Sweet Alyssum
Delicate, cloudlike sprays of Sweet Alyssum bloom with a honeyed fragrance that seems to drift on cool air—an inviting, garden-filling perfume from the moment the first blossoms open.
Expect a fine, velvety texture of countless tiny flowers that carpet the bed in a soft, continuous show, ideal for edging, window boxes, and quick color in cool seasons. Grow it for its reliable, early-to-bloom habit and its ability to keep looking fresh as temperatures settle in.
Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Spreading
Location not set yet
Location not set yet
Enter your ZIP for local crop dates
Sweet Alyssum Planting Dates by USDA Zone
Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Sow / Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Protected Environment Only | ||
| Zone 1b | Apr 20th | May 25th | Jul 14th – Aug 1st |
| Zone 2a | Apr 13th | May 18th | Jul 7th – Aug 29th |
| Zone 2b | Apr 3rd | May 8th | Jun 27th – Aug 25th |
| Zone 3a | Apr 3rd | May 8th | Jun 27th – Sep 1st |
| Zone 3b | Apr 7th | May 12th | Jul 1st – Sep 21st |
| Zone 4a | Apr 3rd | May 8th | Jun 27th – Sep 24th |
| Zone 4b | Apr 1st | May 6th | Jun 25th – Sep 27th |
| Zone 5a | Mar 27th | May 1st | Jun 20th – Sep 30th |
| Zone 5b | Mar 23rd | Apr 27th | Jun 16th – Oct 5th |
| Zone 6a | Mar 20th | Apr 24th | Jun 13th – Oct 10th |
| Zone 6b | Mar 14th | Apr 18th | Jun 7th – Oct 16th |
| Zone 7a | Mar 9th | Apr 13th | Jun 2nd – Oct 20th |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27th | Apr 3rd | May 23rd – Oct 28th |
| Zone 8a | Feb 18th | Mar 25th | May 14th – Nov 5th |
| Zone 8b | Feb 9th | Mar 16th | May 5th – Nov 12th |
| Zone 9a | Jan 23rd | Feb 27th | Apr 18th – Nov 26th |
| Zone 9b | Dec 29th | Feb 2nd | Mar 24th – Dec 9th |
| Zone 10a | — | Oct 1st | Nov 20th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 10b | — | Oct 1st | Nov 20th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 11a | — | Oct 1st | Nov 20th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 11b | — | Oct 1st | Nov 20th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 12a | — | Oct 1st | Nov 20th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 12b | — | Oct 1st | Nov 20th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 13a | — | Oct 1st | Nov 20th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 13b | — | Oct 1st | Nov 20th – Feb 28th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 50 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Spreading |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Surface |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 65 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 45 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 35 |
| Harden Off (days) | 7 |
Sowing Tips
Transplant Conditions
Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.
Expert Note
For the best bloom, keep seedlings evenly moist and transplant only after nights are reliably above cool stress to avoid stalling in cold soil.