Yellow Rattle Seed

Although yellow rattle has beautiful gold flowers in its own right, it is often introduced to flower meadows for its ability to reduce the vigour of grasses. The plant operates as a partial parasite on grasses, meaning that as well as producing energy by photosynthesizing, it will also lock its roots onto the roots of grasses and take energy from them. It is an annual species which germinates in the spring, flowers in the summer and sets seed around late August.

Establishing Yellow Rattle

After carrying out Autumn maintenance of the meadow, i.e cutting and clearing away the dried material, scarify or harrow the area to open up some bare soil for the seed. Yellow Rattle must be sown in Autumn or Winter as the seed needs to be exposed to an extended cold period before it will germinate, it requires good levels of moisture, so this is best achieved in the soil. Sow at a rate of 0.5g - 1g per square meter. Its upright growth habit make it untolerant of mowing so don't cut your flower meadow too early.

Management with Yellow Rattle

Yellow Rattle is an annual species with short-lived seed and therefore it needs a chance to set seed each year. Cutting or grazing between April and mid-July must be avoided because these actions will prevent seeding. It is important that the management of your site takes these needs into account.

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*** Fresh Native Irish Seeds From Crop 2023 available & ready for sowing this autumn***