Dharaseeds
Sweet Alyssum Seeds (Dwarf) - Royal Carpet
Estimated delivery between February 04 and February 07.
Sweet Alyssum 'Royal Carpet' (Dwarf) is a compact, low-growing variety that creates a vibrant, fragrant carpet of blooms. The deep purple and lavender flowers stand out against its dense, dark green foliage, providing a striking contrast that adds charm to any garden space. Ideal for borders, containers, and hanging baskets, 'Royal Carpet' offers long-lasting color and a sweet honey-like fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This dwarf variety is perfect for gardeners seeking a colorful ground cover with minimal maintenance.
Key Benefits
Fragrant Blooms: Releases a pleasant, sweet fragrance that enhances your garden and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Long Blooming Period: Blooms continuously from early spring until the first frost, providing long-lasting color and fragrance.
Compact Size: The dwarf variety is perfect for small gardens, containers, or as a ground cover in limited spaces.
Low Maintenance: Requires little care, making it ideal for beginner gardeners or those with limited time.
Cold Tolerant: Thrives in cooler temperatures, making it a great option for spring and fall gardens.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Dense, compact plants with clusters of small, deep purple to lavender flowers and rich green foliage.
- Bloom Period: Blooms from early spring to fall, providing vibrant color and fragrance throughout the growing season.
- Growth Habit: Low, mounding growth that forms a dense mat, making it an excellent ground cover or container plant.
- Size: Grows to about 4–6 inches in height, with a spread of 8–12 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 well-draining soil.
- Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and healthy growth.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, light, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, though it blooms best in full sun.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization
- Alyssum 'Royal Carpet' requires minimal fertilization. However, a light application of balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season will encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Lightly trim back any overgrown stems to keep the plants compact.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Resistant to most pests but watch for aphids and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap if necessary.
- Diseases: To prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation and avoid overcrowding.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Sweet Alyssum 'Royal Carpet' will begin blooming in about 6–8 weeks from sowing.
- Cut Flowers: Cut flowers early in the morning when they are fully open but fresh for the longest-lasting blooms in floral arrangements.
Storage
- Seed Collection: Allow flowers to dry on the plant, then collect and store the seeds in a cool, dry place for the next season.
Culinary and Practical Uses
- Pollinator Gardens: A fantastic plant for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden.
- Ground Cover: Ideal for creating a low-maintenance, fragrant ground cover that helps suppress weeds and adds color.
- Container Gardening: Perfect for small spaces, hanging baskets, or window boxes, where it will add both beauty and fragrance.
Conclusion
Sweet Alyssum Seeds (Dwarf) – Royal Carpet is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a fragrant, compact plant that adds vibrant color and fragrance to smaller spaces. With its continuous blooming period, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, this dwarf variety is perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or as ground cover. Add 'Royal Carpet' to your garden for a charming, pollinator-friendly touch that will bring beauty to your outdoor space all season long.