How to Grow Sweet Alyssum
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water
Moderate (1 inch/week)
Spacing
6" apart
Depth
0.125" deep
Height
4-8"
Germination
5-10 days
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Seed Saving Guide
EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Tiny seed pods form along stems after flowers fade. Harvest when stems are dry and tan.
Processing
Strip dried stems over a bowl — tiny seeds fall easily. Dry 1 week before storing.
Seed Viability
Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Self-sows prolifically in mild climates — often naturalizes without any active seed saving.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Sweet Alyssum. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Sweet Alyssum Planting Calendar by Zone
Sweet Alyssum Planting Calendar by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Alyssum? +
Sow Sweet Alyssum seeds directly in the garden 4 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Sweet Alyssum take to grow? +
Sweet Alyssum typically blooms in about 45 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Sweet Alyssum indoors or direct sow? +
Sweet Alyssum does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Sweet Alyssum need? +
Sweet Alyssum requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Sweet Alyssum? +
Space Sweet Alyssum plants 6 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Sweet Alyssum need? +
Sweet Alyssum has moderate (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Sweet Alyssum? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Sweet Alyssum is rated easy. Tiny seed pods form along stems after flowers fade. Harvest when stems are dry and tan. Strip dried stems over a bowl — tiny seeds fall easily. Dry 1 week before storing.
How long do Sweet Alyssum seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Sweet Alyssum seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Sweet Alyssum seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Sweet Alyssum is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Sweet Alyssum
Honey-scented ground cover with masses of tiny white or purple flowers. Excellent companion plant that attracts beneficial insects and parasitic wasps. Self-seeds freely.
Expect your Sweet Alyssum to be ready for harvest in approximately 45 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.