How to Establish Wildflower Plug Plants

Wildflower plugs can be planted from late September through to May. Aim to plant 5 to 7 plugs per square metre and to concentrate them in a few areas if the budget does not cover the cost of planting the entire site. Make sure that you plant at least 3 of any one species in a group. Plant the plugs as soon as possible and within a few days of receipt. Make sure that they are firmly placed in the soil so that a bird or small animal could not unearth them. Our plugs are 37mm in volume. Most companies produce them only to 25mm. The cell is about 1 inch square at the top and tapers down 4 to 5 inches in length.  This gives our plugs potentially better root development.

It is important to understand that perennial plugs will take some time to establish. If planted in the spring it is unlikely they will flower in the same year. They will establish during the first growing season and then flower in the second year, returning then year after year.

Wildflower plugs are best planted between September and May.

• Delay planting if the soil is dry, hard or frozen.
• Water the plugs before planting.
• To remove the individual plug plants push them up and out using the hole in the bottom of each cell.
• Cut any grass very short and rake out any thatch.
• Make a hole in the ground as deep as the plug itself using a trowel or dibber.
• Plant around 5 plugs per square metre.
• Plant at least 3 of any one species near each other.
• Once planted keep the plants watered during their first 6 weeks. The most common losses are caused by the plugs drying out just after planting.

After planting, when necessary, mow the area of grass containing the plug plants with your mower blades set at a high setting. Ideally about 4 inches (10 cm). This prevents the grass from growing to tall and covering the young wildflower plants and will allow them enough light and warmth to build up a good leaf and root system. When they are established stop mowing and let them grow on.