Alyssum Seed ( Annual )
Alyssum are small plants, growing six to nine inches tall. They have a profusion of flowers, with white being the most popular. They also are available in in different colors.
Alyssum plants are a tender and delicate annual. They are small and easy to grow. Alyssum are usually used as a border plant and also look really good growing in the nooks and crannies of a rock garden. They are good candidates for container gardens, too. Excellent for Rock Gardens.
Seed Starting: Alyssum are grown from seed. Alyssum seeds can be directly seeded into your flower garden or seeded indoors for transplanting later. If planting outdoors, sow Alyssum seeds after the soil has begun to warm in the spring. Alyssum do not like frost, so if started indoors, transplant them outdoors after the last frost date.
If planting in a basket, put 6-8 plants per 10" basket for full effect. If planting in the flower garden, space plants eight to ten inches apart.
Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with soil. Water thoroughly once. Alyssum will begin to produce a continuous profusion of sweet smelling flowers by mid-summer.
Note: Alyssum are fairly easy to grow and tend to. They like full to partial sun. They will do well in average soils and tolerate dry soil conditions. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Soil should drain well. Add a general purpose fertilizer once a month. Once they are established, they will grow well until the first frost. Alyssum are tender annuals and highly susceptible to frost.
Alyssum flowers form a striking border massed together as bedding plants. Mat-forming sweet alyssum stays short and complements taller border plants well: planted in front of taller plants, sweet alyssum won't obscure them. They're also popular in containers; as short plants, you can install them along the rim (they'll hang over slightly).
Their short stature also makes them useful as temporary rock garden plants or groundcovers. White sweet alyssum flowers are used with red salvia and blue ageratum in the U.S. in patriotic landscaping themes for July 4th plantings and for decorating cemetery monuments on Memorial Day. Use them with other white flowers in moon gardens.
Giga White Alyssum is an outstanding modern Sweet Alyssum that produces enormous mounds of pure white blooms, creating a spectacular display from spring until frost. This vigorous selection is larger, fuller, and more floriferous than traditional alyssum varieties, forming dense cushions completely covered in tiny honey-scented flowers.
The masses of brilliant white blossoms create the appearance of a soft cloud of flowers, making Giga White one of the finest choices for borders, containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, and landscape edging. The blooms spill gracefully over the edges of containers and soften garden pathways with their delicate appearance.
One of the most attractive features of Sweet Alyssum is its delightful fragrance. On warm days, the flowers release a sweet honey-like perfume that attracts both gardeners and pollinating insects from considerable distances.
Garden Uses:
- Containers and patio planters
- Hanging baskets
- Window boxes
- Flower bed edging
- Rock gardens
- Pollinator gardens
- Ground cover plantings
- Cottage gardens
Growing Information:
- Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
- Plant Type: Annual
- Height: 6–10 inches
- Spread: 12–18 inches
- Bloom Season: Spring through frost
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
Germination: Sow seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Seeds require light for germination, so press them lightly into the soil surface without covering. Germination typically occurs within 7–14 days.
Container Growing: Giga White is exceptional in containers where its vigorous growth forms large cascading mounds of fragrant flowers. It combines beautifully with petunias, calibrachoa, lobelia, geraniums, and other flowering annuals.
Multi-seed pellets, each pellet contains several seeds.
Wonderland Mix Alyssum creates a breathtaking display of soft pink, rose, lavender, and pure white blossoms that spread across the garden like a living floral carpet. This compact, free-flowering annual produces masses of tiny, honey-scented flowers that nearly cover the foliage from spring until frost.
The low-growing plants form neat mounds that quickly knit together, creating rivers of color along pathways, around stepping stones, and throughout flower beds. The blend of pastel and vivid shades makes Wonderland Mix particularly attractive in mass plantings where the colors mingle naturally to create a charming cottage-garden effect.
Its compact habit, continuous flowering, and delightful fragrance have made Sweet Alyssum one of the world's most beloved bedding plants for generations.
Historical Tidbit: Sweet Alyssum is native to the Mediterranean coastlines of southern Europe, where it grows naturally among rocky outcroppings and seaside cliffs. Gardeners have cultivated it since at least the 16th century, and it quickly became a favorite for formal gardens, cottage gardens, and Victorian landscapes.
The name Alyssum originates from ancient Greek and was once associated with medicinal plants believed to ward off certain ailments. Today it is treasured primarily for its beauty, fragrance, and pollinator value.
Garden Uses:
- Rock gardens
- Flower bed edging
- Ground cover plantings
- Cottage gardens
- Containers and window boxes
- Pollinator gardens
- Pathway borders
- Stepping stone gardens
Growing Information:
- Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
- Plant Type: Annual
- Height: 4–8 inches
- Spread: 8–12 inches
- Bloom Season: Spring through frost
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
Germination: Sow seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface without covering, as light assists germination. Seeds generally sprout within 7–14 days.
