Wallflower Growing Guide

Erysimum cheiri (formerly Cheiranthus cheiri), Erysimum hybrids

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile yet sharply drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

Position

Full sun to part afternoon shade in hot summer areas.

Frost tolerant

Yes. Wallflowers survive winter temperatures to -15°C (5°F), and grow as short-lived perennials in mild winter climates.

Feeding

Drench with a liquid organic fertiliser when plants show vigorous new growth in spring.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start seeds in late winter indoors or in spring direct sow the seeds where you want the plants to grow. Wallflowers that become established in late summer bloom very heavily the following spring. Plants that persist as perennials, including the shrubby ‘Winter’ series, can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings taken in early spring. Where summers are hot, wait until late summer or early autumn to sow wallflower seeds, and grow the plants as winter annuals.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Wallflower varieties vary in colour, size, fragrance and growth habit. Most wallflowers bloom yellow, orange or red, but ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ (Erysimum x linifolium) produces upright spikes of pink flowers over a long period. In the garden, wallflowers perform well with tulips and forget-me-nots.

Harvesting

Enjoy the fragrance of wallflowers by using them as cut flowers. The plants will reseed successfully if you allow some stems to hold seed pods until they turn brown. With encouragement, wallflower will reseed for many years, often appearing in crevices or even walls.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Wallflower

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail