Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQ page covers a wide range of questions about our services, products, and expert advice. From selecting the right wildflower mixtures to sowing tips and guidance on how to maintain your meadow, we aim to provide all the information you need to ensure success. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, don't hesitate to contact our team for personalised support.
General and Service FAQs
I want to place an order. How do I go about doing this?
We are wholesalers and do not supply directly to the general public. However, retail companies interested in partnering with us are welcome to get in touch at ellenwild@allthingsruralltd.co.uk to discuss potential opportunities. For our existing customers, all seed orders should be emailed to seedorders@allthingsruralltd.co.uk to ensure prompt processing.
I want to know the sowing rate of certain seeds. Where can I find this information?
Sowing rates are provided for each species or mix across the website. Here are a few examples:
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100% Wildflower Seed - 1-1.5g per square metre
Wildflower Meadow Mix (eg 80% grass, 20% wildflowers) - 4g per square metre
Starting a new lawn from scratch - 50g per square metre
Overseeding a lawn - 20-30g per square metre
We are a company that want you to pack seed for us. Is this possible?
Please contact ellenwild@allthingsruralltd.co.uk along with your enquiry and we will get back to you.
Our orders are despatched by you but we now want to use our own packaging. Is this possible?
Yes, the bags are produced by you and then delivered to our warehouse. Please email ellenwild@allthingsruralltd.co.uk to discuss.
What is a Perennial?
A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years, cycling through seasons by growing and blooming in spring and summer before dying back in winter.
What is a Annual?
An annual plant completes its entire lifecycle—germinating, flowering, and dying—within a single year or growing season.
What is a Biennial?
A biennial plant completes its lifecycle over two years, though extreme weather conditions can sometimes alter this process.
What is your delivery service?
For orders placed before 12pm, we strive for next-day delivery.
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​Orders placed after 12pm may still arrive the next day but are typically delivered within two days. During busy periods, delivery times may be extended due to high demand.
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If an item is out of stock, we will notify you and advise on the updated delivery timeframe.
Which hauliers do you use?
We work with a select group of trusted delivery partners to ensure your orders are delivered efficiently, depending on their size.
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Orders up to 5Kg are sent via APC
Orders 5kg-100Kg are sent via DX
Orders above 100Kg are sent on a pallet via Whites Logistics
What should I do if my order arrives damaged?
Please send photos through to seedorders@allthingsruralltd.co.uk along with your purchase order number and we will be happy to help.
Where is the seed sourced?
The majority of our seed is sourced from reputable seed companies across Europe and the UK, undergoing rigorous testing to ensure it meets our high standards.
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Our native wildflowers are grown and harvested within the UK, with many cultivated on our own sites across the country. For those we don’t produce ourselves, we collaborate with trusted seed-producing partners and other UK-based suppliers.
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Non-native wildflower species are primarily sourced from the Netherlands.
How is your order processed?
Ordering with us is easy! Here is how your order is processed:
We can always have a play with where is best to put it together.
Grass FAQs
What is a Diploid?
A Diploid has two chromosomes per cell, resulting in less cell content relative to the cell wall material, which leads to higher dry matter. Diploids are primarily used in permanent pastures due to their high tiller rates and durability.
What is a Tetraploid?
A Tetraploid has four chromosomes per cell, resulting in more cell content relative to cell wall material and lower dry matter. As a result, Tetraploids are sweeter, more palatable, and have higher nutritional value.
When is the best time to sow grass seed?
Spring and autumn are usually the best times to sow seed but the ground needs to be kept moist either by rainfall or watering once the seeds are sown. The soil also needs to be warm with a ground temperature of 6-8°c for the seeds to germinate. This is usually when the air temperature is consistently above 10°c. If you have no preference, autumn sowing is generally favoured as the ground will have had the summers warmth, there is usually good rainfall in autumn and the weed growth is slowing down. It is also ideal to sow after rainfall and when rainfall is forecast if watering is not an option.
I want to overseed my paddock. When is the best time to do this?
Timing is crucial for successful paddock overseeding. It’s best to overseed in early to mid-spring or autumn. Avoid sowing later than mid-spring, as the existing grass will begin rapid growth and could smother the new seedlings, which won’t be able to compete. The soil should be slightly warmed, ideally between 6-8°C, with an air temperature around 10°C for optimal results.
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​Check the sowing rate, as it will be lower than when seeding from scratch. Use a seed spreader to broadcast the seed, then harrow the area again. Finally, roll the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. For the best results, sow when rain is forecast.
