Carpet of Snow Sweet Alyssum

Carpet of Snow Sweet Alyssum grows an enchanting dense carpet of tiny, fragrant white flowers that blanket the ground, reaching a height of 3-6 inches and spreading 12-18 inches wide. This low-growing mat-forming annual grows naturally in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and Azores where it originates, typically found along coastlines in rocky, sunlit regions. Carpet of Snow makes an attractive and low-maintenance ground cover or border for rock gardens, yard fronts, containers, and tranquil spaces. To enjoy its beauty, simply sow the seeds directly into the garden after the last frost, and watch as it quickly fills in with lush, fragrant blooms. The tiny flowers of Sweet Alyssum are also edible and makes for a elegant garnish.

Also Known As: Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Alison, Snowdrift Alyssum, Sweet White Alyssum, Snow White Alyssum, White Lobularia, Snow Princess Alyssum, White Basket-of-Gold, Snow Crystal Alyssum.

Plant Name:	Sweet Alyssum, Carpet of Snow
Latin Name:	Lobularia maritima
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	55
Plant Height:	3 - 6 Inches
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	1/4 Inch
Growth Habit:	Spreading
USDA Zones:	5-11
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 9-11
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 6 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after all danger of frost has passed in spring and soil temperatures reach at least 65F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters for a head start in the following spring, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights.

To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 6-12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	6-12 inches

Care During the Season:

Carpet of Snow Alyssum benefits from consistent watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during hot, dry spells. To encourage continuous blooming throughout the season, deadhead spent flowers regularly by pinching or trimming them back. If the plants begin to look leggy or stop flowering in midsummer, lightly shear the foliage by a third to promote a flush of new growth and flowers.