How to Grow Sweet Alyssum
Lobularia maritima
Your complete guide to growing Sweet Alyssum.
📷 Wikipedia: Lobularia maritimaWhen to Plant Sweet Alyssum
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May – June | July – September | — |
| Zone 2 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January | February – April | — |
| Zone 11 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 12 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 13 | January | January – March | — |
Companion Plants for Sweet Alyssum
✓ Good companions
Attracts hoverflies and lacewings that feed on aphids commonly found on brassicas
Attracts hover flies and parasitic wasps that control aphids and caterpillars on brassicas
Acts as a living mulch and attracts parasitic wasps that control cabbage worms
Acts as a living mulch and attracts beneficial insects that control cabbage worms and aphids
Provides ground cover while attracting beneficial insects that help control carrot fly
Attracts beneficial insects that control carrot fly and other pests while providing ground cover
Creates beneficial microclimate and attracts predatory insects for aphid control
Provides ground cover and attracts beneficial insects while not competing for nutrients
Work together to create a diverse beneficial insect habitat while repelling various garden pests
Both attract beneficial insects and complement each other in pest control strategies
Both attract beneficial pollinators and create complementary pest control strategies
Attracts beneficial insects that help control aphids and thrips on rose bushes
Attracts beneficial insects that control aphids and other rose pests while providing attractive grou…
Attracts beneficial insects and serves as living mulch without competing with shallow-rooted strawbe…
Sweet alyssum attracts beneficial insects that control tomato pests like aphids and hornworms
Sweet alyssum attracts beneficial insects that control tomato pests like aphids and whiteflies
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants and inhibits alyssum growth
Produces juglone which is toxic to sweet alyssum and inhibits its growth
Sweet alyssum requires full sun and will become leggy and fail to flower in heavy shade
Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress growth of nearby smaller plants
Creates excessive shade and competes aggressively for water and nutrients
Aggressive spreading habit can overwhelm and crowd out delicate sweet alyssum plants
