Erysimum cheiri

Sowing and care tips

Erysimum cheiri seeds germinate readily in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun to light shade. Sow in late summer to establish before winter for a spring display, or after the last frost for later flowering. In mild climates, autumn planting is suitable. Keep evenly moist until established, then water sparingly, avoiding waterlogged conditions and overly rich composts. Transplant when roots knit the plug, harden off, and plant out once the danger of hard frost has passed. Space plants to allow good air flow and maintain their compact to medium habit; avoid crowding. Light deadheading encourages further bloom. Feed lightly, if at all, and provide shelter from persistent winter wet.

• Sow late summer for spring display, or after last frost for later blooms; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible.
• Grow in full sun to light shade in well-drained, moderately fertile soil; avoid waterlogged or overly rich mixes. Transplant when roots hold the plug, plant out after hard frost risk, and space well for airflow.
• Suitable for containers; use a free-draining medium and avoid overpotting.
• Ornamental flowers suited to seasonal displays.
• Often visited by pollinators when in bloom.
• Plant parts may be harmful if ingested; site responsibly and avoid consumption.

How do I grow Erysimum cheiri from seed?

Sow Erysimum cheiri (wallflower) seeds in trays or a nursery bed of well-drained compost. For the classic spring display, sow in late summer so plants establish before winter; or start after last frost for later flowering. Indoors, sow thinly, cover lightly, and keep at cool room temperatures with good light. Prick out or pot on when seedlings have true leaves, handling by the leaves to protect the taproot. Transplant once roots hold the plug and harden off gradually. Plant out when the danger of hard frost has passed and the soil is workable.

When should I sow wallflower seeds after the last frost?

Sow outdoors after the last frost when the soil has warmed and is workable, understanding this timing usually leads to blooms later in the season. For earlier spring colour, sow in late summer and grow plants on as young rosettes over winter; in mild climates autumn planting is suitable. If starting indoors, begin 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, then harden off and transplant once weather settles and hard frosts are unlikely.

What is the best soil and sun for wallflower plants?

Wallflowers prefer full sun to light shade and thrive in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions and very rich mixes, which encourage lush, floppy growth at the expense of flowers. On heavy ground, improve drainage with grit or sharp sand and consider raised beds. In containers, use a free-draining peat-free mix with added grit. Consistent moisture is helpful in dry spells, but let the top layer dry slightly between waterings.

What spacing and planting distance do wallflowers need?

Allow generous airflow to minimise mildew. Space compact bedding types about 20–25 cm apart and medium varieties 30–40 cm apart; plant at the same depth they grew in pots. Grouping in drifts creates a fuller display while preserving gaps between plants. Avoid crowding near solid barriers where air is still, and remove weak or congested seedlings to maintain healthy spacing as they establish.

Does Erysimum cheiri come back every year?

Erysimum cheiri is typically grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial: sow one season, flower the next, with some plants persisting for another year or two. Many self-seed lightly, renewing the display if spent stems are left for seed. Deadheading prolongs the main bloom, but allow a few pods to ripen if you want volunteers. Expect peak flowering in spring to early summer; lightly shear after the flush to encourage tidier growth and possible sporadic rebloom.

How do I care for wallflowers in containers and through winter?

Choose a pot with ample drainage and a gritty, moderately fertile mix; avoid overpotting to prevent soggy compost. Position in full sun to light shade, water when the top centimetre dries, and feed sparingly during active growth. Deadhead regularly and trim lightly after flowering, avoiding hard cuts into woody stems late in the season. For overwintering, prioritise drainage, keep containers raised off cold surfaces, shelter from harsh winds, and mulch lightly without burying the crown; in very cold snaps, move pots to a bright, frost-sheltered spot. Note: all parts may be harmful if ingested; keep away from pets and children. Pollinator-friendly, scented blooms are a bonus in spring gardens.

Growing guidance on this site is intended as general information. Results can vary with microclimate, soil type, drainage, exposure, and seasonal conditions. Timing is framed by climate cues (after last frost, when soil is workable; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible). Product pages include precise, up-to-date instructions—covering depth, spacing, and sowing windows—based on the specifications provided for each item.

Wallflower Growing Notes

Erysimum cheiri seeds produce fragrant, richly coloured wallflowers suited to cool-season displays. Sow under cover when soil is workable, or direct sow after last frost; in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible for earlier spring colour. For best germination (7–21 days), provide consistent moisture, good light, and a free-draining medium. Press seed gently onto the surface and cover very lightly. Prick out seedlings at the first true leaves, grow on in bright conditions, and harden off before planting out. Choose a sunny to lightly shaded site with well-drained, moderately fertile soil, neutral to slightly alkaline. Space plants 20–30 cm apart and pinch tips to encourage branching. Water moderately, avoiding waterlogging; remove spent blooms to extend the display. Often managed as biennials for peak spring flowering, though in cooler summers they can perform as annuals; where winters are mild, established plants may overwinter and bloom again.