Wallflowers, known for their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance, are a delightful addition to any garden. These versatile flowers bloom in early spring, adding a splash of color to borders and beds. In this article, we will explore how to grow wallflowers, their planting requirements, care tips, and how to ensure a successful bloom season. Wallflowers are relatively easy to grow, but following some basic steps will help you achieve the best results.
What Are Wallflowers?
Wallflowers (Erysimum) are part of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes plants like cabbage and mustard. These flowers are often biennials, meaning they grow foliage in their first year and bloom in their second. However, there are also perennial varieties that can bloom year after year. Wallflowers are known for their bright, cheerful flowers that range in color from yellow and orange to purple and red.
Common Varieties of Wallflowers
Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’: A popular perennial variety that produces mauve-colored flowers.
Erysimum ‘Apricot Twist’: Known for its stunning apricot and orange blooms.
Erysimum ‘Winter Sorbet’: Offers a mix of yellow and purple flowers, perfect for cooler months.
Preparing to Grow Wallflowers
Choosing the Right Location
Wallflowers thrive in full sun, so it’s essential to choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They can also tolerate partial shade, but full sun will ensure the best blooms. Wallflowers prefer well-drained soil, as they do not do well in overly wet conditions.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
Soil Preparation
Before planting your wallflowers, prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve the soil’s fertility and drainage, ensuring that your plants have the nutrients they need to thrive.
Step 1: Clear the area of weeds and debris.
Step 2: Dig the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches.
Step 3: Mix in organic compost or manure to enrich the soil.
See also: How to Grow Lotus Flowers: A Comprehensive Guide
When to Plant Wallflowers
The best time to plant wallflowers depends on whether you are growing them from seeds or buying young plants from a nursery.
For seeds: Sow wallflower seeds in late spring or early summer (May to June) to ensure they are well established by winter. They will bloom the following spring.
For young plants: Transplant nursery-grown wallflowers into your garden in early autumn (September to October) for blooms in the spring.
Growing Wallflowers from Seed
How to Sow Wallflower Seeds
Growing wallflowers from seed is cost-effective and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Fill seed trays with seed compost and water them thoroughly.
Step 2: Scatter the wallflower seeds thinly over the surface of the compost.
Step 3: Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite.
Step 4: Place the trays in a warm, well-lit area, such as a greenhouse or sunny windowsill.
Step 5: Keep the compost moist, but not waterlogged. Germination should occur within 1-2 weeks.
Transplanting Wallflower Seedlings
Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Step 1: Harden off the seedlings by placing them outside for a few hours each day for about a week.
Step 2: Transplant them into your prepared garden bed, spacing them about 6-9 inches apart.
Caring for Wallflowers
Watering
Wallflowers prefer moderate watering. While they are somewhat drought-tolerant once established, they will need regular watering when they are young or during extended dry periods.
Watering frequency: Water wallflowers once or twice a week during dry weather.
Avoid overwatering: Be careful not to overwater, as wallflowers do not like soggy soil.
Feeding and Fertilizing
Wallflowers are not heavy feeders, but a little fertilizer can encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, particularly when the plants start to bloom.
Fertilizer type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or an organic option like compost.
When to fertilize: Once in the spring and again in mid-summer.
Deadheading and Pruning
Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers to encourage more blooms. By regularly deadheading wallflowers, you can extend their blooming period and keep the plants looking tidy.
How to deadhead: Pinch or cut off the faded flowers just above the next set of leaves.
Pruning perennial varieties: For perennial wallflowers, prune them back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Mulching
Mulching around the base of your wallflowers can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like compost, straw, or bark chips are ideal. Apply a 2-3 inch layer around the plants, making sure not to pile the mulch directly against the stems.
Pests and Diseases
Wallflowers are generally hardy, but they can still fall victim to a few pests and diseases.
Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by encouraging natural predators like ladybugs.
Clubroot: A fungal disease that affects brassicas, including wallflowers. Prevent it by rotating your crops and avoiding waterlogged soil.
Rust: A fungal disease that causes orange-brown spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and apply a fungicide if necessary.
Overwintering Wallflowers
If you live in a region with cold winters, protecting your wallflowers during the colder months is essential to ensure they bloom the following spring.
Step 1: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of your wallflowers in late autumn to insulate the roots.
Step 2: If you expect very cold temperatures, consider covering the plants with horticultural fleece to protect them from frost.
Step 3: Water the plants sparingly during winter, as they will be in a dormant state and won’t require much moisture.
Encouraging Blooming
Wallflowers are naturally early bloomers, but there are a few things you can do to ensure a spectacular display of flowers.
Cold exposure: Wallflowers need a period of cold weather (vernalization) to trigger flowering. Planting them in autumn allows them to experience the winter cold, which is necessary for spring blooming.
Regular feeding: Feeding the plants with a balanced fertilizer in early spring can encourage a fuller bloom.
Conclusion
Growing wallflowers is a rewarding experience, thanks to their vibrant colors, pleasant fragrance, and relatively low-maintenance nature. By selecting the right location, providing well-drained soil, and following basic care practices like watering, deadheading, and protecting them in winter, you can enjoy a stunning display of wallflowers in your garden year after year. Whether you are growing them from seed or planting young plants from a nursery, wallflowers are sure to bring beauty and life to any garden space.
