Seed Treatment:
• For best results, you may soak in warm water for 2–4 hours.
When to Sow:
• Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before the last frost for early blooms.
• Outdoors: Direct sow in early spring or fall in mild climates—Sweet Alyssum tolerates cool weather well.
Sowing Instructions:
• Surface sow seeds on moist, well-draining soil.
• Do not cover—they need light to germinate.
• Lightly press seeds into the soil to ensure contact.
• Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
• Germination takes 7–15 days at temperatures of 65–75°F (15–24°C).
Light Requirements:
• Grows best in full sun, but tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Soil Requirements:
• Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
• Tolerant of poor soils and sandy conditions.
• Ideal pH: 6.0–7.5.
Watering:
• Keep seedlings moist.
• Once established, water only during prolonged dry periods—Sweet Alyssum is fairly drought-tolerant.
Spacing & Transplanting:
• Thin or transplant seedlings to 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart.
• Can also be sown densely for a more compact carpet of blooms.
Growing Tips:
• Blooms quickly with fragrant, honey-scented flowers.
• Excellent for borders, ground cover, hanging baskets, and pollinator gardens.
• Often used as a companion plant—attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies.
• Reblooms easily—shear back after flowering to encourage more blooms.
• Grown as an annual in most regions but can self-seed readily.