Wildflower rich grassland

You can collect and grow wildflower seeds to create a wildlife-friendly space at home or in your community. Native wildflowers support bees, butterflies and other pollinators, and many grow well across South Lanarkshire.

You can collect seeds in late summer and autumn, then grow them in containers or sow them straight into the ground. Always collect responsibly so plants and habitats can continue to thrive.

Wildflowers you can grow

These wildflowers grow well locally:

• birdsfoot trefoil
• common knapweed
• field scabious
• harebell
• meadow cranebill
• oxeye daisy
• primrose
• red campion
• purple loosestrife
• ragged robin
• valerian
• yellow flag iris

How to collect seeds

You must not dig up wild plants without permission. This can damage habitats and may be illegal without the landowner’s consent.

Instead, collect seeds carefully:

• take only a small amount from each plant
• leave plenty for wildlife and natural spread
• follow the Wildlife and Countryside Act

Once your own plants are established, you can collect seeds from them in future.

Some seeds need a period of cold weather before they will grow, so you may need to wait before planting.

Growing your seeds

You can grow seeds in simple containers using peat‑free compost, such as:

• egg boxes
• toilet roll tubes
• cut plastic bottles or milk containers

You can make a small greenhouse by placing the top half of a bottle over the base.

As seedlings grow, place them outside during the day for about a week to help them adjust. Bring them in at night and protect them from frost. After this, you can plant them outdoors.

Sowing seeds outdoors

You can sow seeds directly into the ground between September and November.

Seeds usually begin to grow in spring, with flowers appearing the following year.