6 Tips for Planting Wildflower Seeds

Tip 1: Find the perfect spot for planting wildflower seeds

Even though most wildflower seeds will grow almost anywhere, there are a few things to consider before planting them. For example, if you’re planting wildflower seeds in a shaded garden area, using our Shade Showcase seed mix will provide the best results. And if you’re planting wildflower seeds in clay soils, our Clay Display wildflowers will give you the vibrant blooms you’re hoping for!

Tip 2: Prepare your wildflower seedbed to perfection

Before planting your wildflower seeds, prepare the soil for them. You can do this by clearing away any plants, weeds, or flora from the spot where you want to plant. Then, use a rake or garden fork to break up the soil and remove rocks and stones. This helps the soil breathe and drain properly, creating the perfect seedbed for your new wildflower seeds.

Tip 3: Pick the right wildflower seeds for your needs

Choosing the right wildflower seeds for your garden is important if you want beautiful colours and shapes. Our wildflower seed mixes are designed to thrive in the UK environment, and they’re easy to take care of after you plant them. All you need to do is decide what wildflower mix you want to see in your garden!

Tip 4: Take time to plant wildflower seeds properly

There are a few steps involved in planting wildflower seeds, but the process is easy if you follow these general steps for successful wildflower planting!

Can you just throw wildflower seeds to plant them?

A common question we often get asked is, “Can you just throw wildflower seeds?” The answer is yes! We recommend sowing wildflower seeds at a rate of 5 grams per metre squared (5g per m2) for the best results. However, additional prep work before planting will ensure you get the best growth from your wildflowers.

Can you scatter wildflower seeds on grass?

Another popular question we often read people asking is, “Can you scatter wildflower seeds on grass?”. The answer to this is yes and no. Even though wildflower seeds can be sown on top of existing grass, and some will grow - the competition from the existing lawn makes growing conditions challenging for the new wildflower seedlings. For this reason, to ensure your wildflowers grow as best they can, we recommend you prepare the seedbed correctly for the best results.

To give your new wildflower seeds the best chance at growing (regardless of whether you are sowing over an existing lawn), you must rake/scarify the area as much as possible by using a scarifying or tine rake. Then follow the steps below for scattering your wildflower seeds:

Step 1: Spread the seeds:

Scatter a handful of seeds evenly over the soil, about 5 grams for every square meter. Walk slowly and wave your hand to spread the seeds out, covering the whole planting area without crowding them.

Step 2: Rake the seeds:

After spreading the seeds, gently rake the soil with a garden rake and press the seeds into the ground with your feet. This helps the seeds make good contact with the soil, which they need to start growing. Don’t rake too hard, though, or you might bury the seeds too deep.

Step 3: Water and take care of your seeds after sowing

After planting your wildflower seeds, water them regularly for the first six weeks, especially if there’s no rain on the weather forecast! Keep the soil damp until your wildflower seedlings are established. You can do this using a gentle spray of water from a hose or a sprinkler to avoid moving the seeds around. Once the wildflowers are growing well, you don’t need to water them unless you’re having a really dry spell.

After six weeks, you can let the natural weather patterns take care of the watering for you!

Tip 5: Keep weeds in check

Wildflowers are resilient against pests and diseases, but weeds sometimes try to take over. Keep an eye on your planting area and pull out any weeds that pop up before they compete with the wildflowers. And when your wildflowers are growing strong, the weeds won’t have much chance to grow again.

Tip 6: Sit back and enjoy the beauty of your new wildflower meadow

Watch as your wildflowers grow and bloom, and take some time to enjoy their beauty and positive effect on the environment. You’ll see many wildlife coming into your garden, like bees, butterflies, and birds. Don’t forget to save your wildflower seeds at the end of the season once they’ve gone to seedhead, then collect the seeds for planting for the following year.

Add colour by planting wildflower seeds

Planting wildflower seeds is an easy and eco-friendly way to add natural beauty to your surroundings. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving wildflower haven that will make your outdoor space look amazing and help protect local ecosystems. 

We have a helpful guide on how to sow wildflower seeds, which details every step.