Sweet Alyssum is one of the easiest flower seeds to grow, and one of the most rewarding — a low, spreading carpet of tiny, honey-scented blooms that covers borders, rock gardens, and containers from early spring until frost. At KVITER, our Alyssum flower seeds are grown for high germination rates, hand-selected for quality, and always non-GMO.
Every packet we sell is an heirloom, open-pollinated variety of Lobularia Maritima — meaning the seeds breed true year after year, so you can save seed from your own garden and grow the same reliable flowers again next season.
About Sweet Alyssum
Alyssum, botanically known as Lobularia Maritima, is a low, spreading flower native to the Mediterranean coast, Europe, and North Africa — its species name Maritima refers to its natural preference for coastal, well-drained ground. Commonly called Sweet Alyssum for its honey-like fragrance, it forms a dense mat of tiny four-petaled flowers just 3–4 inches tall, spreading up to a foot wide.
Grown as a fast, easy annual across USDA Zones 3-12, Alyssum thrives in poor, rocky, or sandy soil where many other plants struggle, and blooms from spring through summer (and into fall or winter in mild climates). Its nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which is why gardeners often plant it alongside vegetables as a companion flower.
Our Alyssum Seeds for Sale
Both varieties are dense, low-growing, and self-branching, making them ideal for edging, ground cover, hanging baskets, and filling gaps between pavers. A single 5,000-seed pack easily covers a substantial border planting or several containers, since Sweet Alyssum is typically surface-sown at a light density and thinned as seedlings establish.
- Royal Carpet Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia Maritima) seeds — a classic AAS-winning shade of purple that pairs beautifully with silver or gray-leaved companions.
- Carpet of Snow Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia Maritima) seeds — pure white blooms that brighten shaded corners and soften hard edges in the landscape.
Why Choose KVITER Alyssum Seeds
- High germination rates — every batch is tested so more of what you sow actually sprouts.
- Non-GMO seeds — no genetic modification, ever.
- Heirloom, open-pollinated — true-to-type generation after generation, so you can collect and replant your own seed.
- High-quality, clean seed — sorted and packed to stay viable in storage.
How to Grow Alyssum from Seed
Sweet Alyssum is beginner-friendly and forgiving, whether you direct-sow outdoors or start seeds indoors.
Germination & Growing
Germination typically takes 5–14 days, and success depends on keeping the soil temperature between 65–75°F (18–24°C). These seeds need light to germinate, so press them onto the soil surface rather than burying them — sow at the surface or no deeper than 1/8 inch.
Once seedlings emerge and are thinned, space plants 6–12 inches apart. They do best in full sun to partial shade, and typically bloom within 40–45 days of sowing.
As for hardiness, this is an annual, though it self-seeds readily in mild climates, often returning on its own year after year.
Step-by-Step
- Timing: Direct-sow outdoors after the last frost, or start indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date for an earlier bloom.
- Sowing: Alyssum seeds need light to germinate — scatter them on the soil surface and press gently. Do not cover them.
- Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist (a light mist is best) until seedlings emerge, usually within 5–14 days.
- Thinning: Once seedlings reach 2–3 inches tall, thin to 6–12 inches apart so plants have room to spread into their signature "carpet."
- Care: Water regularly, especially while establishing. Alyssum becomes fairly drought-tolerant once mature and benefits from a light trim after the first flush of blooms to encourage reblooming.
Best Uses for Sweet Alyssum
- Ground cover for slopes, rock gardens, and dry, well-drained spots
- Border and edging plant along paths and garden beds
- Container and hanging basket filler — cascades beautifully over the edge
- Pollinator garden — the sweet, honey-like scent attracts bees, hoverflies, and butterflies
- Companion planting — commonly used near vegetables to attract beneficial insects and help suppress weeds
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Alyssum seeds take to germinate?
Most Alyssum seeds germinate in 5–14 days when kept moist at 65–75°F, with seedlings often appearing within a week under ideal conditions.
Is Sweet Alyssum an annual or a perennial?
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia Maritima) is grown as an annual in most climates. In mild, frost-free regions it can persist and often self-seeds, returning on its own year after year.
Do Alyssum seeds need light to germinate?
Yes. Alyssum seeds should be pressed onto the surface of the soil rather than buried, since they need light exposure to sprout.
How far apart should Alyssum plants be spaced?
Thin or space plants 6–12 inches apart once seedlings have their first true leaves, giving the low, spreading habit room to fill in.
Can Alyssum be grown in containers?
Yes — Sweet Alyssum is an excellent container and hanging basket plant, cascading nicely over the edges of pots and window boxes.
Does Alyssum reseed itself?
Yes. Alyssum readily self-sows in the garden, and in mild climates it can return season after season from dropped seed without replanting.
Is Sweet Alyssum resistant to deer and rabbits?
Sweet Alyssum is generally considered to be rabbit- and deer-resistant flowers, making it a reliable choice for gardens with browsing pressure.
