Seeds, Alyssum Dwarf Purple (West Coast Seeds)

Grow for a low-growing carpet of lovely, mauve, scented flowers that stays only 5-10cm (2-4") tall. Sow Dwarf Purple Alyssum seeds around the edge of veggie beds to improve pollination, or sprinkle them between cracks and paving stones to fill in with a moss-like appearance, followed by scores of tiny purple flowers. This Alyssum works well in containers and window boxes. It has a spreading habit, so is useful as a plant to fill in spaces between others.

Annual

Timing
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Or, direct sow while some danger of light frost still exists. It’s very easy, either way.

Starting
Sow seeds on the surface of the soil. If starting indoors, use a sterilized seed starting mix and maintain a soil temperature of 12-21°F (55-70°F) under bright lights. The seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover them. They should sprout in 5-14 days.

Companion Planting
Alyssum is very attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects, and useful as a mulch to keep weeds down between rows.