Increasingly popular with homeowners, gardeners and public landscapers alike, wildflower turf is a great way to create a natural aesthetic which is low maintenance and will boost biodiversity by supporting our pollinators.
Getting the timing right when laying wildflower turf is important to give the wildflowers the best chance of rooting for successful blooms every year. While wildflower turf can be laid at any time throughout the year, as long as the ground is not frozen, there are times that are more favourable than others.
The Best Time to Lay Wildflower Turf
As wildflowers need mild temperatures and regular rainfall to root effectively, it is widely agreed that spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to lay wildflower turf here in the UK. Laying turf in these seasons should also protect the wildflowers from summer droughts and winter frosts.
Laying Wildflower Turf in the Spring
Spring is ideal if you want quicker blooms in the same year, as many varieties will flower by the summer. However, it is vital to wait until any threat of frost has passed. Laying turf between March and May allows the roots to establish quickly in warming soil, and benefit from longer daylight hours. Be aware, too, that spring-laid wildflower turf will need to be watered regularly if the weather is dry and it must not be allowed to dry out during any hot spells.
Summer Laying for Wildflower Turf
While it may seem an obvious choice, with more daylight hours and no risk of frost, laying wildflower turf in the summer brings challenges, the greatest of which is the potential lack of water. New turf needs lots of water and must not be allowed to dry out. If you have a hot summer, the turf will need much more watering and will quickly dry out and perish if watering is missed or skipped. A commitment to regular watering is vital for the establishment of the turf.
Laying Wildflower Turf in the Autumn
Autumn can be considered the best time to lay wildflower turf, as the soil still has summer warmth and there is an increase in rainfall which supports the development of strong roots. Laying turf in September or October, gives the plants time to establish strong roots over winter. Although the flowers may not appear until the following spring or summer, they will be healthier and more resilient when they do.
Winter Laying for Wildflower Turf
Providing the ground is not frozen, there is no reason not to lay wildflower turf in the winter. However, while it is resilient enough to survive a frost, it must not be laid while there is a frost. Cold soil, fewer daylight hours and the risk of frost can make it hard for roots to grow and there is a risk that they will become damaged.
Tips for Laying Wildflower Turf
• Check the weather forecast and whenever possible, avoid laying turf just before heavy rain or during a heatwave.
• Lay the turf promptly - once delivered, wildflower turf should ideally be laid as soon as possible (within 24 hours), to prevent it drying out or spoiling.
• Protect young turf – particularly in rural or exposed areas; consider netting the turf briefly to protect it from birds and pests.
The Benefits of Wildflower Turf
• Wildflower turf supports our pollinators by providing them with food
• Wildflower turf attracts wildlife, boosting biodiversity and strengthening ecosystems
• Helps to create low maintenance areas – particularly useful for public spaces
• Encourages a wide selection of flower varieties
Wildflower Turf from Boston Seeds
Our range of Wildflower Turf varieties has been developed to help support and increase biodiversity wherever it is laid. Our Landscape 34 Wildflower Turf contains over 30 hardy varieties of UK native wildflowers. Wherever you want to lay wildflower turf, whether in a shady spot or on the roof of a garden shed, we have the turf for you! Shade Tolerant Wildflower Turf has been developed to thrive in shaded areas, while our Roof Wildflower Turf will thrive in smaller spaces with reduced irrigation.
In addition to our wildflower turf, we also supply Wildflower Seeds, including a range of 100% UK Native Wildflower Seeds, Wildflower Plants, and Wildflower Bulbs.
Our expert team is always on hand to offer help and advice and can be contacted by email or phone on 01205 280 069. Alternatively, our blog contains some great wildflower advice articles covering everything from how to establish wildflowers, to when you can plant your wildflower seeds.
