Sweet Alyssum is one of the best garden annuals. Producing dainty clusters of sweetly scented flowers in an array of colours including pink, purple, white and cream. It's great in pots, hanging baskets or in the garden as a border. Great at attracting bees, beneficial insects and butterflies to the garden.
Planting Calendar
Alyssum does best in warmer climates and does not like frost. Best grown in spring, summer and autumn.
Prepare
Position
Alyssum can be grown in full sun to light shade.
Soil
When planted into the ground alyssum likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Alyssum can be sown directly into the garden, raised beds or containers that are at least 30cm deep or sown into a seed tray with Black Magic Seed raising mix and transplanted out once they are about 4 cm in size. Gently remove the seedling from the tray and plant. Space plants 30cm apart so they have plenty of space to grow. Take care when transplanting so that the young soft roots are not damaged. Gently firm the soil down after planting and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster, this will help the seedlings settle in.
Care
Watering
Alyssum likes even moisture, aim to keep the soil evenly moist, water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soil surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails with Quash.
Spraying
Alyssum is not usually affected by insect attack, although aphids can sometimes be an issue. Because Alyssum attracts beneficial hoverflies whose larvae will deal to the aphids, there should be no need to spray.
Pruning
Deadhead old flowers regularly to promote new growth and flowers. After flowering prune of 50% of the plants this will prevent the plant going to seed and encourage new growth.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
Alyssum will readily self-seed around the garden and naturalise once you have grown it, so you get plenty of new plants popping up..
Expert Tip
When growing from seed only lightly cover the seed, as they need some light to germinate well.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant Alyssum?
Alyssum can be planted in early spring or autumn in Auckland for the best results.
How often should I water Alyssum?
Alyssum likes even moisture, aim to keep the soil evenly moist, water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soil surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone.
Can I grow Alyssum from seeds?
Alyssum is easy to grow from seeds. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start indoors and transplant.
How do I prevent pests and diseases in Alyssum?
Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Check regularly for aphids and treat if necessary.
What type of soil is best for Alyssum?
When planted into the ground alyssum likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