How do I pick the correct grass seed mix for a lawn?
Consider the location and usage of your lawn. Is it shaded, or does it receive a lot of foot traffic from children or pets? Whether you're aiming for a decorative lawn or one built to withstand heavy use, there are mixes for every need.
Visit the Amenity Lawn Mixtures page for more information.
Is the sowing rate the same if I want to create a new lawn from scratch as it is to overseed an existing lawn?
No, the sowing rate for a new lawn is higher as it needs to cover the entire area. For starting a lawn from scratch, use a rate of 50g per square meter, while overseeding an existing lawn requires 20-30g per square meter.
When is the best time to start a paddock from scratch?
Sowing is best done from March to September, with spring and autumn being ideal. Summer sowings can be affected by drought and high temperatures. Ensure the soil temperature is between 6-8°C and moist, with frost risk having passed. The best time to sow is just before light rain is forecast.
How do I sow a new lawn?
Pick a calm day for sowing so that the seeds don’t blow and land unevenly on the soil. Divide the area in to metre square sections. Measure out 50g and then split this quantity in half. Sow 25g across the metre from left to right and the other 25g from front to back. This ensures good coverage. If the area is very large, you can use a seed spreader which can be bought from a local garden centre or online. Repeat on all sections and if rain is not forecast imminently, water the area using a fine spray to ensure the seed doesn’t get moved or washed away.
I want to create a paddock from scratch. How do I do this?
We have a webpage on this subject so you can find out more information click here.
Do I need to prepare the ground before sowing a new lawn?
Yes, we have a blog on this topic. Click here to learn more about creating the perfect lawn.
I have been told to do the “Pluck Test” before letting my animals graze on my newly seeded paddock. What is this?
The new pasture is usually not ready before 6-8 weeks after sowing. Before allowing livestock on to the pasture, perform the Pluck Test to ensure the seedlings are robust enough for grazing. You can do this by using the following method.
1) Hold a new seedling between your thumb and fore finger.
2) Pull sharply. This is to mimic an animal grazing.
3) If the seedling comes up by the root, the pasture is not ready for grazing yet.
4) If the seedling breaks off and leaves the roots under ground, then it is ready.
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Ideally graze this area lightly for up to a week then remove animals for 2-3 weeks. This grazing removes the tips and encourages growth but after this initial stage, the new grass needs to rest. After a rest period, normal grazing can resume.
I have bare patches in the lawn. How do I get rid of these?
Repairing bare patches can be done in either spring or autumn but autumn is favoured. Bare patches can be repaired by raking the bare area and sowing the seed at the new lawn rate. Tread the seed in to the ground and then water the area with a fine spray. Keep the area moist to assist germination and keep off the patches for approximately 6 weeks to give the seed the chance to grow.
My new lawn is starting to grow. How soon can I use it?
It’s important to stay off the new lawn for at least 6 weeks to allow the seedlings to establish. Growth rates can vary depending on conditions, so avoid rushing its use to prevent damaging the new seedlings.
I want to improve my paddock by overseeding it. Do I need to do any ground preparation or just throw the seed down?
No, the sowing rate for a new lawn is higher as it needs to cover the entire area. For starting a lawn from scratch, use a rate of 50g per square meter, while overseeding an existing lawn requires 20-30g per square meter.
Wildflowers FAQs
What maintenance do I need to give my wildflower meadow in the first year?
To promote healthy root growth and flower establishment, mow the meadow to around 5cm after 6-8 weeks. Continue mowing every two months throughout the first summer. If the meadow includes annuals, it’s best to delay the first cut until they’ve fully bloomed, allowing you to enjoy their flowers.
I don’t know what soil type I have. How can I find out so I sow the correct wildflowers?
We have a blog on this subject so you can find out more information click here. Alternatively, you could sow a general purpose wildflower mix which is designed to establish on any soil type.
How do I pick the right wildflower mix?
Planning is crucial, and selecting the right mixture is the first step towards creating a stunning wildflower meadow or area that not only looks beautiful but also supports a thriving wildlife habitat. With so many mixtures available, it can be overwhelming, especially for beginners!
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The best place to start is by assessing the type of soil you have. While some wildflowers can thrive in a variety of conditions, others are better suited to specific soil types, such as clay, chalk, or sandy soil.
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Consider the location of your meadow as well. For example, if it's an exposed coastal site, a coastal wildflower mixture, suited to withstand wind and salt, would be ideal. If it's shaded, such as along a woodland edge, certain species that thrive in the shade may be more suitable, as sun-loving flowers might struggle. The good news is that most wildflowers thrive in poor, low-nutrient soil, so there's no need to add topsoil or fertilizer. In fact, poorer soils help prevent grasses and weeds from overtaking, allowing the wildflower seeds to establish and grow successfully.
