Erysimum, commonly known as wallflowers, are colorful flowering plants that brighten up gardens year after year.
As an avid gardener, I’ve found them easy to grow and care for when following the right steps.
How to Grow and Care for Erysimum
Selecting the Right Varieties
The first step is choosing varieties that will thrive in your garden.
Some of my personal favorites are the deep crimson ‘Erysimum Vulcan’, the toffee-apple orange ‘Fire King’, and the striking ‘Blood Red’.
With their wonderful scent, beautiful hues, and sturdy stems, these are sure to be showstoppers.
Setting Up for Success
Wallflowers aren’t too fussy, but they do need the right conditions to flourish.
Find a sunny spot with well-draining soil – I prefer adding compost to create a loamy, slightly alkaline mix.
Avoid areas that stay wet, as wallflowers despise soggy roots.
Starting from Seed
For an endless supply, I always sow a new batch of wallflower seeds each year.
In early June, I scatter the seeds about 3mm deep, either in seed trays or directly in a garden bed.
Once sprouted, I pot them up into deep, 1-liter containers until they’re ready for the ground.
Planting Out
This is a crucial step that sets them up for success.
By late August, the soil is still warm but the nights are cooling off – perfect for getting them established before winter.
I’m vigilant about planting by month’s end and mulching thickly to retain moisture and foil weeds.
Ongoing Care
Come mid-April, it’s all about keeping those flowers coming!
I meticulously deadhead spent blooms to prevent them from setting seed.
With regular pruning and a little TLC, these gems will reward you with an exceptionally long flowering season.
Where to Buy
Can’t find your desired varieties locally?
Don’t fret – specialty nurseries and online retailers offer a fantastic selection of wallflower seeds and plants.
I’ve had great luck ordering from plant world seeds.
Final Thoughts
Whether planted in containers, borders or flower beds, wallflowers are a must-grow for any garden lover seeking gorgeous, fragrant blooms.
With a little know-how, you’ll be enjoying these living bouquets year after year.