Water
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, especially in cooler months.
In hot, dry conditions, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain consistent soil moisture for optimal growth.
Also known as English Catchfly · Five-Wound Catchfly · French Catchfly
Common Catchfly (Silene gallica) is an annual wildflower native to Europe and North Africa, often found in arable fields and disturbed ground. It features small pink or w
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-24°C. Tolerates cooler conditions.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly; prefers lean soils. Over-fertilizing can cause weak growth.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, especially in cooler months.
In hot, dry conditions, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain consistent soil moisture for optimal growth.
Pruning is generally not required for *Silene gallica*. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if unwanted.
Remove any yellowing or diseased foliage promptly to maintain plant health and appearance.
Propagation is typically done by sowing seeds directly into the garden in early spring or autumn. Seeds can also be started indoors a few weeks before the last frost.
It readily self-seeds, contributing to its common name.
Repotting is rarely necessary for this annual or short-lived perennial. If grown in containers and it becomes root-bound, repot into a slightly larger container in spring using a well-draining potting mix.
Ensure adequate drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Catchfly (Silene gallica)
Where Common Catchfly (Silene gallica) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Silene |
| Species | Silene gallica |
Similar in genus Silene
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data