How to Grow Alyssum 'Apricot Shades'

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Alyssum 'Apricot Shades'

Lobularia maritima 'Apricot Shades'

flower

A dwarf annual flowering plant known for its warm apricot and peach-colored blooms in dense clusters. 'Apricot Shades' is a cultivar of sweet alyssum that produces profuse fragrant flowers throughout the growing season, making it ideal for borders, containers, and edging.

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Example Alyssum 'Apricot Shades' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Alyssum 'Apricot Shades'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Alyssum 'Apricot Shades' blooms
Around May 22

≈ 35 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alyssum 'Apricot Shades' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates

💧

Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to prevent powdery mildew. More frequent watering needed in containers and hot weather.

📏

Spacing: 6-12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 35-50 days to first blooms

🌱

Planting depth: Surface sow or barely cover seeds; light is needed for germination

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

compost peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; best performance in zones 5-9

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves emerge, very delicate and low-growing

Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide bright light; thin to proper spacing once established

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops bushy mounding habit with multiple stems and small lance-shaped green leaves

Pinch back stems early to encourage bushier form; maintain consistent moisture; begin fertilizing bi-weekly

Bud Formation

1-2 weeks

Dense clusters of tiny buds appear at stem tips with characteristic apricot coloring visible

Continue regular watering and fertilizing; remove any diseased foliage; stake if needed in wind

Blooming

6-12 weeks (until frost)

Abundant fragrant apricot and peach-colored flowers bloom in tight clusters, creating a carpet of color

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; maintain water and fertilizer schedule; watch for powdery mildew

Seed Development

2-3 weeks

If not deadheaded, small seed pods form after flowers fade; seeds mature for self-seeding next year

Allow some flowers to remain for seed collection; cut plant back if it becomes leggy mid-summer

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

snapdragon calibrachoa petunias dusty miller ornamental grasses salvia diascia marigolds

Avoid planting near:

plants requiring dry conditions (sedums, ice plant) highly competitive perennials

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; strong water spray to dislodge
Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; ensure good air circulation
and
Remove by hand at night; beer traps; copper barriers; encourage ground beetles
Water at soil level, not foliage; improve air circulation; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate if needed

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers

Culinary

The delicate apricot-colored flowers are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can be used as garnish on desserts, salads, or beverages to add visual appeal. [source]

🏠

Fresh Cut Arrangements

Household

Alyssum 'Apricot Shades' produces fragrant flowers that can be cut for small bouquets and arrangements, lasting several days in water with its sweet honey-like fragrance. [source]

🏠

Fragrance and Aromatics

Household

The plant releases a distinctive sweet honey-like fragrance, especially in warm weather and evening hours, making it popular for gardens near seating areas and pathways. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Profuse flowering attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens and landscapes. [source]

🎨

Dried Flowers

Craft

Flowers can be dried for use in wreaths, potpourri, and dried arrangements, retaining their color reasonably well and contributing their fragrance to dried arrangements. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not typically harvested, but deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Pinch back leggy growth mid-summer to rejuvenate the plant. For seed saving, leave some flowers to mature and collect dried seed pods in late season.

Fun Facts

🌱 'Apricot Shades' was bred to provide warm, sunset-inspired colors to the traditional white and purple alyssum palette, offering gardeners expanded color options for coordinating designs
🌱 Sweet alyssum gets its name 'maritima' because it naturally occurs in Mediterranean coastal regions where it thrives in rocky, well-drained seaside soils
🌱 The plant self-seeds readily and can return year after year in mild climates if conditions allow; some gardeners consider it a self-perpetuating flower in frost-free zones

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Pinch Back True Leaves

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