribute to weed growth
- Water as needed. Water to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering. Wildflowers are relatively low-maintenance and do not require regular watering due to their excellent drought tolerance. However, watering may be required more regularly during long periods of drought
- Allow natural reseeding. At the end of blooming season, allow your flowers to set seed naturally for the following year. Avoid mowing or disturbing the area until the seeds have dispersed, usually in late autumn
- Trim in spring. In early spring, you should trim back dead plant material to make space for fresh shoots to grow
Look forward to a blooming, wonderful, and resilient lawn with our Continual Colour Wildflower Mix.