How to Grow Gorgeous Alyssum from Seed Both Indoors and Out

With its dainty clusters of tiny flowers in shades of white, purple, pink and more, sweet alyssum is one of the easiest annuals to grow from seed. Starting these fragrant flowers from seed yourself can save money over buying bedding plants. Follow this step-by-step guide to growing alyssum from seed both indoors and directly outdoors. Soon you’ll have abundant blossoms to beautify beds, borders, and containers all season long

Alyssum Seed Starting Basics

First, let’s look at some background on these charming annuals Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) produces mounds of delicate flowers on compact plants, growing just 4-12 inches tall Native to the Mediterranean, they thrive in cool conditions and bloom prolifically from spring through fall.

Though most commonly white, alyssum flower colors also include purple, violet, peach and multi-hued blends. Some varieties have fragrant blooms or attractive gray-green foliage. Thanks to their spreading nature, alyssums make excellent groundcovers, edging plants, and container spillers.

As quick-growing annuals alyssums are almost always started from seed. Buying a packet of alyssum seeds provides you with thousands of tiny seeds at a fraction of the cost of purchasing bedding plants.

Starting Alyssum Seeds Indoors

Get a head start on the season by sowing alyssum seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Here’s how:

• Use a seed starting mix and containers with drainage holes. Shallow trays work well.

• Sow seeds on the mix surface and do not cover them, as light aids germination.

• Mist gently to water and place in a warm spot (65-70°F).

• Once seedlings emerge in 5-10 days, provide ample light and grow on at 60-65°F.

• Harden off before transplanting into the garden after danger of frost. Space 9-12” apart.

Starting indoors extends your bloom season by a few weeks. You can also sow more seeds outdoors once temperatures are warm.

How to Direct Sow Alyssum Outdoors

The easiest way to grow alyssum is by direct sowing the seeds right in the garden bed or containers. Follow these tips:

• Wait until after your last spring frost to sow. Soil temperature should be at least 60°F.

• Choose a site with full sun to part shade and average, well-drained soil.

• Work soil shallowly and rake smooth. Sprinkle seeds 6” apart.

• Cover seeds lightly by pressing into soil. Don’t bury them deeply.

• Maintain even moisture in the top 1” of soil until seeds germinate in 5-10 days.

• When seedlings are 2-3” tall, thin to final spacing of 8-12” apart.

• Water when top inch of soil is dry. Avoid wet feet.

Growing Alyssum Flowers in Pots

The trailing habit of alyssums makes them naturals for containers. Follow the same direct sowing or transplant directions above and use a quality potting mix. Site containers in full sun. Let soil dry slightly between waterings. To prevent toppling, add short twiggy branches for support. Shear back leggy growth to encourage bushiness.

Ongoing Care of Alyssum Plants

To keep your alyssum plants looking their best:

• Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote new flowers.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly.

• Watch for signs of powdery mildew and treat if found. Improve airflow.

• Pinch plants halfway back 4 weeks after bloom for a second flush of flowers.

• Pull up and compost plants after frost or leave some to self-seed.

With proper sowing and care, alyssums will thrive with minimal fuss, blanketing garden beds and containers with masses of delicate blossoms. Their honey-sweet fragrance and flower power keep these charming annuals a perennial favorite of gardeners.

Tips for Growing Different Alyssum Varieties

Beyond the common white, here are some top varieties to try growing from seed:

• Easter Bonnet Mix – Vibrant blend of purple, pink, lavender and white large blooms.

• Clear Crystal White – Masses of bright white flowers on mounding 6″ plants.

• Carpet of Snow – The classic tiny white flowers; very compact and long blooming.

• Rosie O’Day – Unique soft pink blooms on trailing plants perfect for hanging baskets.

• Purple Prince – Rich royal purple flowers on dense 8″ mounds.

• Snow Crystals – Extra early blooming on this improved tetraploid type.

With so many colors and forms available from seed, the possibilities are endless for adding alyssum blossoms to both ornamental and edible gardens.

Using Alyssums as Companion Plants

Alyssums have benefits beyond just their flowers. Interplant them throughout the vegetable garden, as research shows they attract hoverflies whose larvae eat aphids. The flowers also bring in other beneficial pollinators. Plant near cabbage, broccoli, kale, and other brassicas that are prone to aphids. The bloom color contrasts nicely with edible plants too!

Thanks to their propensity for self-seeding, once you plant alyssum seeds once, they’re likely to come back each year in the garden. Enjoy their non-stop flowers on loose, trailing mounds and as beautiful fillers in containers. With proper timing and care, these aromatic annuals are simple to grow from seed and provide seasons of delicate blossoms.