How to Grow Alyssum 'Apricot Blend'
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Alyssum 'Apricot Blend'
Lobularia maritima 'Apricot Blend'
flowerAlyssum 'Apricot Blend' is a compact, low-growing annual flower prized for its delicate clusters of tiny, fragrant blooms in warm apricot, peach, and cream tones. This cultivar is ideal for borders, containers, hanging baskets, and edging, offering continuous color from spring through fall with minimal maintenance.
When should you plant Alyssum 'Apricot Blend' in your zone?
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Example Alyssum 'Apricot Blend' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alyssum 'Apricot Blend'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Alyssum 'Apricot Blend' blooms
Around May 22≈ 35 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; can self-seed in cooler zones
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Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons and first true leaves emerging
Keep soil moist but not wet. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 weeksDense, compact mounding plant developing finely-textured foliage, 6-12 inches tall
Water regularly. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth. Fertilize bi-weekly with balanced fertilizer or monthly with slow-release formula.
Flowering
8-14 weeksAbundant clusters (racemes) of tiny apricot, peach, and cream flowers begin appearing, eventually covering entire plant
Deadhead spent flower clusters to promote continuous blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Resume fertilization to sustain flowers.
Peak Bloom & Maintenance
4-8 weeks or morePlant becomes a mound of fragrant flowers in warm tones, potentially reaching 12-15 inches wide depending on conditions
Continue deadheading for heaviest bloom. In mid-summer heat, provide afternoon shade to prevent wilting and preserve color vibrancy. Water deeply during heat waves.
Decline/Season's End
Variable; lasts until frost or end of seasonFlowering slows as temperatures cool in fall or as winter approaches; plant may yellow or deteriorate
Allow some flowers to set seed if you want self-seeding next year. In mild climates, alyssum can rebloom if cut back. Otherwise, remove plant and amend soil for next season.
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves, apply insecticidal soap, use row covers on seedlings, or dust with diatomaceous earth
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Hand-pick caterpillars, apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), or use neem oil spray
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Spray with water to dislodge, apply insecticidal soap, use neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, encourage natural predators
Uses
Edible Garnish
CulinaryAlyssum flowers are edible with a subtle, slightly spicy flavor and are used as delicate garnishes for desserts, salads, and beverages. The tiny blooms add visual appeal and a light peppery note to culinary presentations. [source]
Cut & Dried Flowers
HouseholdThe fragrant flower clusters dry well and retain color and scent for months, making them ideal for dried flower arrangements, potpourri, and floral crafts. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeAlyssum's abundant small flowers attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season, making it an excellent plant for supporting garden ecosystem health. [source]
Wedding & Event Flowers
CraftThe delicate apricot blooms are popular filler flowers in bridal bouquets, corsages, and event arrangements, providing texture and fragrance alongside larger focal flowers. [source]
Herbal Fragrance
MedicinalWhile not traditionally medicinal, alyssum's sweet honey-like fragrance has been used in aromatherapy and to create lightly scented herbal sachets and floral waters. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Alyssum is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. For fresh cut flowers, cut stems in early morning when flowers are open and place in cool water. For seed collection, allow flowers to fade and develop seed pods, then dry and collect seeds before they scatter naturally.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The genus name 'Lobularia' refers to the small, lobed seed pods; 'maritima' means 'of the sea,' as this plant naturally thrives in coastal Mediterranean regions.
- 🌱 Alyssum 'Apricot Blend' is often called 'Sweet Alyssum' due to its honey-like fragrance, which intensifies in warm weather and attracts beneficial insects to the garden.
- 🌱 This cultivar can self-seed readily, potentially returning year after year in the same location, and volunteers often appear in gaps and crevices where previous plants grew.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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