Sweet Alyssum

Brassicaceae

THE LIVING MULCH SPECIALIST. Best research-backed insectary plant for vegetable gardens. Low carpet (3-9 inches tall, 10-48 inches wide) of tiny honey-scented flowers. IDEAL nectar source for hoverflies whose larvae are voracious aphid predators. USDA research: 500-1000 transplants/acre provides complete aphid control in romaine lettuce. Iowa State: significant reduction in pepper insect damage. Sprinkle seed between rows — flowers within weeks.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

40–55 days

Sun

6+ hours

Container

Yes

Height

0.3–0.8 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Optimal Temp 65°F

Watering

Needs Moderate

Resilience

Heat: Medium Cold: Low Drought: Medium

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Flowers/foliage at desired stage

Sources

peer-reviewed Eric Brennan USDA — alyssum/romaine research university Iowa State Extension university_extension NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

More Flowers

Sweet Alyssum Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Sweet Alyssum vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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