Days to Maturity: Approximately 40-55 days from transplant to first blooms (often 45 days typical; continues blooming until hard frost).
Sun Needs: Full sun to light afternoon shade—full sun for the most flowers in Utah; light shade can help during the hottest weeks.
Season Type: Cool-to-warm-season annual; frost-tolerant when young—transplant in spring after soil is workable, or again in late summer for fall bloom.
Plant Habit & Support: Low, spreading plants grow 4–8 inches tall and 10–12 inches wide; no staking needed—space 8–10 inches apart.
Other Notes: Shear plants back by about one-third if bloom slows in midsummer heat—organic mulch (like straw or compost) helps keep roots cooler and soil evenly moist; deadheading is optional but a light trim refreshes flowering.
Best Planting Method: Transplant when soil is workable in spring, or in late summer for a fall flush. Space plants 8–10 inches apart in rows, beds, or containers; plant at the same depth as in the pot. Amend soil with compost for fertility and excellent drainage—raised beds or pots work well in heavier or alkaline Utah soils. Organic mulch (such as straw, compost, or grass clippings) around plants conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil cooler.
Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist (about 1 inch per week)—drip irrigation is ideal in dry Utah air. Do not let plants dry out completely during bloom, especially in containers and during July–August heat. Mulch helps maintain steady moisture, and pots may need more frequent checks during hot spells.
Fertilization Needs: Incorporate compost or a light balanced fertilizer at planting. Alyssum is a light feeder—avoid high nitrogen, which produces more foliage than flowers. A midseason side-dress of compost or a dilute balanced feed is usually enough. Harvest a few blooms as needed for the kitchen; a light shear after a flush encourages another round of flowers.