Easy steps on how to grow Sweet Alyssum plant

This particular plant is a delicate carpet of tiny flowers that has a sweet scent. The plant low-growing leaves are covered by flowers for much of the growing season. This particular plant is very easy to grow, from plant or seed. The Sweet Alyssum is a cool season flower that can be set out in early spring. Also in frost-free climates, this plant can also be grown throughout the fall and winter. Although some most the varieties will fade in the heat but bloom again in the fall. The botanical name of this plant Lobularia maritima. Some of the common names are Alyssum, Carpet Flower, Sweet Alyssum.
The plant type: This plant is an annual plant, although some of the varieties are hardy in frost-free areas.
The mature size of the plant: Some of the varieties of the plant can grow up to four to six inches high and six to nine inches wide.
The plant sun exposure: This plant can grow in either full sun or partial shade. Sweet Alyssum plant appreciates some shade during the hottest part of the day.
The soil type: Sweet Alyssum plant like rich, loamy soil.
The soil pH: This plant prefers a neutral soil pH.
The Blooming time: The plant flowers typically bloom from June through October. Although some plants may continue growing all year long.
The plant flower color: This plant has a tiny cross-shape, pale pink and purple, 4 petal flowers in white, clustered in rounded racemes. Also the leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, slightly hairy gray-green leaves.
The origin: This plant is a native to the Mediterranean region and also in France in the Bay of Biscay

Steps on how to grow Sweet Alyssum plant

This particular plant is a nearly unmatched plant that is hardy to both heat and drought. Sweet Alyssum plant thrives in a wide range of regions across the United States. Sweet Alyssum plant flowers have a sweet, lively fragrance and they are members of the mustard family.

The Light requirement

This plant actually loves full sun, although it does not like a prolonged dry periods. By peradventure if your region is hot and dry, a slightly shaded area will work best for the plant. Make sure you take note of the times of hot and dry weather, because this plant will need extra water.

The soil requirement

Sweet Alyssum plant prefers loamy soil and when they are grown in the gardens, it is usually as a ground cover. Although in natural settings, they are commonly found on sandy beaches and dunes. This particular plant can also grow on cultivated fields, walls, slopes, and also in cracks in sidewalks or walls.

The watering of the plant

If you want to water the plant try to provide at least an inch of water every week. Make sure you provide more water during hot or dry spells. Also make sure the water drains very well.

How to fertilize the plant

This particular plant does not actually need any fertilizer unless the soil is poor. Although container alyssum plants will need more frequent water and monthly feedings. Make sure you use a water-soluble fertilizer for the container plants.

How to control Pests

This plant is a problem free plant. Although insects like Aphids can become a pest most especially when the Sweet Alyssum plants are under stress. Sweet Alyssum plants will do poorly in boggy soil or where drainage is a particular problem. Sweet Alyssum plant can get stem rot or leaf blight, most especially when too much shade prevents the leaves and soil from completely drying out. Also Botrytis blight is really a problem if the Sweet Alyssum plant grows in extremely wet areas.