Want to add a splash of colour to your garden, support pollinators, and have a bit of messy fun along the way? Say hello to wildflower seed bombs - little bundles of blooming potential that you can make at home and scatter wherever you'd like to see nature flourish.
They’re simple, joyful, and great for getting kids (and grown-ups!) involved in some spontaneous gardening. Whether you’ve got a corner of your garden that needs livening up, or you fancy sprinkling a little wild beauty in forgotten spaces, seed bombs are the way to go.
What is a Seed Bomb?
A seed bomb is a small ball made of clay, compost, and seeds. It’s designed to protect and nourish the seeds until they’re ready to sprout. You can scatter them onto bare soil, and when the conditions are right - hello, rain! - they’ll start to grow.
They’re especially brilliant for wildflowers because these hardy plants don’t need pampering. They love poor soil and sunshine, and they provide a feast for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. However, they can be a bit tricky to get started straight out of the packet! So we find seed bombs are the best way to success.
Wildflower Seed Bomb Ingredients
This is what you’ll need to make approx 6-8 seed bombs:
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A teaspoon or two of wildflower seeds (native varieties work best)
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A mug full of compost
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A good pinch of powdered clay, otherwise known as Fuller's Earth (you can use all-purpose flour if you’re unable to get hold of clay)
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A pinch of chilli powder (this helps deter animals from eating the seeds before they get a chance to grow and bloom)
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A splash of water
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A bowl for mixing
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A tray or board for drying
Optional: Gloves, if you don’t want to get mucky fingers!
Important: Chilli powder can irritate eyes and skin, so wash your hands thoroughly after handling. And definitely don’t rub your eyes!
How To Make Wildflower Seed Bombs
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Mix the dry ingredients
In a bowl, combine your seeds, compost, clay powder and chilli powder. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed. -
Add water slowly
Add just enough water to bring the mix together. You want a dough-like consistency - not too wet, not too crumbly. You need to able to roll the mixture. If it’s too dry, add more water. Too wet, add more compost. -
Roll into little balls
Take a small handful and roll it between your palms to make a ball about the size of a walnut. -
Let them dry
Place your seed bombs on a tray or board and leave them somewhere warm and dry for 24 - 48 hours. Once they’re firm and dry to the touch, they’re ready to go!
If you’re not ready to use them for a while, pop them in the airing cupboard or somewhere dark and dry until needed.
How (and Where) to Use Seed Bombs
You can scatter your seed bombs in:
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Your own garden
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Bare patches in community spaces (with permission!)
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Window boxes and pots
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Wild corners of an allotment
Toss them onto soil where they’ll get some sun and rain. Nature will take it from there! The best time to throw them is spring or autumn, depending on the types of seeds you use.
Top Tip: Check your seed mix for native species that support local wildlife. Think cornflowers, poppies, yarrow, oxeye daisies, and red clover.
Seed Bomb Safety & Kindness
While it’s tempting to scatter these little beauties far and wide, always be mindful of where you’re sowing. Avoid protected areas, nature reserves, or private land unless you’ve got the go-ahead. We want to help nature, not accidentally disrupt it!
And if you’re making these with children, it’s a great chance to chat about local wildlife and why it’s so important to support pollinators.
Why We Love Wildflowers (and Why They Love Seed Bombs)
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They’re brilliant for bees and butterflies
Wildflowers are nectar-rich and often bloom over long periods. -
They’re low-maintenance
Once they’re up, they need little care - perfect for sunny, less-fussy spots. -
They’re a burst of beauty
From bright poppies to soft cornflowers, wildflowers bring colour and joy wherever they grow. -
They’re good for the soil
Many wildflowers help improve soil health and encourage other beneficial plants to grow.
Making wildflower seed bombs are always popular at our sessions and pop-up events with The Gardeners Co. There’s something magical about making a little parcel of flower power potential, ready to be planted where and when the occasion arises. They’re fun to make and magical to watch bursting into life, so it’s a win-win in our books.
So roll up those sleeves, get a bit muddy and bring a little more wild beauty into the world! Got some blooming beautiful results you want to show us? We’d love to see them at @thegardenerscocic.