Ribwort Plantain Seeds (Plantago lanceolata)

A wildflower that thrives in a  wide range of soils and conditions. Often found in meadows, field margins, and lawns it's an essential plant for pollinators. This perennial is also known for its historical medicinal uses and soil-binding roots that help stabilise banks and improve biodiversity.

Key Features:

• Pollinator-friendly, attracting bees, hoverflies and butterflies
• Low-maintenance thriving in poor soils and exposed sites
• The ideal wildflower for meadow mixes, verges, and rewilding projects
• Its deep roots help stabilise soil and help prevent erosion and improve structure
• Approx. 1200 seeds per 1g

Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is a deep-rooted perennial wildflower that produces rosettes of narrow, lance-shaped leaves and tall, upright stems with compact brownish flower spikes. Flowering from April to October, it's an important early-season nectar source and supports a wide range of pollinating insects.

Common across the UK, Ribwort Plantain is a staple in many native seed mixes due to its adaptability and ecological benefits. Its fibrous root system makes it particularly effective at anchoring soil on slopes or disturbed ground, and it grows well even in poor or compacted soils.

Historically, the leaves were used in traditional remedies for wounds and inflammation, and though not typically grown for culinary purposes, it remains valued in herbal and wildlife-focused plantings.

Sow Ribwort Plantain directly into bare or prepared soil in spring or autumn. Lightly rake into the surface, do not bury deeply, as seeds need light to germinate. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks in suitable conditions.

Choose an open, sunny or semi-shaded location. This tough perennial tolerates dry, poor, and compacted soils, making it especially suited to meadows, lawns, and reclamation sites. Water lightly during establishment if conditions are very dry, but otherwise requires minimal care.

Once established, Ribwort Plantain will return year after year, self-seeding in suitable conditions. Mow or cut back in late summer or autumn if using in managed grassland.

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.

Ribwort Plantain is a key component in wildflower meadows, wildlife corridors, grassland restoration projects, and pollinator-friendly lawns. It supports bees, butterflies, and specialist insects, including several moth and beetle species that rely on it as a larval food plant.

Its long flowering season ensures a consistent nectar supply, and its resilience makes it suitable for difficult areas like compacted soil, footpaths, and roadside verges.

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Garden lawn seed, wildflower seeds, and wildflower seed mixtures are typically dispatched within 1 to 3 working days.

Products from our agricultural, landscaping, and equine ranges may be shipped separately as they are mixed to order.

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Q1: Is Ribwort Plantain suitable for lawns or managed meadows?
A: Yes, it's a hardy perennial that withstands mowing and is commonly used in lawn mixes and meadows with regular cuts.

Q2: Will it attract pollinators?
A: Absolutely, Ribwort Plantain provides a reliable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies from early spring into autumn.

Q3: How long does it take to germinate?
A: Germination typically occurs within 14 to 21 days in warm, moist conditions.

Q4: Does it require special soil conditions?
A: No, it’s very adaptable and grows well in a wide range of soils, including poor and compacted ground.