Sowing wildflower seeds - too late?

pjwizon · November 2023

Is there still time to sow wildflower seeds? I have a 'mini meadow' in the garden that needs some maintenance, part of which is adding plants to bare patches. It's a perennial meadow, though I'll add some annuals to the seed mix. Clearly it's too late for biennials such as wild carrot as there's not time for them to germinate before winter sets in. Planting plugs is one option, but too time consuming and too expensive.

I live in the south east and the soil is poor, sandy and full of gravel (hence the meadow - grass doesn't grow at well in the soil).

Thanks

McRazz · November 2023

I would wait now until March.

I too live in the SE and the wet weather this autumn has been appalling. To compound this temperatures are now regularly dropping to single figures so i think you'll find any seed that is broadcast now will either rot or be eaten.

Fairygirl · November 2023

It's why broadcasting seed here isn't worthwhile @McRazz . The recent weather is fairly normal for us, although it would usually be colder. Seed just doesn't thrive or germinate when it's like that, so it's better to sow in pots or trays [earlier] and plant out in late spring/summer. In warmer drier areas, it's easier - especially with lighter soil.

I'd think it would be far too late in most places to do that now though. September/October would be the right kind of timing, especially if direct sowing, but even for sowing in a container. That would give direct sown seed time to germinate and grow a bit before winter, and potted ones would be sturdier, small plants to plant out in spring.

Sowing wildflower seeds - too late?

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