Wallflower
Often grown as an annual, wallflowers range in size from low ground covers to small bushes.
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N/A |
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Cherianthus |
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Easy |
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Intermediate |
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3 years if properly stored |
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Biennial |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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Needs light to germinate Full sun |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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No |
Growing Tips
When to Start
Start indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. (Mid-Feb – Mid-Mar for Jefferson, GA)
Transplant: After the danger of frost has passed and after hardening off. (May 1 for Jefferson, GA)
Direct Sow: After the danger of frost has passed. (May 1 for Jefferson, GA)
How to Start
Wallflower seeds need light to grow. Surface sow by filling cells or pots with pre-moistened seed starting mix. Then gently press the seeds into the seed starting mix. After sowing, place the cells or pots under grow lights. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and let the seedlings grow for 6-8 weeks. Pot up as needed. Harden off then transplant the seedlings.
Care
Wallflower thrives in full sun. Plant it in well-draining soil in full sun. They may need to be covered with netting about 8 inches above the plant or staked to keep the plants upright. They don’t like wet feet, so check the soil moisture before watering. If it’s dry an inch down, it’s time to water. Water slowly and deeply. Soaker hoses are best at this. Once the plant is established is is drought-tolerant. Dead-head plant to encourage more blossoms until you are ready for them to go to seed.
Seed Saving
Isolation Distance
Insect dependent for pollination. Isolate 1/2 mile to prevent cross-pollination.
Instructions
Select healthy, robust plants free of any signs of disease or insect infestation for seeds. Seeds carry the traits of the parent plant. Choose plants that exhibit the traits you wish to preserve. Consider bloom size, color, and shape, as well as blooming time.
Allow the biggest and healthiest blooms to mature on the plant. Cover the seed head with a fine-mesh bag as soon as the flower petals shrivel and die. Use an elastic band to hold the bag in place. This prevents seeds from spilling onto the soil before harvest.
Clip the flower head from the main stem once the seeds are dry and dark. Separate plant debris from the seeds by removing the mesh bag and placing the flower head in a paper bag and shaking to loosen the seeds. Seeds settle to the bottom of the bag. Remove plant debris by hand.
Features
- Attracts pollinators
- Container friendly
- Drought tolerant