Royal Carpet Alyssum Seeds

Originally native to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, alyssum is a tender perennial in frost-free climates but is usually cultivated as an annual in our northern Canadian climate. Winner in 1953 of the famous All-America Selections for the best bedding plant, Royal Carpet Alyssum is a time-tested dwarf-creeping variety that will bloom all season long.

Royal Carpet Alyssum are low-maintenance densely branched plants that grow close to the ground, averaging only 3-5 inches in height. The small little flowers are pleasantly fragrant, and their blooming occurs in shades of violet, pink, fuchsia and white. Preferring cool and shady areas, Royal Carpet Alyssum is an ideal candidate for shaded edgings, hanging baskets, window boxes or as a low traffic ground cover. Makes a superb indoor plant that can add a sweet perfume and fresh look to your home or office.

- Latin Name: Lobularia maritima
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 55-65 
- Planting Depth: lightly press 2-3 seeds or broadcast directly
- Plant Spacing: 15 cm
- Growth Habit: 10-20 cm tall

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Sweet alyssum is the perfect flower to grow as an understory or ground cover. The foliage grows rapidly, creeping and spreading over the landscape. Dainty, four-petal flowers begin to appear within months of germination. Alyssum will perform wonderfully in cool climates. It typically flowers through the spring, fades during hot summers and returns to blooming in the fall. Alyssum grows vigorously and can become invasive (usually in warm climates) if not kept in check. Fill in any empty garden space with these lacy flowers and watch as they attract all sorts of beneficial insects.

Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds thinly into a flat and mist until thoroughly moist. No need to cover the tiny seeds, just place the flat in a warm location under grow lights or a sunny south-facing window. Thin seedlings to about 15 cm apart as they start popping up.

Seeds can also be sown outdoors after the last frost has passed. Scatter seeds in the garden and lightly press them into the soil. They should have solid contact with the surface of the soil while still exposed to the light. Moisten the soil and keep an eye out for germination. Thin as needed as the seedlings sprout.

Plant your alyssum in full sun, unless living in a hot climate. If this is the case, be sure it gets some afternoon shade. Alyssum will tolerate many soil types but does the best in well-drained soil that is consistently moist. It will require 3 cm of water per week in general. Alyssum grown in the landscape won’t typically require any feeding, unless the soil is particularly poor.

Deadhead your sweet alyssum to encourage the setting of new buds and production of a higher volume of flowers. If plants get leggy, they can be pruned back to look tidier. Containers of alyssum can be taken in for the winter, or overwintered outdoors. Cut it to the ground and cover with a protective layer of cloth or mulch. Another simple method is to leave it as is for the winter and cut back in the spring to make way for the self-sown seeds from last year.

Interestingly, these honey-scented flowers are related to cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and kale. Alyssum is wonderfully versatile. Plant it among walking paths and stonewalls, in empty spaces, along edges of the garden or as a cascade of elegant flowers spilling from hanging baskets. 

QUICK FACTS

- Like broccoli, turnip, cabbage and mustard, Sweet Alyssum is a member of the brassica genus family.

- Alyssum seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.