Wildflowers bring colour, biodiversity, and ecological benefits to gardens, meadows, and urban spaces all across the UK. However, knowing when to plant perennial wildflower seeds is crucial for successful germination and growth. The best time to sow wildflower seeds depends on several factors, including the species of flowers, soil conditions, and local climate.
In the UK, the two main planting seasons for wildflower seeds are autumn (August to October) and spring (March to May). Each season has its advantages, depending on your goals and the type of wildflowers you wish to grow.
Sowing Wildflower Seeds in Autumn
Autumn is often considered the best time to sow, particularly for UK native wildflower seeds that thrive in a natural seasonal cycle.
Benefits of Autumn Sowing
• Natural stratification - many wildflower seeds need a period of cold weather to break dormancy and trigger germination in spring. Sowing in autumn allows this natural process to occur.
• Earlier flowering - seeds sown in autumn will germinate early in the spring, leading to a longer flowering period.
• Less competition from weeds - autumn sowing takes advantage of the natural decline in weed growth, reducing competition for young wildflowers.
• Moist soil conditions - the UK’s autumn rainfall helps keep the soil moist, providing ideal conditions for seeds to establish.
• Best for - perennial wildflowers, such as oxeye daisy, red campion, cowslip, and meadow buttercup. Hardy annuals like cornflower and poppy can also be sown in autumn for early blooms.
Sowing Wildflower Seeds in Spring
Spring sowing is also an excellent option, particularly if you missed the autumn window or prefer a quicker flowering display, as it provides good conditions for germination and establishment.
Benefits of Spring Sowing
• Longer daylight hours - seeds germinate more quickly in spring as days get longer.
• Ideal for annual wildflowers - many annual species, such as corn marigold, thrive when sown in spring and will flower the same year.
• Control over weed competition - since you can prepare the soil more thoroughly in spring, it can be easier to manage weeds before sowing.
• Best for - annual wildflowers that bloom in the same year, as well as some perennials. If you want a quick burst of colour in your garden, spring sowing is the best choice.
Factors to Consider Before Sowing Wildflower Seeds
Before planting wildflower seeds, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure the best results.
Soil preparation - remove existing grass, weeds, and vegetation to reduce competition. Avoid adding fertiliser as wildflowers thrive in low-nutrient soils. Rake the soil lightly to create a fine, crumbly surface.
Weather conditions – for autumn sowing, choose a dry day to avoid seeds washing away in heavy rain. For spring sowing, wait until the risk of frost has passed to ensure successful germination.
Choosing a wildflower seed mix - different seed mixes cater to various soil types and environments. Consider factors such as shade, sun exposure, and soil pH when selecting seeds.
Maintenance and care - water the area gently if dry conditions persist, especially in spring. For autumn sowing, monitor for frost damage and protect seedlings if necessary. Avoid mowing until the wildflowers have set seed to encourage natural reseeding.
For detailed information about establishing wildflower seeds, check out our dedicated article, Establishing a Wildflower Meadow or Garden.
Wildflower Seeds from Boston Seeds
Our 100% UK native wildflower seed mixes are the culmination of over 20 years’ experience and are trusted by both The Environment Agency and The National Trust. Designed to create nectar-rich displays for native pollinators, our mixes contain annual and perennial wildflower seed varieties (see Are Wildflower Seeds Annual or Perennial? for more on the differences between the two). For a more instant result, browse our ColourMax Annual Flower Seeds which contain a blend of native British wildflowers with species from around the world.
If you want to order on a regular basis or in large volumes, why not apply for a trade account? (all applications are reviewed within one working day). Request a catalogue to browse our entire range or, for any enquiries, contact the team by email or phone on 01205 280 069.
