Description
The calcareous grassland wildflower mix is characterised by plants which are naturally found growing on shallow, soils with a high pH. 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 ‘CG’ National Vegetation Classification categories; the most widely distributed of which are CG2 and CG3.
Calcareous grasslands, such as CG2 and CG3, can provide both feeding and breeding habitats for birds and insects, particularly when managed as part of a mosaic of habitat types.
*Please Note: The contents of our wildflower mixtures will vary according to seed and species availability.
Product Summary
| Type of Mix | Sowing Rate | Bag Weight | Bag Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% grass & 20% wildflower | 5 g/m2 | 1 kg | 200 m2 |
Mixture
Wildflowers
| Scientific Name | Common Name | 80/20 mix | 100% mix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achillea millefolium | Yarrow | 1.0% | 5% |
| Centaurea nigra | Common knapweed | 1.4% | 7% |
| Centaurea scabiosa | Greater knapweed | 1.4% | 7% |
| Clinopodium vulgare | Wild basil | 0.2% | 1% |
| Daucus carota | Wild carrot | 1.2% | 6% |
| Filipendula vulgaris | Dropwort | 0.4% | 2% |
| Galium verum | Lady's bedstraw | 1.6% | 8% |
| Knautia arvensis | Field scabious | 1.8% | 9% |
| Leontodon hispidus | Rough hawkbit | 0.4% | 2% |
| Leucanthemum vulgare | Oxeye daisy | 1.2% | 6% |
| Lotus corniculatus | Birdsfoot trefoil | 1.2% | 6% |
| Origanum vulgare | Wild marjoram | 0.2% | 1% |
| Plantago media | Hoary plantain | 1.2% | 6% |
| Poterium sanguisorba | Salad burnet | 1.0% | 5% |
| Primula veris | Cowslip | 0.2% | 1% |
| Prunella vulgaris | Selfheal | 1.6% | 8% |
| Ranunculous bulbosus | Bulbous buttercup | 1.4% | 7% |
| Ranunculous acris | Meadow buttercup | 1.2% | 7% |
| Reseda lutea | Wild mignonette | 0.2% | 1% |
| Salvia verbenaca | Wild clary | 0.6% | 3% |
| Scabiosa columbaria | Small scabious | 0.6% | 3% |
Grasses
| Scientific Name | Common Name | 80/20 mix |
|---|---|---|
| Agrostis capillaris | Common bent | 3% |
| Cynosaurus cristatus | Crested dogstail | 22% |
| Koeleria macrantha | Crested hair-grass | 2% |
| Briza maxima | Quaking grass | 2% |
| Festuca ovina | Sheep's fescue | 24% |
| Festuca rubra | Slender creeping red fescue | 16% |
| Phleum pratense | Timothy | 3% |
| Bromus erectus | Upright brome | 4% |
| Trisetum flavescens | Yellow oat grass | 3% |
Application Recommendations
Where to use
Sow the calcareous grassland wildflower mix onto soils which are low in nutrients and have a high pH. Typical soils types are calcareous, chalky and limestone.
| Soil pH | Soil Types | Soil Fertility | Topography | Soil moisture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| >7 | Calcareous Chalky |
Low nutrient | Upland Lowland |
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
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 Calcareous 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