Pro Flora 1 - Cornfield Annuals

Cornfield Annuals A traditional range of cornfield annuals, suitable for sowing in the spring or autumn, and providing a colourful show in the first year. Suited to a range of soil types, Pro Flora 1 can be harrowed and re-sown in subsequent years, or alternatively, the grasses can be left and managed with either a 'long grass'policy or incorporated into a more regular mowing regime. Sowing Rate Flowering Height Flowering Period 5g/m2 5cm - 1.2m May - October 20% Wildflowers Common name % Species Height (cm) Colour Period Corn Cockle 50 Agrostemma githago 60-120 Purple June-August Corn Flower 25 Centaurea cyanus 30-60 Blue June-August Corn Marigold 10 Chrysanthemum segetum 15-45 Yellow June-October Corn Poppy 10 Papaver rhoeas 30-60 Red June-September Corn Chamomile 5 Anthemis arvensis 15-50 White June-July 80% Grasses Common name % Species Height (cm) Browntop Bent 5 Agrostis capillaris 10-70 Crested Dogstail 25 Cynosurus cristatus 5-75 Hard Fescue 20 Festuca trachyphylla 15-70 Sheeps Fescue 10 Festuca ovina 20-60 Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass 10 Poa pratensis - Red Fescue 30 Festuca rubra 15-90 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 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 Leave soil bare to allow germination and/or sow new seed Allow to flower and seed Leave uncut until spring In March-May if ongoing management as a wildflower meadow is not required, you can alternatively simply cut and collect clippings, continuing to manage as long grass by cutting 1-3 times per year Many grasslands and meadows are traditionally managed by grazing but 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.