Sweet Alyssum

(Lobularia maritima) Sweet alyssum is an tender perennial that is treated as an annual in the brassica, or cabbage, family. A dainty, creeping ornamental flower with fragrant, honey-scented flowers, it looks amazing creeping in rock gardens, along beds and borders or spilling out of containers. Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost and transplant outdoors after last frost, or direct seed after last frost has passed. Seeds germinate in 14 days. Surface sow seeds and gently press into soil, as seeds require light for germination. Ideal germination temperature is 55-70F. Sweet alyssum prefers full sun to part shade, needs moist soil and prefers high pH, alkaline soil. Plant spacing will range depending on variety. There are creeping types and extra dwarf types; in general, most varieties should be spaced 6 inches apart.