Yellow Rattle Wildflower Seed

Yellow Rattle Wildflower Seed is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family and is abundant throughout Europe and temperate Asia. It is semiparasiticon the roots of grass and found in Britain on old pasture and by the wayside. It was once used for the treatment of disorders of the eyes.

Although a small species in height (45cm), the importance of this native species shouldn’t be overlooked. Here at John Chambers Wildflowers, Yellow Rattle is included in many of our mixes.

Yellow Rattle has a semi-parasitic growth habit, latching onto grass roots, preventing the grass growing too vigorously. Yellow Rattle is an annual species and once established, is a prolific self-seeder so will spread quickly and establish well.

Latin Name

• Rhinanthus minor

Life Cycle

• Hardy-Annual

Flowering Time

• May to August

Yellow-Rattle Wildflower Seed Max Flowering Height

• 50cm

Yellow-Rattle Wildflower Seed Approx Sowing Rate

• 5.5kg/Acre

Wildflower Site Preparation

The site should be weed free. Annual weeds should be controlled by mechanical means or by the use of contact based herbicide. Perennial weeds, for example docks thistle, nettles and couch grass can be dealt with using a translocated herbicide such as Round-Up. Cultivate to achieve a fine seed bed, sow seed mix and then roll to ensure firmness. The best results are obtained when there is good contact between the soil and the seeds.

Sowing Times

Sowing can best be achieved by mixing the seed with dry sand, dry sifted topsoil or sawdust and evenly broadcast. It is important that the seed is in contact with moisture in the soil so the seedbed should be lightly raked and then rolled.