Wild Flower Mixture Cultural Information

For Mixtures 
TWF001 to TWF013
&
TWF020  to TWF023 (Harvested mixtures sow at 2g/m2)

It is important that the correct mixture is selected for the soil type of each site.

A weed-free tilth is required for healthy germination. Subsoil's often provide weed free areas of low nutrient and are suitable for planting wild flower mixtures. All docks, thistles, nettles and weed grasses need to be removed by hand or suitable means.

Cultivate the site and allow it to remain fallow if possible. Treat with a suitable weed control or remove topsoil. Cultivate to 10cm in depth. Create a weed free tilth.

Sowing
Sowing can take place throughout most of the year, providing a good seed bed can be prepared. The months of March/April and August/September are generally the most suitable.
Keep the seed well mixed to ensure even distribution of species.
Drill/Broadcast the seed at a rate of 5g/m2
Lightly Rake or harrow the surface of the seed bed to mix the seed with the soil to a depth of approx 0.5cm.
Firm the seed bed, if available use a Cambridge roller.

Maintenance First Year.
Control weeds and reduce the competition from grasses. Cut the sward to a height of 5cm every 2 months or when the sward reaches 15cm remove all cuttings . Spot weeding may be required for persistent weeds. Final cut September/October.

Continued Maintenance.
The sward should be well established after the first 12 months. Cut to 7.5cm during March/April and remove cuttings. Second cut at the end of the flowering season August/October, the flowering period may alter according to climatic conditions, remove cuttings. The site may require further cuts in the autumn to remove untidy growth due to an extended growing season.

Cornfield Annuals.
Make the first cut in early March and a second cut once the flowering period is over September/October.

Remember always remove the cuttings.
Harrow autumn or spring to regenerate annuals.