How to Grow Wallflower
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Wallflower
Erysimum cheiri
flowerWallflowers are charming biennial or short-lived perennial flowers known for their vibrant, fragrant blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, purple, and cream. They typically grow 12-24 inches tall and produce dense spikes of four-petaled flowers that bloom in spring to early summer. These cottage garden favorites are hardy, easy to grow, and attract pollinators and butterflies.
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Example Wallflower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wallflower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Wallflower blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in cooler climates (zones 4-7)
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Seed & Germination
1-2 weeksTiny seeds germinate on or near soil surface, developing first true leaves within 7-14 days
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Seedling & Rosette (First Year)
6-8 weeks after germination through winterPlant develops a low rosette of lance-shaped, slightly hairy green leaves during its first growing season
Water regularly. Deadhead any early flower buds to encourage strong root and leaf development. Mulch lightly in fall for winter protection.
Vegetative Growth & Flowering Preparation
4-6 weeks in spring before flowers openIn spring, the plant sends up a central flowering stem(s) with multiple side shoots covered in lance-shaped leaves
Stake tall varieties for support if needed. Continue regular watering. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Flowering & Bloom Peak
4-8 weeksDense spikes of fragrant four-petaled flowers open from bottom to top along the stems, creating showy color displays
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming and branching. Water consistently. Enjoy the fragrance.
Seed Development & End of Season
3-4 weeksAfter flowering, seed pods form and mature; flowers fade and plant energy shifts to seed production
Allow some flowers to set seed if you want self-sowing. Collect seed pods when they turn brown and papery for future planting.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water jet, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, or introduce ladybugs
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Use floating row covers on young plants, apply diatomaceous earth, or use spinosad-based insecticides
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Install floating row covers, handpick caterpillars, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)
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Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicides
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Maintain proper soil pH (6.5+), improve drainage, rotate crops, remove infected plants
Uses
Edible Flowers & Garnish
CulinaryWallflower petals are edible and add peppery, slightly spicy flavor and bright color to salads, desserts, and plated dishes. They have been used historically to flavor and decorate foods. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalWallflowers were traditionally used in folk medicine to treat skin conditions, rheumatism, and digestive issues, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftTheir long stems, vibrant colors, and sweet fragrance make wallflowers excellent for fresh floral arrangements, spring bouquets, and cottage garden displays. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWallflowers are excellent nectar sources that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden ecosystems and fruit/vegetable production. [source]
Fragrant Indoor Display
HouseholdFresh wallflower stems bring sweet, spicy fragrance indoors, naturally perfuming rooms and creating cheerful spring displays without artificial scents. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Wallflowers are ornamental flowers primarily grown for display rather than harvest. Cut flower stems in early morning when blooms are fully open but still fresh. Cut at least 6 inches of stem to enjoy indoors in a vase. For seed collection, allow late-season flowers to mature completely; harvest seed pods when they turn brown and dry, then store in a cool, dry place. Self-seeding occurs readily if you leave some flowers unpruned.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Wallflowers earned their name because they historically grew on old stone walls and rocky outcrops in Mediterranean regions, where they thrived in crevices with minimal soil.
- 🌱 They are biennials, meaning they follow a two-year lifecycle: the first year they develop roots and leaves, and in their second year they flower and produce seeds—though some varieties bloom the first year.
- 🌱 The distinctive four-petaled flower structure is characteristic of the entire Brassicaceae (mustard/cabbage) family, making wallflowers distant relatives of broccoli, cabbage, and radishes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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