*Use code SWSWILD10 for 10% off any of our Wildflower Seed Mixtures.
As summer begins to dwindle and the evenings start to cool, it may seem like the growing season is ending. But if you're looking to grow a stunning wildflower display next spring, now is actually the perfect time to sow your wildflower seeds.
Whether you're an experienced wildflower grower or just starting out, here's why late summer to early autumn is the ideal window to get those wildflowers in the ground.
Most flowers naturally go to seed in late summer to early autumn. By sowing your seeds now, you are working with nature, allowing the seeds to lie dormant through the winter and germinate in the Spring. The winter period also gives your seeds a natural stratification (a period of cold), helping to break dormancy and increase germination rates in most wildflower seeds.
By sowing seeds now, you avoid the growing period of many fast-growing weeds. This gives your wildflowers a better shot at establishing themselves without getting smothered. Additionally, any weed seeds that do germinate now are more easily managed in the cooler weather.
With the return of cooler temperatures often comes increased rainfall. This natural moisture helps wildflower seeds settle into the soil and begin the first stages of germination. Also, you will need to do far less watering than you would if sowing in spring or summer.
Sowing wildflower seeds now means they’ll be ready to sprout as soon as the soil warms in spring. This can give you earlier blooms and stronger, more established plants compared to seeds sown in spring.
Early blooms are a lifeline for pollinators like Bumblebees who are active much earlier and fly in much cooler temperatures than many other insects. By sowing now, you’re helping to ensure your garden provides nectar and habitat right when they need it most.
Choose the right mix: Select a seed mix appropriate for your soil. We would advise you avoid planting in heavy clay soils or areas that are prone to flooding, as the water retention through the winter will most likely over saturate the seeds. Try our Bee's Knees Mix specially designed for pollinators, or our Value Wildflower Seed Mix which will thrive in a wide range of soils types.
Not sure what your soil type is? Test your soil using one of our Basic Soil Tests
Prepare your soil: It is essential to prepare the site thoroughly, make sure to remove any existing weeds, rake the soil to create a fine tilth, and firm it down before sowing. For our full Wildflower Growing Guide, click here.
Be patient: Many wildflowers won’t show signs of life until next spring—but don’t worry, nature is quietly doing its work.
While it might feel counterintuitive to plant just as the growing season is ending, sowing wildflower seeds in late summer or early autumn sets the stage for a stunning and pollinator-friendly display next year. So grab your seed mix, find a sunny patch of soil, and let nature take it from there. Your future self—and the bees—will thank you.
Explore our full range of Wildflower Seed Mixtures on our website.
*Use code SWSWILD10 for 10% off any of our Wildflower Seed Mixtures.
*This offer is valid from 12th August until 11:59 PM on 30th September 2025. The offer includes 10% off wildflower seed only and must be redeemed by entering the promo code at checkout. It cannot be combined with other promotions, is non-transferable, non-refundable, and not redeemable for cash. Exclusions may apply. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the offer at any time without notice. Use of the offer constitutes acceptance of these terms, which are governed by the laws of UK. For questions, contact us at www.swseeds.co.uk