Large plantings of Sweet Alyssum can perfume entire sections of the garden with a fragrance often compared to fresh honey and spring wildflowers.
Multi-seed pellets, each pellet contains several seeds.
Sweet Alyssum is one of the most beloved annual flowers for borders, containers, rock gardens, and pollinator plantings. This charming plant produces masses of tiny white flowers that form soft, rounded mounds and release a delightful honey-like fragrance, especially on warm sunny days.
The delicate blossoms may be small individually, but together they create an impressive display. Plants become covered with clusters of white blooms that soften edges, brighten garden beds, and spill gracefully from containers and hanging baskets. Their tidy growth habit makes Sweet Alyssum useful wherever a low, fragrant, long-blooming annual is needed.
Lobularia benthamii is especially valued for its abundant white flowering and classic old-fashioned garden appeal. It blends beautifully with petunias, geraniums, marigolds, salvias, ageratum, pansies, and many other annuals.
Growing Information:
- Botanical Name: Lobularia benthamii
- Plant Type: Annual
- Height: 6–10 inches
- Spread: 8–12 inches
- Bloom Season: Spring through frost
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained garden soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
Germination: Sow seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost date or directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface without covering, as light aids germination. Seeds generally germinate within 7–14 days.
Growing Tip: Sweet Alyssum prefers cool to moderate weather and may slow during extreme summer heat. A light trimming can encourage fresh growth and renewed flowering when conditions improve.
Large plantings of Sweet Alyssum can perfume an entire patio or garden path with a fragrance often compared to honey, vanilla, and fresh spring flowers. Sweet Alyssum is one of those dependable annuals that belongs in nearly every garden. It is fragrant, easy to grow, attractive to pollinators, useful in containers, and beautiful as an edging plant. Whether used to soften a pathway, fill a hanging basket, or brighten a mixed border, this classic white alyssum delivers charm and performance all season long.
Tiny Tim Sweet Alyssum is one of the most popular dwarf alyssum varieties ever introduced. This charming annual forms neat, compact mounds that become completely covered with masses of tiny white flowers, creating a blanket of bloom from spring until frost.
Despite its small size, Tiny Tim delivers tremendous garden impact. The low-growing plants produce dense clusters of sweetly scented flowers that create a soft, cloud-like appearance in flower beds, borders, rock gardens, containers, and hanging baskets. Its compact habit makes it especially valuable for edging pathways and filling small spaces where larger annuals would quickly outgrow their surroundings.
Throughout the growing season, the plants remain tidy and attractive while continuously producing new flowers. The delightful honey fragrance often attracts attention long before the blooms are noticed.
Historical Tidbit: Sweet Alyssum has been cultivated in European gardens for hundreds of years and became a favorite in Victorian landscapes because of its fragrance, ease of growth, and ability to soften the edges of formal flower beds. Tiny Tim was developed as a compact selection that retained all the beauty and fragrance of traditional alyssum while fitting perfectly into smaller garden spaces.
Native to the Mediterranean region, alyssum naturally grows among rocky coastal slopes where it thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions.
Garden Uses:
- Flower bed edging
- Rock gardens
- Containers and patio pots
- Window boxes
- Hanging baskets
- Pollinator gardens
- Pathway borders
- Ground cover accents
Growing Information:
- Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
- Plant Type: Annual
- Height: 3–6 inches
- Spread: 8–10 inches
- Bloom Season: Spring through frost
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained garden soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
Germination: Sow indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost date or directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Seeds require light for germination, so press them lightly into the soil surface without covering. Germination typically occurs within 7–14 days.
Container Performance: Tiny Tim is particularly valuable in containers and window boxes where its compact growth habit allows it to remain neat and attractive throughout the season. It combines beautifully with petunias, pansies, lobelia, and many other flowering annuals.
Aphrodite Red Alyssum is a breakthrough flowering annual that produces masses of rich ruby-red blooms, a color rarely seen in traditional alyssum varieties. Forming neat, compact mounds covered with clusters of fragrant flowers, this outstanding selection brings vibrant color to borders, containers, hanging baskets, rock gardens, and edging plantings. Unlike older alyssum varieties that were limited primarily to white and pastel shades, Aphrodite Red offers a bold, eye-catching display that blooms continuously from spring until frost.
The dense flower clusters emit the classic sweet honey fragrance that has made alyssum a favorite cottage garden flower for generations. The abundant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the growing season, making it both beautiful and environmentally valuable. Plants remain tidy and compact, creating colorful carpets of flowers that soften garden edges and spill gracefully from containers.
Garden Uses
- Border and edging plantings
- Containers and patio planters
- Hanging baskets
- Rock gardens
- Pollinator gardens
- Cottage gardens
- Mass color displays
- Ground cover for sunny locations
Growing Information
Aphrodite Red Alyssum thrives in full sun to light afternoon shade and adapts well to a wide range of garden conditions. Plants typically reach 4 to 8 inches in height while spreading 8 to 12 inches wide, creating attractive flowering mounds. Once established, alyssum exhibits good heat tolerance and will continue blooming through much of summer, especially when provided with regular moisture.
