Brief Guide: Perennial Wildflower
Flowering Times: May - September

Additional Information:
Common Knapweed establishes best on low to medium fertility soils in open, free draining sites such as calcareous hay meadows, wasteland, poor quality or ungrazed grassland and areas which produce little competition for space. Rarely seen today on modern agricultural land due to fertiliser use and intensive grazing. The most reliable establishment is obtained from spring to early autumn sowings into a warm soil.
Common Knapweed may be introduced into grassland providing the area is well prepared. The existing grass must be topped or grazed very short then repeatedly harrowed to expose sufficient soil as to create a seedbed. The seeds should be surface sown and the area lightly rolled to consolidate the ground ensuring the seeds are in good contact with the soil. Occasional topping prevents developing seedlings from becoming smothered during establishment.