Description
The acid grassland wildflower mix is characterised by plants which are naturally found growing on nutrient poor soils with a low pH overlying sands and gravels. The species in the mix are particularly suited to the dry conditions which are created by the free-draining nature of these soil types. The mix is designed to mimic the ‘U’ National Vegetation Classification categories; the most widely distributed of which are U1 and U4.
Acidic grasslands, such as U1 and U4, can provide both feeding and breeding habitats for birds and insects, particularly when managed as part of a habitat mosaic interspersed with areas of heathland.
*Please Note: The contents of our wildflower mixtures will vary according to seed and species availability.
Product Summary
| Type of Mix | Main flowering period | Sowing Rate | Bag Weight | Bag Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% wildflower & 80% grass | June - September | 5 g/m2 | 1 kg | 200 m2 |
| 100% wildflower | June - September | 2 g/m2 | 0.25 kg | 125 m2 |
Mixture
Wildflowers
| Scientific Name | Common Name | 80/20 mix | 100% mix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achillea millefolium | Yarrow | 1.4% | 7% |
| Campanula rotundifolia | Harebell | 0.1% | 1% |
| Centaurea nigra | Common knapweed | 2.4% | 12% |
| Galium saxatile | Heath bedstraw | 0.1% | 1% |
| Galium verum | Lady's bedstraw | 2.2% | 11% |
| Hieracium pilosella | Mouseear hawkweed | 0.2% | 1% |
| Hypochaeris radicata | Common cat's ear | 0.8% | 4% |
| Lotus corniculatus | Birdfoots trefoil | 2.2% | 11% |
| Onobrychis vicifolia | Sainfoin | 1.0% | 5% |
| Potentilla erecta | Tormentilla | 0.2% | 1% |
| Prunella vulgaris | Selfheal | 2.8% | 14% |
| Ranunculous acris | Meadow buttercup | 2.4% | 12% |
| Rumex acetosella | Sheep's sorrel | 1.8% | 9% |
| Stachys officinalis | Betony | 1.2% | 6% |
| Succisa pratensis | Devil's-bit scabious | 1.0% | 5% |
| Teucrium scorodonia | Wood sage | 0.2% | 1% |
Grasses
| Scientific Name | Common Name | 80/20 mix |
|---|---|---|
| Agrostis capillaris | Common bent | 4% |
| Anthoxanthum odoratum | Sweet vernal grass | 4% |
| Cynosaurus cristatus | Crested dogstail | 32% |
| Deschampsia flexuosa | Wavy hair-grass | 2% |
| Festuca ovina | Sheep's fescue | 38% |
Application Recommendations
Where to use
The acid grassland wildflower mix can be sown on any free-draining, nutrient poor acidic soils.
| Soil pH | Soil Types | Soil Fertility | Topography | Soil moisture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <5.5 | Sandy Sandy Loam Loam |
Low nutrient | Lowland Upland |
Well drained |
When to use
In general, the best time for sowing perennial wildflower seeds is late summer-autumn (late August-October) when there is likely to be consistent moisture and warmth without extremes of cold or dry. Spring (late March-May) is usually considered the next best time to sow perennial wildflower seed, particularly if the ground is likely to be waterlogged over the winter.
| Application Window | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
How to use
| Prepare the ground | |
|---|---|
| New Seed Bed | Overseeding |
| Remove unwanted vegetation Cultivate the soil to a depth of 150 mm removing the stones and debris Level, then firm the seedbed Rake the surface to product a fine tilth |
Cut the grass short as possible and remove the clippings Remove excess thatch to allow the seed to reach the soil surface If compacted, aerate the soil |
| Provide water | |
| If there has been little rainfall irrigate gently and slowly to fully wet through the soil profile | |
| Sow seed | |
| Sow seeds evenly using the correct sowing rate for the seed mix Because sowing rates for wildflower seed are low, it is usually helpful to mix the seed with a carrier material such as slightly damp sand Press the seeds into the soil using a roller or the back of a rake to ensure good seed to soil contact |
|
| Provide water | |
| Keep the soil surface moist but not wet until the seeds have germinated AND established Irrigate slowly and gently to avoid disturbing the seeds |
|
Management & aftercare
Acid grasslands are traditionally managed by grazing, however; where this is not possible a mowing regime can be introduced.
Livestock grazing
Grazing with livestock is an effective method of managing wildflower meadows and grasslands because it creates uneven growth and distribution of species which leads to habitat niches. Grazing is also a good option in areas where it is difficult to utilise machinery, perhaps because it is too wet or because the ground is too rough.
| Suggested grazing regime | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Graze if ground conditions allow | Remove livestock to allow the plants to flower | Graze with between 0.4-1 LU/ha | |||||||||
Mowing
Mowing and removing the clippings can be used to replicate the process of hay cutting and grazing. It is important to remove clippings to avoid nutrients being returned to the soil. Soils for wildflowers are usually low in nutrients to encourage species diversity.
| Suggested mowing regime | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Leave uncut unless growth is vigorous | Cut and collect clippings | Allow to flower and seed | Cut and collect clippings | Leave uncut unless growth is vigorous | |||||||
For further information regarding the Acid Grassland Wildflower mix or to discuss placing a bulk order, please contact our technical sales team on 01952 897917.
Find more information in our guide How To Create and Maintain Wildflower and Ornamental Flowering Meadows