Alyssum, or Sweet Alyssum, is a very popular flower to include when planning out your flower beds. Alyssum is an annual and usually grows on low-lying stems. A major benefit to growing Alyssum is that the flowers do a great job at attracting birds, bees and butterflies to the garden.

Before Planting: Alyssum grows best in well-drained humis-like soil that holds moisture well. Alyssum can be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting outside.

Planting: Sprinkle the seeds over the area of your garden in which you want the flowers to grow. This allows the flowers to grow close together and create a carpet-like effect.

Watering: Be sure to keep the plants watered well, because hot spells can damage it.

Fertilizer: Alyssum does best when it is fertilized after you cut it back by one third in the middle of the summer. Fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer cut with water, and the flowers will continue to bloom into the late summer.

Days to Maturity: Alyssum typically blooms from June through October, but can continue to grow all year long depending on climate.

Harvesting: Although Alyssum will self-sow itself, its self-sown seeds don’t produce as well as the fresh seeds do, so it is encouraged to remove these form the garden and start with new seeds each year.

Tips: In the middle of the summer, cut the plant back by a third. This encourages new growth.