Is it best to use an 100% wildflowers mix or wildflower meadow mix?
100% wildflower mixtures can be grown independently or added to existing grassland. However, adding wildflowers to established grassland can be challenging, as grasses are highly competitive and may smother the new seedlings. With proper preparation, it can occasionally be successful. The best time to sow is in autumn, when grass growth slows, reducing competition for the seedlings. Start by cutting the grass short and preparing the seedbed through chain harrowing or scarifying. Keeping the grass short allows the seedlings more light and a better chance to compete. Incorporating Yellow Rattle can also help, as it suppresses grasses, but it should be sown in autumn to undergo the vernalisation (cold period) needed for germination.
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Keep in mind that many wildflower species do not bloom in their first year. If you want vibrant colour in the first year, opt for a mixture that includes annuals. Cornfield annuals are an excellent choice as they establish quickly and provide beautiful blooms in a short time.
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Wildflower meadow mixtures are ideal for starting a meadow from scratch. These mixtures typically have varying ratios of grass to wildflowers, with 80% grass to 20% wildflowers being the most common. The grasses included in these mixtures are slower-growing, finer varieties, carefully selected to be less competitive than robust species like ryegrass, ensuring they complement the wildflowers rather than overpowering them.
My wildflower meadow is in its first year but nothing has flowered? Have the wildflowers failed?
Creating a wildflower meadow is a gradual process that evolves over time, offering an ever-changing display for years to come. If the mix you’ve sown contains only perennial wildflowers, it’s important to note that these won’t flower in the first year and may take 2-3 years to bloom. This is completely normal for perennials. While they take longer to establish, they will reward you with blooms year after year, unlike annuals, which grow, flower, and die within their first year.
I want to sow wildflowers but I want them to flower within the first year of sowing? What wildflowers should I sow?
For wildflowers that bloom in their first year, opt for annuals. Cornfield annuals, such as Poppy, Cornflower, Corn Marigold, Corn Chamomile, and Corn Cockle, are an excellent choice. They establish quickly, produce stunning flowers, and offer a beautiful range of vibrant colours.
Although I want wildflowers to bloom in the first year, I don’t want to be sowing wildflowers every year. How can I get wildflowers to bloom in the first year but also years to come?
The ideal solution is to sow a mix containing both annual and perennial wildflowers. This approach ensures the annuals bloom in the first year while the perennials establish in the background. Once the annuals die off after the first year, the perennials will take over and begin to flower the following year. Some annuals may even reappear, as certain species drop seeds that germinate in subsequent years.
How do I prepare the ground to sow wildflowers?
Remove all existing vegetation, including grass and weeds, by digging, spraying, or ploughing. It's crucial to eliminate persistent weeds like thistles, nettles, and docks, as they can dominate and take over the area if left unchecked.
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Once the area is cleared, dig it over or use a garden rotavator to break up large clumps of soil and remove any large stones. Rake the soil to create a fine, even seed bed, which allows wildflowers to establish their roots more easily. For larger areas, harrowing can achieve the same results efficiently.
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Digging or harrowing can sometimes bring dormant grass and weed seeds to the surface, encouraging them to germinate. To address this, leave the prepared soil for 2–4 weeks, allowing these unwanted seeds to sprout, and then remove them by digging or spraying. Tackling grasses and weeds at this stage ensures your new meadow has the best possible start, avoiding competition with young wildflower seedlings.
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Since many wildflowers thrive in low-fertility soil, avoid adding compost, topsoil, or fertilizer, as these can enrich the soil and hinder their growth.
When is the best time to sow wildflowers?
Wildflowers are best sown in spring or late summer to early autumn but can be sown at other times of the year (excluding winter) if conditions are suitable. The soil must be warm and moist to give the seeds the best chance of success. Autumn sowing is often preferred due to reduced weed competition, but late autumn sowing on heavy soils is not recommended, as seeds may rot. Certain species, like Yellow Rattle, require a period of cold (vernalization) to germinate the following year.
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Keeping the soil moist is essential until the seedlings are firmly established.
Which wildflowers are poisonous?
A key is provided next to all wildflower and ornamental flower species listed on our website, indicating which flowers are poisonous. This symbol identifies species that are toxic to humans, animals, or both. Keep an eye out for it when browsing our selection.
