Acid Grassland Wildflower Mix

SKU: 190331

Mixture: 80/20 mix
Weight: 1kg
Price:
Sale price£49.95 ex. VAT
£59.94 inc. VAT
(minimum of 1)

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

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