 Erysimum cheiri |
Native Region: Garden cultivar Zone Range: 6-10 Preferred Climate: Semi sun; well draining garden soil; cool, evenly moist sites. Harvest Date: Friday 26 September, 2008 Seed count: 25-30
Description: Our local strain of wallflowers are very much perennial with repeat blooms year after year from June up to frost. Very fragrant. Colours range from solid velvety golden yellow to a rich reddish-brown, with the odd bicoloure. Evergreen in a protected spot where the snow can't squish them and snap woody branches under the snow load. Reaches 45 cm or more in height with equal spread.
Notes: Also known as Cheiranthus cheiri. No known wild populations known in Western Europe from its Crete/Syria origins. Called wallflower for its tendency to be found along stone walls, quarries, and the like. Many castle ruins have this plant growing at the base...truely a centuries old cultivar. Probably a blend of different species from wayyyyyy back.
Cultivation: Easy to start. Sow 6mm deep in well drainin humus rich medium. Keep moist. Germinate at 15-18C. Should germinate in 14 days. Sow thinly. Transplant out after last frost. You might have to dead head first year to keep plants vigorous to survive first winter.
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