Creating a soothing drift of low growing color is only one reason people flock to sweet alyssum in the spring and summertime. The fragrance is of warm honey on a summer’s day; something sure to soothe a weary work worn soul.
Preparing the Soil for Sweet Alyssum
Begin by removing all weeds and roots from surrounding plants. Till the soil to a depth of several inches; in heavy clay and poor sandy soils add enough aged compost to allow for good drainage and plenty of nutrients. It also helps to water the entire planting area before sowing seeds and planting tiny seedlings. Rake the soil so there is an even surface for sowing seeds and seedlings.
Sowing Sweet Alyssum Seeds and Planting Seedlings
Planting Sweet Alyssum Seeds,
In a large holed salt shaker add sweet alyssum seeds with enough sand to distribute them evenly when planting. Simply shake the mixture over the prepared planting area until an even layer of sand and seeds is achieved. Gently water the area again to help set the seeds in place.
Planting Sweet Alyssum Seedlings,
Prick the seedlings from their growing trays and gently plant them in small drifts. Pack the soil lightly around the roots and water in well. The addition of a shade cloth can help keep the young plants from stressing in full sun areas; simply remove the cloth when they start to grow well. Keep the area watered well until the seedlings are well established. When the plants have several sets of true leaves pinch the very top leaves off allowing for better branching and more blooms.
Continued Care for Sweet Alyssum
- There is no need to fertilize sweet alyssum; simply keep dead heading any spent blooms to encourage more flowers throughout the season. As the plants become leggy and slow in their production of blooms simply pinch or shear them off a couple inches from the ground. They will spring back rather quickly and start blooming again within a few weeks.
- Keep the plants well watered but not to the point of being soggy. Water deeply once a week to encourage healthy, deep roots. A light mulching will help conserve water and give a neater appearance to the planting.
Alyssums love the sun; so give them as much as possible to promote the best blooms and lush growth. Nothing beats a hanging pot full of colorful alyssum surrounding other annuals and perennials while spilling over and softening harsh edges. Planting sweet alyssum on a hill with strategically placed rocks can give the illusion of a living waterfall; a perfect addition to any garden scene!
For more garden reading try these links
The Four Seasons Perennial Garden
How To Create a Miniature Fairy Garden
How To Grow Bachelor's Buttons
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