Sweet Alyssum – Flower Seed

Attracts and supports beneficial insects.
Sweet Alyssum is fast and low growing, trouble-free, and low cost, making it a popular choice for use as beneficial insect habitat in vegetable and fruit production. Because of its very manageable plant habit, Sweet Alyssum is a good choice for beneficial planting in greenhouses and containers, in addition to outdoor production. Sprawling plants with dense clusters of small flowers. Commonly known as sweet alyssum, but also known simply as alyssum. Tender perennial in Zones 9-11.

• Attracts and provides a food source for beneficial insects such as lacewings, parasitic wasps, syrphid flies, and tachinid flies.

Ht. 8-16". Avg. 71,100 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 8-10 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C)

SOWING: Transplant (recommended) – Sow 4-5 weeks before last frost. Transplant out after last frost. Sow several seeds per cell or pot. Do not cover as seeds require light to germinate. Harden off seedlings by growing at 50-55°F (10-13°C) night temperatures. Direct seed – Sow as soon as the soil can be worked. In warmer climates, sow midsummer to late winter for blooms that will last until June. Press seed lightly into surface. Thin when seedlings have first true leaves. Where winter temperatures drop below 28°F (-2°C), sow seeds in spring as soon as the soil can be worked.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun/Part Shade.

PLANT HEIGHT: 8-16".

PLANT SPACING: 6-8".

HARDINESS ZONES: Zones 9-11.

HARVEST: Edible flowers – Once flowers are open.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Average, well-drained soil.

pH: 6-7 preferred.

USES:Excellent beneficial plant, edgings, borders, beds, rock gardens, window boxes, and hanging baskets.

TIPS:Flowering may slow in August. Cut the plants back by 1/2 to encourage flowering again once night temperatures cool off.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:Lobularia maritima