Wallflower 'Ruby Gem' Seeds

If 'Cloth of Gold' is the sunshine, 'Ruby Gem' is the wine. This spectacular heritage variety produces dense flower spikes in a deep, glowing shade of ruby-red to velvety crimson. The petals have a unique, satin-like texture that seems to absorb the light, giving the flower heads a rich, heavy appearance.

Like all traditional wallflowers, the scent is incredible. On a sunny spring day, 'Ruby Gem' releases a warm, spicy clove fragrance that wafts through the garden. It is the perfect plant for adding depth and drama to your spring bedding displays.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Ruby Gem'

We love this plant for its warmth. Spring gardens can often be dominated by cool yellows and blues; this deep red adds a necessary "base note" of warmth. It looks absolutely magnificent when backlit by the low spring sun.

It is also a crucial early nectar source. Bumblebees emerging from hibernation are drawn to the rich colour and high nectar content, making this a vital station for pollinators in March, April, and May.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Biennial?

Wallflowers are classic Biennials.

They operate on a two-year schedule.
The Routine: Sow seeds in late spring/summer. They grow into leafy bushes by autumn. You plant them in their final flowering position in October (often alongside tulips). They survive the winter and bloom the following spring.
Top Tip: Pinch them! When the young plants are about 10-15cm tall in late summer, pinch out the central growing tip. This forces the plant to branch out, creating a bushy shape with many more flower spikes.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Wallflowers are best raised in a "nursery bed" outdoors before moving to their final spot.

🌱 Germination:
Sow outdoors from May to July. Scatter seeds thinly into a prepared seedbed or pots outdoors. Cover very lightly (5mm deep). Keep moist. Germination is reliable and takes 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
They thrive in full sun. They prefer soil that is slightly alkaline (they love lime/chalk) and well-drained. They hate acidic, boggy conditions.

Care While Growing:
The Autumn Move: In October, dig up your young wallflower plants from their nursery bed (or empty your pots) and plant them firmly into borders or containers for their winter home. Firming them in well prevents wind-rock during winter storms.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

The deep crimson of 'Ruby Gem' creates a luxurious display when paired with lighter or contrasting tones:

• 💙 Forget-me-not 'Blue': A jewel-toned carpet. The electric blue of the Forget-me-not against the deep ruby of the Wallflower creates a vibrant, high-energy display that wakes up the garden in April.
• ⚪ Wallflower 'Ivory White': Strawberries and Cream. Mixing 'Ruby Gem' with 'Ivory White' creates a sophisticated, classic bi-colour scheme that looks elegant in both borders and containers.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in summer. Plant out in autumn. Flowers the following spring.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)