How to Grow Alyssum

Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) produce long lasting masses of tiny pink, white, violet and cream blooms. These beautiful flowers are easy to grow, are ideal as a border, ground cover, hanging baskets or in pots. Their lovely scent is a favourite amongst cottage gardeners and they are great to beneficial insects and bees into the garden.

Full sun to part shade

Regular watering

Well drained/sandy soil

Suitable for all climatic zones

How to grow alyssum in a garden

Step 1

Fill starter pots or trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Scatter seed thinly, cover, firm down and water well. Keep the soil moist so the seeds don’t dry out.

Step 2

While the seedlings are growing, choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun to part shade and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 3

Water gently and keep moist through germination period.

Step 4

Allow the seedlings to grow to at least 4 cm before transplanting.

Step 5

When transplanting them into your prepared garden bed, ensure seedlings are well spaced – at least 7 to 10cm apart. Water in well.

Step 6

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw keeping it away from the base of the plants.

Step 7

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow alyssum in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 200mm wide and deep. Position in full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Plant directly into the pot by pressing the seeds lightly into the surface of the pot, lightly cover and firm down.

Step 4

Water gently and keep moist through germination period.

Step 5

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

Germination is faster and more uniform if seed is only barely covered.
For a real cottage look in your garden, scatter the seeds around the garden bed in various locations and water in well.