A low-growing, honey-scented annual that forms a soft carpet of tiny white or purple flowers. A favorite of pollinators and a lovely filler in borders and containers.
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Sunlight
Full sun to part shade
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Water
Moderate
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Type
Annual (cool-season)
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Soil
Average, well-drained
Growing Basics
Sweet alyssum is a cool-season annual in Minnesota. It blooms best in spring and fall and may pause during peak summer heat.
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade. Does fine with a little afternoon shade in hot weather.
Soil: Average, well-drained soil. Not picky â it actually does better without a lot of extra fertilizer.
Transplanting: Can tolerate light frost, so you can plant out a week or two before your last frost date. Plant at the same depth as in the pot.
Watering: Keep soil moderately moist. Once established, it handles some drought but will bloom better with regular water.
Fertilization: A light feeding at planting time is plenty. Too much nitrogen = lots of leaves, fewer flowers.
Other Tips
If plants look tired or stop blooming in midsummer, shear them back by about half. They'll freshen up and often rebloom in late summer and fall.
The honey-sweet fragrance is strongest in warm evening air. Plant near a seating area or walkway to appreciate it.
Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and hoverflies â great companion planting near vegetables.
Self-seeds readily. You may get volunteers again next year.
