Native Cornfield Annuals Mix - Irish Provenance Wildflower Seed

This is an annuals-only mix, meaning it has a one-year life cycle. Expect blooms from 8-10 weeks after planting (if planted in Spring) or the following Summer, if planted in Autumn. If you wish to plant a mixture with the inclusion of these species, that returns year after year, we recommend planting the Native Butterfly and Bee Mix. This is a mixture of both Cornfield Annuals AND Perennial species. The annuals will bloom in year one, while the perennials will begin to bloom for the first time in year two, returning year after year. 

All of the seed species in this mixture are from Irish Native Seed and are propagated on the island of Ireland in Co Waterford. 

Before the advent of the intensive use of herbicides and pesticides, all of the species in this mixture would have been common weeds in our fields of corn.  

This native cornfield annual with intense blue ruffled flower heads is a hardy annual and flowers from June-September. Best sown in cultivated soils receiving direct sunlight, this mix will show colour eight weeks after sowing.

This native cornfield annual mixture is an easy-to-grow alternative to summer bedding plants producing a riot of colour ranging from shades of blue and purple from cornflowers and corn cockle to corn poppies. Some species in this mixture can be purchased separately.

Mixture Specifications

• Perfect for pollinators, creating habitats and food for a wide range of bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
• Species lifecycle: annual species only
• Sowing rate: 1.5-3g per square meter
• Access to light: Requires good access to light
• Optimal sowing period: March to June or August to October
• Flowering Period: May to September
• Species included: Corn Cockle, Corn Flower, Corn Chamomile, Corn Marigold, Corn Poppy

The wildflowers included in this mixture support the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and are recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) as ‘Perfect for Pollinators’.

What is an annual species?

An annual species is a plant that completes its entire life cycle—from germination to flowering, seed production, and death—within a single growing season. Unlike perennials, which return year after year, annuals need to be replanted each year.

In the context of meadow seeds, annual species (like Cornflower, Poppy, and Corn Marigold) provide quick bursts of color but won't regrow the following year unless they reseed naturally. They are often included in seed mixes for instant impact while slower-growing perennials establish.

What is a perennial species?

A perennial species is a plant that lives for multiple years, flowering and producing seeds repeatedly after the first year. Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in one season, perennials establish deeper root systems and return year after year.

However, perennials do not typically flower in the same year they are planted. They focus on root and foliage growth in their first year, taking at least one, if not two years, to bloom. Once established, perennials such as Oxeye Daisy, Red Campion, and Meadow Buttercup provide long-term, sustainable wildflower displays. They require less maintenance over time and offer lasting benefits for pollinators and biodiversity.