Alyssum Seeds - Easter Bonnet Mix

Alyssum 'Easter Bonnet Mix' is a vibrant blend of Alyssum flowers, offering a delightful array of colors, including shades of white, pink, purple, and lavender. This mix is perfect for brightening up your spring garden with its fragrant, honey-scented blooms that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Ideal for garden beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets, 'Easter Bonnet Mix' will fill your garden with color and fragrance, making it a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any garden.

Key Benefits

Fragrant Blooms: Features sweet, honey-like scented flowers that attract pollinators, making it ideal for creating a pollinator-friendly garden.
Colorful Blend: Offers a stunning mix of white, pink, purple, and lavender flowers for a vibrant display.
Low-Maintenance: Easy to grow and care for, perfect for beginner gardeners.
Long Blooming Period: Blooms continuously from early spring to the first frost, providing color and fragrance for months.
Versatile: Perfect for borders, containers, hanging baskets, and as ground cover.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Clusters of small, fragrant flowers in a mix of white, pink, purple, and lavender, with dark green foliage.
• Bloom Period: Blooms from early spring until the first frost, ensuring months of continuous beauty.
• Growth Habit: Low-growing and spreading, forming a dense mat that is perfect for filling gaps in garden beds or containers.
• Size: Grows 4–6 inches tall with a spread of 6–10 inches.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors after the last frost.
• Ideal Temperature: Germinates best at 65°F–70°F (18°C–21°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/8 inch deep in light, well-draining soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart for optimal growth and air circulation.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, particularly in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid excessive watering that can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Pruning

• Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Trim any overgrown or leggy stems to keep the plant neat and compact.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: While relatively pest-resistant, aphids or whiteflies can occasionally appear. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
• Diseases: To prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation and avoid overcrowding.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Alyssum 'Easter Bonnet Mix' typically starts blooming 6–8 weeks after sowing.
• Cut Flowers: For fresh cut flowers, harvest in the morning when blooms are fully open. These flowers are great for indoor arrangements and will last well in a vase.

Storage

• Seed Collection: Allow flowers to dry naturally on the plant, then collect seeds and store in a cool, dry place for future planting.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• Pollinator-Friendly: Great for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it an excellent addition to any pollinator garden.
• Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it perfect for filling in garden gaps or providing colorful, fragrant ground cover.
• Container Gardening: Perfect for adding color and fragrance to hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes.

Conclusion

Alyssum Seeds – Easter Bonnet Mix is a beautiful and fragrant choice for any garden. With its vibrant mix of colors, sweet fragrance, and ease of care, it is perfect for both beginner and seasoned gardeners. Whether used in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets, this versatile mix will fill your garden with beauty and attract pollinators all season long.