I really want to attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to my garden. What wildflowers are best for this?
Next to each wildflower and ornamental flower species listed on our website, you'll find a key indicating which flowers are best for attracting pollinators. For example, bee-friendly wildflowers like Field Scabious, Musk Mallow, and Self Heal are marked with specific symbols. The bee symbol indicates it attracts bees, while the flower symbol signifies it draws in beneficial pollinators. Keep an eye out for these symbols on the left.
Can I grow wildflowers in pots?
How do I sow wildflower seed?
Choose a calm day for sowing to prevent seeds from blowing away and landing unevenly. Ideally, sow after rainfall or when rain is expected, especially if watering isn’t possible. Ensure conditions are suitable and check the correct sowing rate, as wildflower-only mixes require a much lower rate than those mixed with grass.
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Sowing 100% wildflower seed at a low seed rate can be challenging. To make it easier, evenly mix the seed with coarse sand to increase its volume and ensure more even distribution.
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Scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared seed bed by hand, or use a seed spreader for larger areas.
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After sowing, tread the area or roll it (for bigger spaces) to ensure the seed has good soil contact. If rain isn’t expected, lightly water the area and keep the soil moist until the seedlings are well established.
My wildflower meadow has been sown and has started to establish. Can I just leave it now?
Ongoing maintenance is essential to the long-term success of a wildflower meadow.
Regular mowing helps encourage a diverse mix of flowers and grasses, with at least one yearly cut required (and more frequent mowing in the first year). Undesirable weeds, such as ragwort, thistle, and dock, should be removed to prevent them from taking over the meadow.
Removing cuttings is crucial to ensure seedlings get enough light. These can be composted, but later in the season, cuttings can be left in place for a few days to take advantage of seed drop. Avoid leaving them longer, as they may rot and enrich the soil, which is not ideal for wildflowers.
I have an established wildflower meadow. What yearly maintenance does it need to keep it looking great?
Established meadows can be maintained with 1-3 cuts per year to ensure a healthy balance of grasses and wildflowers:
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Spring Cut
Carried out before the end of April, this cut is ideal for managing vigorous spring grass growth. Mow the meadow to approximately 7.5cm (3”).
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Main/Summer Cut
This cut is done between late June and the end of August, reducing the meadow height to about 5cm.
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Autumn Cut
Performed between late August and the end of November, this cut is beneficial for more fertile sites. It reduces grass height and competition, allowing more light to reach the wildflowers and giving them a better chance to thrive.
What is all the fuss about Yellow Rattle?
Yellow Rattle, also known as Hay Rattle, is a key ally in creating vibrant wildflower meadows!
Affectionately called "Nature's Lawnmower," this semi-parasitic species cleverly draws nutrients and water from the roots of vigorous grasses, suppressing their growth by up to 60%. This reduction in grass competition allows a greater variety and abundance of wildflowers to thrive while maintaining an open sward.
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Yellow Rattle is an annual plant with tubular yellow flowers, serrated leaves, and a height of up to 45cm. It is best sown between August and December, as it requires a period of vernalisation (prolonged winter cold) to germinate in spring.
I have a shaded area and I want to brighten it up with wildflowers, will this work?
Woodland species are ideal for shaded areas, though some can also thrive on woodland edges where they still receive some light. It's best to choose a mixture specifically designed for shade to ensure the wildflowers can tolerate these conditions. Examples include Garlic Mustard, Lesser Celandine, Bluebell, and Herb Robert.
I want to create a flowering lawn. How do I go about doing this?
We have a blog on this subject so you can find out more information click here.
SFI FAQs
I am looking to improve the soil on my farm through SFI. What mixtures can you supply for doing this?
These are the CSSAM2/CSSAM3/SOH2/SOH3/SOH4 mixtures which can be found on a link on our SFI page here.
Can you supply SFI mixtures?
Yes we can. Please email orders through to seedorders@allthingsruralltd.co.uk.
What SFI mixtures do you have for winter bird food?
These are the CAHL2 Winter Bird Food on Arable and Horticultural Land mixtures which can be found on a link on our SFI page here.
I am looking for SFI mixtures that cover the Farmland Wildlife on Arable and Horticultural Land option. Where do I find these mixtures on your website?
These are the CAHL1 Pollen and Nectar Flower Mix options which can be found on a link on our SFI page here.
Do you do the mixtures that cover the SFI Actions for Integrated Pest Management? If so, where can I find these?
These are the CIMP2 and CIMP3 mixtures which can be found on a link on our SFI page here.