Wallflower 'Ruby Gem' Seeds

Erysimum cheiri 'Ruby Gem' is a Hardy Biennial (H5). It follows a two-year cycle: you sow the seeds in summer, the plant builds a strong green rosette over the autumn and winter, and then bursts into fragrant bloom early the following spring.

Few plants signal the arrival of spring quite like wallflowers. They are among the first substantial nectar sources of the year, blooming from March through May. 'Ruby Gem' is a heritage variety particularly prized for its velvety texture and its ability to withstand typical British frosts with ease.

Wildlife Champion: Wallflowers are a critical resource for pollinators. They are officially listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, acting as a vital early-season nectar source for queen bumblebees as they emerge from hibernation.

Wallflowers are robust and reliable, provided they are not grown in acidic or boggy conditions.

How to Sow:
Sow outdoors in a nursery bed or in pots from May to July. Sow the seeds 5mm deep; they typically take 14–21 days to germinate. Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Plant out into their final flowering positions in September or October. They demand a spot in full sun and thrive best in slightly alkaline soil (lime or chalk). If your soil is heavy clay, add grit to improve drainage, as they will rot in soggy winter ground.

Ongoing Care:
The "Pinching" Tip: To create a bushier plant with significantly more flower spikes, "pinch" the plants when they are 10–15cm tall by nipping off the top growing tip. This forces the plant to branch out, resulting in a more spectacular display come spring.

Wallflowers are the essential backbone of the early spring garden. Pair them with these fellow spring-bloomers for the most iconic cottage garden looks :

• ❄️ Forget-me-not 'White': The snowy white carpet of Forget-me-nots acts as a luminous spotlight, making the deep ruby-red petals of the Wallflowers glow in the low spring light.
• 🦐 Cerinthe (Honeywort): If you sow Cerinthe in autumn, it will flower alongside your wallflowers. The silver-blue foliage and purple bells of Cerinthe create a moody, sophisticated "jewel box" display when mixed with 'Ruby Gem'.

Sow in summer for flowers from March to May the following year.