Alyssum – Sweet Tall White

Sweet Alyssum is a charming flower native to southern Europe, also commonly known as Sweet Alice. This variety typically grows between 8 and 12 inches tall, making it ideal for adding vertical interest while maintaining the delicate, fragrant appeal the species is known for.

With its pure white, densely clustered flowers, Sweet Alyssum works beautifully as a border plant, ground cover, or filler for pots and containers. It thrives in most garden settings, performing well in full sun to partial shade. Although it is semi-drought tolerant once established, it prefers regular watering to maintain lush growth and prolonged flowering.

Sweet Alyssum is prized for its sweet, honey-like fragrance that gently permeates the air around its blossoms, attracting beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. This plant is easy to grow from seed and can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date, then transplanted outside once conditions are favorable. In cooler climates, it is best planted outdoors in spring, while gardeners in warmer regions of the southern United States may find fall planting yields better results due to milder temperatures.

To encourage a longer blooming season, prune back the plant with shears or small clippers once the flowers begin to fade. This promotes fresh growth and often results in a second flush of blooms. Sweet Alyssum prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil and flourishes best in cooler climates.

Special Note: While Sweet Alyssum is widely appreciated for its beauty and ease of growth, it has been reported as invasive in certain areas, including parts of Northern California. To ensure responsible gardening, it is recommended to check with your state’s Department of Agriculture or local extension office for any restrictions on planting Sweet Alyssum in your area before purchasing seeds.

The broadcast rate for seeding is 4 – 5 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 2 pounds per acre.