Potted Alyssum Plants: Growing Sweet Alyssum In A Container

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a delicate-looking plant highly valued for its sweet fragrance and clusters of tiny blooms. Don’t be deceived by its appearance though; sweet alyssum is tough, easy-to-grow, and adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. 

Can you grow sweet alyssum in a container? You bet you can. In fact, sweet alyssum’s trailing, creeping habit makes it perfect for growing in a container, hanging basket, or window box. Want to learn how to grow alyssum in a pot? Read on for information on container planting sweet alyssum.

Growing Potted Alyssum Plants

The easiest way to get started with container planting sweet alyssum is to begin with small plants from a garden center or nursery in your area. Be sure to look for trailing or sprawling varieties. If you prefer, you can start seeds indoors a few weeks ahead of the last expected frost in your area.

Fill a container with good-quality commercial potting soil. Be sure the container has a drainage hole in the bottom. Use a product with fertilizer added or mix a little time-release fertilizer into the potting mix before planting.

Plant in the center of the pot. If the pot is large enough, you can plant more than one sweet alyssum or you can combine the plant with other colorful annuals such as petunias, sweet potato vine, or trailing lobelia.

Water lightly immediately after planting and then continue to water as needed; however, be careful not to overwater. Sweet alyssum doesn’t like wet feet. Water deeply and allow the potting mix to dry slightly before watering again. Keep in mind that containers dry out quickly during warm, dry weather.

Caring for Container Grown Alyssum

Ensure potted alyssum plants get at least six hours of bright sunlight per day. Container grown alyssum in shade won’t be as healthy or bloom as well.

Feed your potted alyssum every other week using a dilute solution of a water-soluble fertilizer. Fertilizer is important because potted plants are unable to draw nutrients from the soil.

Sweet alyssum in a container tends to wilt a bit when temperatures rise in midsummer. If this happens, rejuvenate the plants by cutting them back by about one-third, then provide food and water.