All about Yellow Rattle

Latin Name: Rhinanthus minor

Yellow rattle is an annual plant that is a vital part of developing and establishing wildflower meadows. It has a lovely yellow flower but its benefits go far beyond this. It is a partially parasitic plant that will reduce the dominance of grass in the meadow and allow an increased diversity of wildflowers. The spaces created when the yellow rattle dies allow other wildflowers to become established. The seeds can be sown on their own or you can create your own mix of wildflowers to sow to create your own wildflower area that will enhance biodiversity and attract bees and butterflies.

Step-by-step guide to growing yellow rattle

Make sure you start with freshly harvested seed for the best results as it is short lived.

You can sow yellow rattle direct into established grass areas. Cut the grass down and remove cuttings as this will reduce the fertility of the soil in the wildflower area.  Yellow rattle thrives in lower fertility meadows and grasslands. Yellow rattle does best when sown in areas of finer grasses and may struggle to get established in more tussock grass swards. 

When to sow the seed

Yellow rattle seed should be sown in the autumn between September to November. The seed needs to experience the cold of winter before it will germinate in the spring. This is known as stratification. Seedlings are not likely to appear until March the year after sowing in the autumn.

How to sow the seed 

Scarify the soil lightly by raking to expose some bare ground. Sow the seeds evenly over the prepared areas at a rate of 0.5–1g per square metre. The contact of the seeds with the ground can be improved by treading around the area or using a roller.

Yellow rattle is semi-parasitic on some grasses so does better at establishing where some finer grass is present. For the best results a second sowing may be beneficial the following year. 

Maintenance and management

The seeds will remain in the soil over winter then in the early spring the seedlings will start to emerge.

The yellow rattle will have flowered and set seed by the end of July so the area should be cut back after this time. Any clippings are best removed to reduce the area's soil fertility.

Creating Biodiversity

Yellow rattle works well when introduced with other wildflowers as it reduces the grass competition so giving room for other wildflowers to flourish.

 Tips for success with yellow rattle

• Use fresh seed click here
• Avoid fertilisers
• Continue to manage the area by cutting down the  grass from July and re-sow yellow rattle if not firmly established.