How to Grow Sweet Alyssum

A cool-season flower for the home garden across the warmer US.

Sweet Alyssum is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Sweet Alyssum is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the sweet alyssum page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Carpet of Snow, Low, honey-scented white carpet (Botanical Interests)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 20 cm (8 in) between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 3 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

In humid regions, Downy mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Sweet Alyssum is usually ready to harvest in roughly 8 weeks. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant sweet alyssum where you garden.

See also: Sweet Alyssum in the plant library →

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