WALLFLOWER

Cheiranthus Cheiri. Hardy biennial



Wallflowers are often sown too late. As a result the growth is not

thoroughly matured, and the plants present but a feeble show of bloom.

They should in their season be little mounds of fire and gold, exhaling

a perfume that few flowers can equal in its peculiar freshness. Sow the

seed in May or June, in a sunny place, on rather poor, but sweet and

well-prepared soil favourable to free rooting. When the plants are two

inches high, transplant into rows six inches asunder, allowing three

inches apart in the row, and as soon as the plants overlap transplant

again, six or nine inches apart every way, aiding with water when

needful to help them to new growth. Or lift every other row and every

other plant, leaving the remainder untouched to supply flowers for

cutting. When the beds are cleared of their summer occupants, they may

be filled with the best plants of Wallflower, to afford cheerful green

leafage all through the winter and a grand show of bloom in the spring,

as frost will not hurt the single varieties; but the doubles will not

always endure the rigours of a severe winter.



Early-flowering Varieties.--By selection and cross-fertilisation an

early-flowering race of Wallflowers has been obtained, and it is now

possible to enjoy for many months of the year a fragrance which has

hitherto been associated exclusively with spring. From a sowing made in

May or June the plants commence flowering in autumn and continue

throughout the winter, unless checked by frost. With the advent of

spring weather, however, they burst into full bloom, making a delightful

display in advance of the ordinary varieties.