Native British Annual Wildflower Seed Mixture - Grass Free

This cornfield annual wildflower mixture consists of five classic British annuals: Cornflower, Corncockle, Corn Marigold, Corn Chamomile, and Corn Poppy. It is a fast-growing, easy-to-grow mix designed to provide an immediate burst of colour to the garden and feed the pollinators. Unlike perennial meadows that take more than one season to fully establish, these species flower in their first season, offering a nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators from early summer through to the first frosts.

The mixture is highly versatile and thrives in most sunny positions. It is a great way to cheer up tired borders, filling dedicated raised beds, or even for providing bee-friendly green manure break for vegetable patches. The mix can also be used around the outside of the veg patch to encourage natural enemies. While these are annuals, they will shed seed in autumn; if the soil is disturbed you will often see a second generation emerge.

The mix is best suited to lighter soils, but will grow well on heavier soils with adequate drainage. Avoid sowing on highly fertile sites.

Sowing Instructions

• Sow in spring or autumn when the soil is beginning to warm. Spring sowings typically flower by mid-summer, while autumn sowings establish a root system over winter to flower earlier the following May.

• Prepare the site by clearing all existing vegetation. Lightly cultivate the soil to create a fine tilth.

• Scatter the seed evenly across the surface and rake in gently. Do not bury the seeds too deep; they only require a light covering of soil.

• Maintain moisture during the germination period. Once established, the plants are relatively self-sufficient, though occasional weeding may be necessary to ensure the wildflowers aren't outcompeted by aggressive grasses.

• For best results, after flowering, allow the plants senesce and shed their seeds before gently raking the surface to encourage them to germinate. 

Features on the Royal Horticultural Society's Plants for Pollinators list due to its pollen and nectar producing qualities.