LWT Factsheets

Choosing the right species

Poor soils are best
Rich soils encourage vigorous grasses

The soil will determine whether your meadow is going to be successful and the types of wildflower seed needed. Some soils are naturally too rich to bother with.

Don't despair if the soil is too fertile, you could create a cornfield flower patch instead. Simply sow a mixture of cornfield annuals (such as poppies, cornflowers, corncockles and corn marigolds) over bare soil for a colourful display. After the flowers have set seed, rake over the soil so that there is open ground for them to grow in next year.

Remember ...

• When seeding an area with grass, do not use rye-grass or other vigorous types. A mixture of bent and fescue grasses often works best. You may need advice to work out exactly what you need.
   
• When choosing the wildflowers for your meadow, try to copy what would normally grow in your area.
   
• There are a growing number of suppliers specialising in wildflowers, from which you can choose your mix.
   

Important

Always use local seed and plants to reflect what naturally grows in your area. Never use imported seed or plants grown from unreliable sources. Check before buying.

Examples of some wildflowers and their requirements

Wildflower Soil type     Wildflower Soil type Ox-eye daisy A   Field scabious D Yarrow A   Cowslip B Bugle A   Wild carrot B Selfheal A   Yellow rettle A Salad burnet B   Meadow buttercup A Meadow cranesbill B   Black knapweed D Goat's beard A   Agrimony A Lady's bedstraw D   Betony A Cuckooflower A   Birds-foot trefoil A Devil's bit scabious C   Perforate St Johns wort A

KEY A – does well on most soils B – prefers limey less fertile soils C – tolerates both acid and limey soils D – prefers well drained soils

Creating a Wildflower Meadow
	Converting an existing grassy area into a meadow
	Creating a wildflower meadow from scratch
	Aftercare
	Choosing the right species

Looking after a Wildflower Meadow
	Cutting/mowing
	Grazing
	Choosing between cutting and grazing