Onobrychis viciifolia (Sainfoin) seeds

Very pretty native British wildflower commonly found on grasslands, roadsides and chalky downs.  A lover of free-draining, chalky or sandy soils, this wildflower is equally happy in cottage, gravel, coastal or mediterranean themed gardens.  The elegant spikes of dainty pink flowers appear from June to August and are a rich source of pollen and nectar for insects.  They are particularly loved by bees including bumblebees, honeybees and solitary bees.  Grow some in your garden and help restore our bee population!  

Hardy Perennial
Flowers: June to September
Height: 90cm
Position: Sun or partial sun in well drained soil.

Packet of 25 seeds

RHS Plants for Pollinators. 

The RHS Plants for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects. Find out more at rhs.org.uk/plantsforpollinators

GROWING GUIDE

Seeds can be sown outdoors where they are to flower during spring or autumn,  or indoors at any time.

Indoors

Sow on the surface of moist, free-draining seed compost in pots or seed trays and just cover with a very thin sprinkling of compost.  Propagate at 15 to 20 C in a propagator or on a windowsill shaded from direct sun.  Germination should begin within about 3 weeks but can sometimes be slow and erratic so patience might be needed!

When the seedlings emerge, grow them on at a slightly cooler temperature and pot them up when they have their second set of leaves into 9cm pots.

Harden the plants off by placing them outdoors during the day for 10 days before planting out after the last frosts.

Outdoors

Prepare bare soil or bare patches in grass by digging out weeds/grass and raking over.  Water well, leave for a few weeks and dig out any new weeds/grass. Scatter seeds on the surface and press lightly into soil.  Water with a fine spray/mist.  Remove any obvious weeds as they appear and keep area well watered in dry weather.

Cut down plants in autumn after they have set seed and remove any weeds. Rake over any bare patches and firm the soil.   New plants will emerge in spring.