Deadheading is generally unnecessary, although trimming plants lightly during periods of extreme summer heat can encourage fresh growth and renewed flowering. In cooler climates, plants often remain covered with blooms continuously until hard frost.
Seed Sowing Instructions
- Plant seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or sow directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
- Press seeds lightly into the soil surface; do not cover deeply as light aids germination.
- Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days.
- Space plants 6-10 inches apart.
Aphrodite Red Alyssum combines the sweet fragrance and easy culture of traditional alyssum with a striking new flower color that stands out in beds, borders, and containers. Its long bloom season, pollinator appeal, and compact habit make it one of the most rewarding annual flowers for gardeners seeking continuous color from spring through fall.
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
- Height: 4-8 inches
- Spread: 8-12 inches
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Light Shade
- Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
- Bloom Season: Spring through Frost
- Pollinator Friendly: ★★★★★
- Container Friendly: ★★★★★
- Fragrance: ★★★★★
- Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to Grow
Wonderland Blue Alyssum is a compact, floriferous annual prized for its unusual soft blue to lavender-blue flower clusters and sweet honey fragrance. Producing masses of blooms that nearly cover the foliage, this charming variety creates a carpet of cool color in flower beds, borders, containers, hanging baskets, and rock gardens. Its low-growing habit and exceptional flowering performance make it one of the finest alyssums for edging pathways and filling garden spaces with continuous color.
The delicate blooms may appear lavender-blue, violet-blue, or periwinkle depending on growing conditions and light levels. Combined with its delightful fragrance and long flowering season, Wonderland Blue quickly becomes a favorite in cottage gardens and pollinator plantings. Plants remain neat and compact while producing a remarkable quantity of blossoms from spring until frost.
Garden Uses
- Borders and edging plantings
- Containers and patio pots
- Hanging baskets
- Rock gardens
- Pollinator gardens
- Cottage gardens
- Ground cover plantings
- Mass bedding displays
Growing Information
Wonderland Blue Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soil conditions. Plants typically grow 4 to 6 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide, forming dense mounds covered with flowers. The compact growth habit makes it ideal for front-of-border plantings and container combinations.
While cool weather encourages the heaviest flowering, Wonderland Blue performs admirably through much of summer and often rebounds with even greater vigor when temperatures moderate in late season. Regular watering and occasional trimming can help maintain peak performance throughout the growing season.
Seed Sowing Instructions
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors after frost danger has passed.
- Press seeds lightly into the soil surface.
- Do not cover deeply, as light aids germination.
- Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Germination generally occurs within 7-14 days.
- Space plants 6-10 inches apart.
- Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
- Height: 4-6 inches
- Spread: 8-12 inches
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
- Bloom Season: Spring through Frost
- Pollinator Friendly: ★★★★★
- Container Friendly: ★★★★★
- Fragrance: ★★★★★
- Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to Grow
Wonderland Deep Rose Alyssum produces a dazzling carpet of rich rose-pink flowers that bloom in profusion from spring until frost. This compact annual forms dense, low-growing mounds covered with sweetly fragrant blossoms, making it an outstanding choice for borders, containers, hanging baskets, rock gardens, and mass bedding displays. The vibrant deep rose color provides a cheerful contrast to blues, whites, and purples while adding warmth and brightness to any garden setting.
The Wonderland series was bred for exceptional uniformity, compact growth, and heavy flowering. Wonderland Deep Rose quickly develops into a blanket of color that can nearly obscure the foliage beneath thousands of tiny blooms. Its sweet honey fragrance attracts pollinators while creating a delightful sensory experience in the garden.
Garden Uses
- Border edging and pathway plantings
- Containers and patio planters
- Hanging baskets
- Rock gardens
- Pollinator gardens
- Cottage garden displays
- Mass bedding plantings
- Ground cover in sunny locations
Growing Information
Wonderland Deep Rose Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade and performs well in average, well-drained soils. Plants typically grow 4 to 6 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide, forming attractive flowering cushions. The compact habit allows plants to maintain a neat appearance throughout the growing season.
Cool spring and autumn weather encourage the heaviest bloom production, although plants continue flowering through much of summer. In hot climates, a light trimming after peak bloom can rejuvenate plants and encourage fresh flowering.
Seed Sowing Instructions
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow directly outdoors after frost danger has passed.
- Press seeds lightly into the soil surface.
- Do not cover deeply, as light aids germination.
- Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.
- Space plants 6-10 inches apart.
- Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
- Height: 4-6 inches
- Spread: 8-12 inches
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
- Bloom Season: Spring through Frost
- Pollinator Friendly: ★★★★★
- Container Friendly: ★★★★★
- Fragrance: ★★★★★
- Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to Grow
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