Tall White, Sweet Alyssum Seeds

Tall White Alyssum Seed

Honey-scented white blossoms form an airy flower carpet
Taller stems distinguish this selection from dwarf alyssums
Beneficial insects visit its many nectar-rich flowers
Useful along walkways where fragrance can be enjoyed

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Lobularia maritima

Days to maturity

55 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

100 Seeds

About Tall White, Alyssum Seed, Alyssum Seed

Tall White, Sweet Alyssum produces hundreds of tiny, snow-white flowers on spikes with a fragrance just like honey, making it a beautiful addition to any garden! The 18" tall plants can be tucked at the edge of borders, or along walks. The small, compact size of the Sweet Alyssum makes it excellent for window boxes or in pots -- anywhere its sweet scent may be savored! This variety is also great for attracting beneficial insects, like butterflies and bees.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Top of Soil

Days to Germination

8–10 days

Germination Type

D - Surface Sow

In-row plant spacing

6-12"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

12 inches

Growth Habits

Mounding, Spreading

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

69,688

Color

White

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Choose a bright, well-drained edge or container where alyssum can spill without being shaded. Rake the soil finely and avoid heavy manure; overly rich ground produces loose growth and fewer fragrant flowers.

Planting

Surface-sow alyssum indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow as soon as the soil can be worked. Press the tiny seed into the medium without covering because light aids germination. Keep it near 60–70°F and evenly moist. Harden seedlings, then space transplants or thinned plants 4–6 inches apart.

Watering

Young alyssum should not dry out, but mature plants tolerate brief dry spells. Soak the root zone when the top inch dries; increase frequency in containers and during heat without leaving crowns soggy.

Fertilizer

In average beds, no additional fertilizer is normally needed. Container plants can receive a dilute complete feed every few weeks; stop if stems become lush, floppy, or bloom declines.

Harvesting

Cut alyssum when several florets on each cluster are open but many buds remain. Use short stems in small arrangements, or shear plants lightly after the first flush to encourage rebloom. For seed, leave selected clusters until pods turn tan and collect them before they split.

Tips

Trim the entire mat lightly when flowers become sparse, especially after summer heat. The plant often rebounds in cooler weather, and a late sowing can provide autumn color where winters are mild.

Pests & Diseases

Powdery mildew, downy mildew, damping-off, and root rot are the main concerns. Check for white surface growth, yellow or distorted leaves, and seedlings collapsing at the soil line. Use clean seed-starting mix, provide airflow, avoid crowding and saturated soil, water beneath foliage, and discard severely affected plants.

Flea beetles pepper alyssum leaves with tiny holes, while aphids collect on flower stems and slugs chew seedlings. Row cover protects young direct sowings before bloom. Rinse off aphids, remove weedy brassica hosts, and use slug barriers or traps rather than spraying open flowers.