Meadow Buttercup Seeds (Ranunculus acris)

These golden-yellow blooms are a quintessential feature of traditional British meadows and grasslands. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, Meadow Buttercup thrives in full sun or dappled shade and is especially valuable for supporting pollinators like bees, hoverflies, and butterflies throughout the summer months.

Key Features:

• Classic wildflower that adds rich colour and traditional character to meadows and borders
• Supports pollinators and other beneficial insects throughout spring and summer
• Hardy and perennial, these flowers returns each year with minimal upkeep once established
• Tolerant of a range of soils, including heavier clays and damp ground
• Approx. 600 seeds per 1g

Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a native UK perennial known for its glossy, golden-yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Growing up to 90 cm tall, it features finely divided leaves and upright, branching stems that sway beautifully in the breeze, ideal for naturalistic planting schemes and meadow-style gardens.

Buttercups are a vital nectar source for many insects and are particularly valuable in pollinator-rich planting. Unlike the shorter Creeping Buttercup, Meadow Buttercup forms upright clumps that integrate well into wildflower mixes and natural lawns. Once established, it returns each year and can slowly spread, adding depth and continuity to wildflower displays.

Perfect for low-maintenance gardeners looking to rewild part of their space or add diversity to pollinator-friendly plantings. Meadow Buttercup thrives in moist, fertile soils but is adaptable and can tolerate temporary summer dryness.

Sow Meadow Buttercup seeds in autumn or early spring, either directly onto prepared soil or into plug trays for later transplanting. Scatter thinly and press into the soil surface, do not cover, as light aids germination.

Seeds may germinate irregularly over several weeks, especially in colder soils. Patience is key; these native perennials establish slowly but reliably. Once plants are mature, they will flower annually from late spring and gently self-seed over time.

Ideal for mixing with other meadow species such as Oxeye Daisy, Red Clover, and Field Scabious. Cut back meadows in late summer or early autumn to maintain plant health and encourage reseeding.

For garden applications direct sow at 1g/m2. For overseeding existing meadow planting or for new sowings on larger areas sow at a maximum of 2g/m2.

Meadow Buttercup is ideal for wildflower meadows, orchards, grass verges, wildlife gardens, and damp borders. It provides a long-lasting nectar source for pollinators including solitary bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Its early-summer flowering helps bridge the gap between spring ephemerals and later-blooming meadow plants.

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Q1: When is the best time to sow Meadow Buttercup seeds?
A: Sow in autumn or early spring. Autumn sowing often produces better results due to natural cold stratification over winter.

Q2: Is Meadow Buttercup suitable for lawns or meadows?
A: Yes, it’s well-suited to low-maintenance meadows, grassy banks, and even less frequently mown lawns, especially in moist soils.

Q3: How long does it take to flower?
A: Meadow Buttercup typically flowers in its second year after sowing, though some may bloom earlier in favourable conditions.

Q4: Does it spread aggressively?
A: No, Meadow Buttercup spreads gently by seed and clump expansion, making it a manageable addition to wildflower areas.