The supporting data behind Sparkler and Bamford

As drilling moves through autumn, variety requirements change. Bamford provides an established option from the earlier part of the drilling window, while Sparkler adds flexibility as drilling moves later. The data below supports how the two varieties can complement each other through the season. 

Sparkler: strong across situations

AHDB Recommended List data shows Sparkler performing strongly across:

First cereal

Second cereal

Late sowing after 1 November

Light soils

Heavy soils

Its late-sown yield is particularly strong, while performance remains competitive across the other situations shown. Sparkler Great Till Late Suppor…

Source: AHDB Winter Wheat Recommended List 2026–27

Consistent regional performance

Sparkler sits within the top five for fungicide-treated yield in the East, West and North in the current AHDB data. Sparkler Great Till Late Suppor… Sparkler Great Till Late Suppor… Sparkler Great Till Late Suppor…

Source: AHDB Winter Wheat Recommended List 2026–27

Why Sparkler fits later drilling

Elsoms Wheat Trials 2024–2026 show Sparkler with the highest tiller number of the varieties compared, at approximately 4.1 tillers per plant. Sparkler Great Till Late Suppor…

Combined with its prostrate winter growth habit and moderate development, that high tillering capacity supports its fit as drilling moves later.

Source: Elsoms Wheat Trials 2024–2026

Bamford: established performance

Bamford has delivered consistently high yield from 2021 to 2025 in AHDB Recommended List data, remaining above 103% of controls in each year shown. Sparkler Great Till Late Suppor…

Several seasons of trial and on-farm experience now sit behind that performance, making Bamford a familiar option for growers later in the autumn seed-buying period.

Source: AHDB Winter Wheat Recommended List 2026–27

Source: Elsoms Wheat Development Trials and AHDB Winter Wheat Recommended List 2026–27

Together, those differences can help spread drilling, crop management and harvest workload. Sparkler Great Till Late Suppor…

Covering more of the autumn drilling window

Bamford brings an established track record and earlier development.

Sparkler extends the options later into autumn, supported by strong late-sown performance and high tillering capacity.

Together, they provide two distinct options across a wider part of the autumn drilling window.