Lobularia maritima

Sowing and growing guidance

Lobularia maritima seeds germinate best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil, in full sun to light shade. Direct sow after the last frost onto a fine seedbed, pressing seed gently into the surface and keeping moisture even; in areas with short seasons, start under cover and transplant when the soil is workable. In mild climates, autumn sowing can provide winter to spring bloom. Growth is low and spreading, so allow room and thin seedlings to maintain airflow. Water during dry spells but avoid waterlogging. Light feeding suffices on poor soils; excessive fertility can reduce flowering. Deadhead regularly to extend the display, or leave a few spent blooms to self-seed for naturalised drifts.

• Sow on the surface; light aids germination—do not bury heavily.
• Space plants generously; thin early for airflow; follow packet guidance.
• Suitable for containers and edging; use a free-draining potting mix.
• Blossoms are frequently visited by pollinators in suitable conditions.
• Valued as an ornamental for its delicate, scented flowers and neat habit.

How do you grow sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) from seed?

Sow Lobularia maritima seeds on the surface of moist, fine-textured, well-drained mix; they need light to germinate, so press in gently without burying. Keep evenly moist but not waterlogged and maintain cool to mild temperatures (about 15–21°C) for 7–14 days until germination. For trays, use shallow cells or plugs to minimize root disturbance; for beds, prepare a fine seedbed and water with a gentle spray. Thin seedlings promptly to prevent crowding, and pinch lightly when small to encourage branching. Plants bloom quickly from seed, and regular light shearing keeps the mounds neat and floriferous.

When should Lobularia maritima seeds be sown after frost?

Direct sow after the last frost when soil is workable and no cold snaps are forecast. In mild climates, autumn sowing can establish plants for winter to spring bloom, especially with some shelter and good drainage. Where seasons are short, start under cover 4–6 weeks before the last frost and transplant after hardening off once frost risk has passed. For a long display, make succession sowings every 3–4 weeks through the cool part of the growing season, tapering off as hot weather approaches.

What is the best soil and sun exposure for sweet alyssum?

Sweet alyssum thrives in full sun to light shade, enjoying the coolest part of the day’s light; in hot summers, afternoon shade helps maintain bloom. Choose well-drained, moderately fertile soil—overly rich conditions encourage soft growth and fewer flowers. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH is well tolerated, and adding grit or organic matter improves drainage, especially in heavier soils. In containers, use a free-draining mix and avoid waterlogging by ensuring ample drainage holes and watering when the top layer just begins to dry.

What spacing should Lobularia maritima plants have, and will they work as a groundcover?

Space plants about 15–25 cm apart, thinning direct-sown patches to maintain airflow and prevent matting. Expect a low, spreading habit, typically 10–20 cm tall with a 20–30+ cm spread, forming soft, fragrant cushions that suit edging and groundcover use. For path-side drifts or between stepping stones, scatter-sow lightly and thin so plants can knit without smothering each other or nearby seedlings. Consistent spacing reduces humidity within the canopy and keeps the carpet even and long-blooming.

Is it better to direct sow or transplant sweet alyssum?

Both methods work well. Direct sowing is fast and economical for natural drifts and groundcover, giving a seamless look with minimal effort once frost has passed. Transplanting from plugs provides a head start where seasons are short, more precise spacing for formal borders or containers, and quicker early color. If raising transplants, sow into modules or plugs to reduce root disturbance, harden off gradually, and plant out into settled conditions. In suitable sites, plants often self-seed lightly, renewing displays the following season.

Does sweet alyssum attract pollinators, and is it suitable for borders and containers?

Sweet alyssum’s honeyed scent and numerous small flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a useful companion along vegetable beds and orchard edges as well as in ornamental plantings. Its trailing, low-growing form suits borders, rockeries, and containers, where it softens edges and spills over rims. For continuous bloom, provide even moisture, avoid heavy feeding, and shear lightly after the first flush to prompt rapid rebloom; in hot weather, plants may pause flowering, so a mid-season trim and some afternoon shade help them resume once temperatures ease.

Guidance presented here is compiled from standard horticultural practice and supplier information, and is intended as a general overview. Conditions vary widely by microclimate, soil structure, drainage, and exposure, so timings and methods may differ (for example, sow after last frost or when soil is workable). Product pages carry the most accurate directions on sowing depth, spacing, and timing, specific to each variety.

Growing Sweet Alyssum from Seed

Lobularia maritima seeds are valued for their quick, fragrant blooms and neat habit in beds, borders, and containers. Sow outdoors after the last frost when soil is workable, or start indoors 6–8 weeks earlier for an earlier display; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Scatter thinly on the surface or cover very lightly, as light aids germination. Keep evenly moist until seedlings emerge, typically within 7–14 days at moderate temperatures. Thin or transplant to 10–20 cm spacing for a low, spreading mat. Plants prefer full sun in cooler periods and light shade in hotter conditions, with well-drained soil. Regular deadheading supports continuous flowering; a light trim can refresh growth mid-season. Suitable for edging paths, softening rockeries, or filling gaps, and appreciated by beneficial insects. Additional variety descriptions, sowing windows across climates, and seed quantities tailored to different garden scales are available at SeedsChoice.