Alyssum Seeds – Lobularia maritima
Lobularia maritima • Brassicaceae (Mustard) • Native to Mediterranean, Macaronesia
Alyssum Seeds grow into low-growing, fragrant plants with clusters of tiny white, pink, or purple blooms. Ideal for garden borders, rock gardens, containers, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Seed Variety: Royal Carpet Alyssum Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Royal Carpet Alyssum Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
In climates with hot, humid summers, alyssum can go dormant or decline mid-season, though it often rebounds on its own once temperatures cool in late summer.
Botanical profile
Meet the Alyssum – Lobularia maritima
Step-by-step planting
Growing sweet alyssum from seed is straightforward, but giving it the right start in terms of timing and soil conditions will make a noticeable difference in how quickly and evenly it establishes.
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1
Choose Your Timing
Direct sow alyssum seeds outdoors two to four weeks before your last expected frost, or start them indoors six to eight weeks before transplanting, since the seeds prefer cool soil temperatures around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit to sprout well.
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2
Prepare the Soil
Loosen the top few inches of soil and work in a little compost if your ground is heavy or compacted, aiming for a well-draining bed with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
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3
Sow the Seeds
Scatter alyssum seeds on the soil surface and press them gently into contact with the ground without burying them, as they need light to germinate.
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4
Water Carefully
Mist the seeded area with a gentle spray to keep the surface evenly moist but not waterlogged, checking daily since the thin layer of soil over shallow seeds dries out faster than you might expect.
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5
Thin Seedlings
Once seedlings reach about an inch tall, thin them to four to six inches apart so each plant has enough airflow and root space to develop fully without crowding.
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6
Fertilize Lightly
A light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time is usually enough, as alyssum planted in over-rich soil tends to produce more foliage than flowers.
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7
Shear for Rebloom
If flowering slows during a summer heat spell, cut plants back by about one third, water them in, and they will typically flush with new blooms once cooler weather returns.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Alyssum Seeds – Lobularia maritima
How long does alyssum take to germinate?
Under good conditions with moist soil and temperatures in the 60 to 65 degree Fahrenheit range, alyssum seeds often begin sprouting within five to ten days. That said, germination timing varies depending on your climate, soil temperature, moisture consistency, and how shallowly the seeds were sown. Cooler or warmer conditions outside that range will slow things down, so patience is worthwhile.
Does alyssum reseed itself?
Yes, sweet alyssum is a reliable self-seeder in many climates, and if you leave spent plants in place at the end of the season, you can expect volunteer seedlings to appear the following spring. This makes it feel almost perennial in mild-winter areas, though the plants are true annuals. Keep in mind that self-sown seedlings may not match the flower color of the original cultivar if you started with a specific variety.
Can alyssum grow in containers?
Alyssum is a very willing alyssum container plant and does particularly well spilling over the edges of window boxes, hanging baskets, or mixed patio pots. Use a well-draining potting mix, and be prepared to water more frequently than you would in the ground since containers dry out faster. A little slow-release fertilizer worked into the mix at planting gives container-grown plants a steady, low-key nutrient supply.
Is sweet alyssum safe for pets?
Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats, and it does not appear on the ASPCA list of plants toxic to common household pets. That said, if a pet consumes a large quantity of any plant material, mild digestive upset is always possible. When in doubt, check with your veterinarian, especially if you have a pet with known sensitivities.
When should I plant alyssum seeds?
The ideal window for sowing alyssum is in early spring, a few weeks before your last frost date, because the seeds and young plants actually prefer the cooler conditions of early spring over summer heat. In mild-winter climates, you can also sow in fall for winter and early spring bloom. Starting too late in warm weather often leads to slower establishment and reduced flowering until temperatures drop again in autumn.
Does alyssum prefer sun or shade?
Sweet alyssum performs well in full sun and will flower most prolifically with at least six hours of direct light per day. It tolerates partial shade, though flowering tends to be lighter in shadier spots. In regions with very hot summers, a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade can actually help the plant stay healthier through the hottest months.
How do I keep alyssum blooming all season?
The most effective technique is a mid-season shearing: when the plant looks straggly or flowering drops off, cut it back by about a third and water it thoroughly. This encourages a fresh flush of growth and flowers, typically within two to three weeks. Deadheading individual spent clusters also helps, though shearing the whole plant at once tends to produce a more dramatic rebound than picking through it regularly.