Alyssum Growing Guide
Growing Alyssum is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Flower
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Plant Family
Brassicaceae
Growing Season
Cool & Warm Season
Plant Lifecycle
Annual
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
14 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Alyssum?
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Your Alyssum Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Alyssum's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 7–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Alyssum thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, so choose a spot with plenty of sunlight.
- 2Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.
- 3Plant in well-draining soil and space the plants about 6 inches apart to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases.
- 4For pest control, keep an eye out for aphids and use insecticidal soap if needed.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~45
Days to Maturity
12 cm
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
30 days
When to Pick
Flowers when fully bloomed
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest Alyssum by cutting the stems just above a leaf node when the flowers are fully open and fragrant.
- 2Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
- 3To encourage continuous blooming, regularly deadhead spent flowers by removing them at the base of the flower stem.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your Alyssum plant is easy and rewarding, even for new growers! Once the flowers fade, let the small seed pods dry on the plant until they turn brown and crisp. Gently pinch or shake the pods over a clean surface to collect the tiny seeds. Don’t worry if you drop a few—Alyssum is very forgiving! Store your seeds in a labeled envelope or small jar in a cool, dry place, and you’ll be ready to plant a beautiful new batch next season. You’ve got this—seed saving is a simple step toward a thriving, self-sustaining garden!
Seed Production
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