Plant Type: Flower
Planting Depth: Surface
Germination Temperature: 55-70°F
Germination Time: 15-20 days
Transplant Spacing: 6-8″
Sun Exposure: full to partial sun
Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Scientific Name: Lobularia maritima
Life cycle: Annual
Instructions:
Sow Alyssum seeds on the surface of the growing medium, do not cover. Alyssum needs a consistent temperature of 55-70°F and bright-indirect light to germinate. To water, mist the seeds with a water bottle or mister. Keep the seeds moist, but not soggy, until germination. Alyssum seeds take about 15-20 days to germinate.
Fertilize seedlings once they have developed their second set of leaves with an all-purpose fertilizer mixed at half-strength. You will want to transplant Alyssum seedlings to larger pots or into your garden when they are large enough. Generally, you should transplant or thin seedlings once they are 4-6” high or when they have 3-4 true leaves. See more information about seed leaves and true leaves here (link to info about cotyledons). Transplant Alyssum seedlings 5-8″ apart in your garden bed or in their own pots. If you are transplanting into a container that will be outside, or directly into your garden, you will want to acclimate them to the outdoors. However, you will want to wait until nighttime temperatures average at least 50°F. This is commonly called “hardening off” the plant. See more information about hardening-off here (link to info about hardening-off).
Alyssum needs full to partial sunlight as an adult plant. If growth slows in mid-summer due to heat, trim plants back by half to encourage compact growth and a second bloom. Alyssum may self sow if allowed to go to seed. Alyssum is very attractive to pollinators, and useful as a mulch to keep weeds down between rows.
