Empress Rocket, Candytuft Seeds

Empress Rocket Candytuft Seed

Pure white flower rockets rise above low spreading foliage
Fragrant blooms brighten spring borders and rock gardens
Tolerates poor soil, deer, rabbits, and partial shade
Compact six-inch habit works along paths and edges

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Iberis amara

Days to maturity

70 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

100 Seeds

About Empress Rocket, Candytuft Seed, Candytuft Seed

The Empress Rocket Candytuft is a beautiful and uniquely shaped evergreen plant that is covered with pure white flowers that bloom in early spring. This spreading variety grows to be 6" tall. Rocket is a harder to grow perennial that should be started in August for spring blooms.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

7–14 days

Germination Type

A - No Pretreatment

In-row plant spacing

8-10"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

12 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

11,313

Color

White

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Before planting Candytuft, select a full-sun site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground, and incorporate modest compost without making the bed overly rich. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed. No seed pretreatment is normally required; use fresh seed and follow the sowing conditions in the Planting guidance.

Planting

Direct sow annual candytuft 1/4 inch deep in early spring, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost. Maintain 60–70°F through germination and use individual cells to limit root disturbance. Harden seedlings and space 6–9 inches apart. Perennial candytuft may germinate more evenly after a brief chilling period.

Watering

Once established, candytuft prefers deep, infrequent watering. Let the surface dry between irrigations, supply extra moisture during extended heat, and avoid keeping the crown continuously wet.

Fertilizer

Feed candytuft lightly after establishment with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat only if flowering or growth weakens; rich nitrogen feeding causes soft stems and delayed blooms.

Harvesting

Candytuft flowers are ready when stems are firm and blooms show mature color without fading. Cut during cool, dry conditions; for seed, leave selected heads until brown and dry.

Tips

Deadhead candytuft frequently and trim weak or crowded stems to improve airflow. Leave a few late flowers to mature only when seed saving or natural reseeding is desired.

Pests & Diseases

Downy mildew can rapidly yellow and blight candytuft in cool, damp conditions; powdery mildew, Botrytis, and root rot are secondary concerns. Cut out affected stems before the disease reaches the crown. Sharply drained soil and sun are essential, especially for perennial types, which resent wet winter conditions.

Candytuft can attract aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and slugs. Scout flowers and new growth regularly, handpick when practical, and protect beneficial insects with targeted controls.