Alyssum - Key Growing Information

Sweet alyssum flowers, an excellent food source for beneficial pollinators.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

8-10 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C)

SOWING:

Transplant (recommended) - Sow 4-5 weeks before planting out. Transplant out after danger of frost has passed. Sow several seeds per cell or pot. Do not cover as seeds require light to germinate. Harden off seedlings by growing at 50-55°F (10-13°C) night temperatures. Direct seed - Sow as soon as the soil can be worked. In warmer climates, sow midsummer to late winter for blooms that will last until June. Press seed lightly into surface. Thin when seedlings have first true leaves. Where winter temperatures drop below 28°F (-2°C), sow seeds in spring as soon as the soil can be worked.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Sun/Part Shade.

PLANT HEIGHT:

8-16".

PLANT SPACING:

6-8".

HARDINESS ZONES:

Zones 9-11.

HARVEST:

Edible flowers - Once flowers are open.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Average, well-drained soil.
pH: 6-7 preferred.

USES:

Excellent beneficial plant, edgings, borders, beds, rock gardens, window boxes, and hanging baskets.

TIPS:

Flowering may slow in August. Cut the plants back by 1/2 to encourage flowering again once night temperatures cool off.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Lobularia maritima