Carpet of Snow Sweet Alyssum Seeds

Direct-sow Carpet of Snow Alyssum seeds outdoors 2–3 weeks before the last frost. Seedlings handle a light freeze, so there's no need to wait for warm weather. The seeds need light to sprout, so press them onto the soil surface and cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil or just leave them uncovered. At 60–70°F soil temperature, Carpet of Snow Alyssum seeds germinate in 7–14 days. If you want an earlier start, sow indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting and set the trays in a bright place. Once seedlings reach about 2 inches, thin to 6 inches apart to avoid crowding.

Carpet of Snow Sweet Alyssum flower needs at least 4–6 hours of direct sun to flower well. In hotter climates, like zones 8 and above, some afternoon shade would help to keep blooming longer. Sweet Alyssum plants grow in sandy, rocky, or average garden soil as long as drainage is decent. Aim for a pH around 6.0–7.0 if you want the best results. Water regularly for the first few weeks while seedlings establish, then back off. During typical summer, two deep waterings per week is enough.

Sweet Alyssum (Carpet of Snow) is low maintenance. It doesn’t require staking, heavy feeding, or complicated routine. One application of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than enough. If bloom slows down in peak summer heat, cut the plant back by about a third and water it. Within 2–3 weeks it bounces back. Carpet of Snow Alyssum self-seeds freely, so don't be surprised to find sprouts next spring. To save seeds on purpose, leave a few flower clusters on the plant until they're fully dry and brown, then collect.