How to Grow Alyssum in Australia
A year-round flower crop for the home garden
Growing Alyssum rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Virtually free, self-seeds prolifically and attracts beneficial insects that reduce pest pressure across all crops.
This guide covers when to plant Alyssum in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Alyssum is a year-round crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Alyssum full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 15cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 20 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 10 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 20 degrees.
Low carpet of tiny flowers, brings hoverflies that eat aphids.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
The main diseases to watch are Downy mildew. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Alyssum is typically ready to harvest in roughly 8 weeks. Use within 1 to 2 days of picking.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, alyssum is good flowers used as a delicate edible garnish and petals added to salads for visual appeal. Nutritionally: attracts beneficial hoverflies and aphid predators and creates living mulch ground cover.
Companion Planting
Alyssum grows well alongside Lettuce, Brassicas, Beans and Strawberry. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Alyssum Growing
Add alyssum to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Alyssum in Australia?
Alyssum is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Alyssum take to grow?
Alyssum is generally ready to harvest in roughly 8 weeks.
Can I grow Alyssum in a pot?
Yes. Alyssum grows well in a container of 15cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Alyssum need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Alyssum in the Plant Library
