Q&A How to Sow Wildflowers

Are you preparing a patch for wildflowers for bees and butterflies in your garden? Or going all out with a wildflower meadow? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers when it comes to sowing and growing wildflowers.

Q: What is the difference between perennial, annual and biennial flowers or plants?

A: Perennial plants are plants which will flower year after year. Annual plants are those which live only for one season. Most annual plants will self-seed in the autumn if the seed heads are not removed after flowering. Biennial plants are plants that produce foliage in its first season and flower or bear fruit the second season after which the plant dies.

Q: When is the best time to sow wildflower seeds?

A: Sowing wildflower seeds of annual, biennial and perennial varieties can be done in March to June or August to October. Annual seeds sown in spring will flower the same year, and seed sown in autumn will flower the following year. Many perennial wildflowers also flower in their first season. Some seeds need a cold spell to germinate, which is why some flowers sown late in spring may not germinate and flower until the following summer.

Q: Can I sow wildflower seeds in pots?

A: Yes. Sow into large pots filled with moist compost. After sowing, press seeds into the soil. Pots can dry out a lot quicker than beds and borders so ensure the soil is lightly watered when dry. Wildflower seeds can also be sown in pots for planting out into the garden.

Q: Can I sow seeds directly on grass?

A: No. The existing grass will not allow the wildflowers to establish. If you want to establish a meadow where grass grows you can turn the sods over and then sow. But this is very hard work so an easier method is to place a layer or two of cardboard or newspaper on the ground and water it well. Then cover the cardboard with a 5-10 cm layer of compost and sow into that. Make sure to keep the area watered. By the time the seeds have germinated and sending down roots to seek nutrients, the paper or cardboard will have started breaking down and if the ground is wet or moist, the roots will have no problem getting through it and down into the now weed-free ground below.  

Q: How should I prepare the ground for sowing wildflower seeds?

A: To prepare soil for planting, first clear the site of weeds, stones and sticks. Turn the soil and break up any clods, then rake so that you have a fine crumbly surface. If your ground is heavy, or you do not want to or can’t turn the soil, then clear of weeds and add a 2-3 layer of sand, soil or compost, or a mix of these, to the surface. Rake over.

Q: Should I add fertilizer or manure before sowing?

A: No, it is best not to add fertilizer to meadows or flowerbeds. If the soil is too rich, this encourages leafy growth at the expense of producing flowers. You may also get more grass and nettles growing on this type of soil, which will outcompete the wildflowers if you are trying to establish a meadow. Because you get less flowers, you will also get less seed that will keep the meadow growing the following year. If you are growing ‘hungry’ plants such as sunflowers, these are an exception, and should be given fertilizer once established.

Q: Can I sow wildflowers in a shady are of my garden?

A: Most wildflowers grow best in full sun. Buy seeds of shade loving plants to sow in the shady areas of your garden instead of the traditional wildflower or meadow mixes.

Q: How do I sow wildflower seeds?

A: Wildflower seeds need light to germinate, so there is no need to rake in the seeds after sowing. Roll or firm the soil by tapping the back of the rake on the ground. This makes sure the seed is in contact with the soil.

Q: How much does one seed packet cover?

A: See individual seed packs. For sowing wildflowers and annual flowers, it is usually about 1g/square meter to 1.5-3g/square meter.

Q: The seeds are all different sizes, how should I sow to get them evenly distributed?

A: Because the seed mixes contain seeds of different weight and size, gently shake the seed packet before sowing to mix the seed. You can also add a bit of sand or compost to the seed before sowing to make sure the seeds are evenly distributed when sowing. Spread the seed thinly and according to coverage as stated on the seed packet.

Q: Do I need to water the seeds after sowing?

A: Yes, if you are sowing the seeds in spring. After rolling or tapping the ground, make sure the soil is moist to speed up germination. The seeds may take up to a few weeks to germinate so make sure the soil does not dry out. Germination will be slower if the conditions are dry or cold. Seeds sown in autumn may therefore not germinate until the following spring.

Q: Birds are digging up and eating the seeds, what should I do?

A: If birds are digging up and eating the seed after sowing, you can rake in the seed slightly or cover them with a thin layer of sand or compost. Alternatively, cover with a garden net or horticultural fleece until they have germinated or use a scarecrow.

Q: When will my flowers flower?

A: Most wildflower mixes contain species that flower between May-September or October.

Q: Should I cut off the flowers after flowering?

A: If you want the flowers to self-seed in situ or collect the seed yourself, you should leave the seedpods on the plants after flowering so that they can ripen. If you want to collect the seed, do so on a dry day when the seedpods are ripe. Do you want to learn more about collecting your own seed? Follow this link to the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK Seed: collecting and storing / RHS Gardening

Q: How do I make sure my flowers come back next year?

A: To ensure annual plants self-seed you can either leave the seed heads on the plants after ripening, or you can cut them down. Once cut down, leave the plant parts including the seed heads on the ground. The stalks and leaves will decompose and enrich the soil (and keep weeds down and the worms happy!) and the seeds will overwinter and germinate the following spring. Make sure to dig up any unwelcome weeds so that they do not take over your wildflower patch.

Q: Do bees and butterflies like some flowers more than others?

A: They do! Not all flowers produce pollen and nectar. Also, with many of the more fancy flowers, it can be hard for them to get access to the nectar and pollen. This is especially true for double flowers, or flowers that are bred to have a lot of petals in layers, as well as very deep flowers where they cannot get to the nectar because their tongues are too short. If you are planning on sowing flowers for bees and butterflies, it is a good idea so sow single flowering or open flowers and native wildflower species. This is because our native bees and butterflies have evolved alongside our native flora. This means that they are perfectly suited for each other!

Why not visit our online shop to view our range of wildflower seeds for bees and butterflies. All our seed are grown for us in Waterford, Ireland, and support the All Ireland Pollinator Plan. We also have two seed mixes of Native Irish wildflower varieties.

Hanna Bäckmo

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