How to Grow Alyssum 'Coral'

Alyssum 'Coral'

Lobularia maritima 'Coral'

flower

A charming annual flowering plant featuring delicate, clustered flowers in a warm coral-pink hue. 'Coral' is a dwarf variety of sweet alyssum that produces abundant blooms from spring through fall, ideal for borders, containers, and ground cover. It attracts pollinators and is known for its subtle honey-like fragrance.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to part shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best blooming

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought-tolerant once established. Reduce watering during cooler months. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 35-50 days from seed to first flowers

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Planting depth: Barely cover seeds (1/16 inch); seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for organic matter Peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention Perlite or sand for improved drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-11; performs best in cooler spring and fall months in hot climates

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

Growth Stages

Germination

5-10 days

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves); very delicate at this stage.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light or use grow lights. Maintain temperatures 60-70°F. Do not cover seeds; they require light to germinate.

Seedling

2-3 weeks

True leaves appear; plants develop first set of 2-3 leaf pairs and small root system.

Provide 12-14 hours of light daily. Gradually introduce air circulation with a fan to strengthen stems. Water gently to avoid damping off.

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Bushy, compact plants with dense foliage; no flowers yet. Height remains low (6-8 inches for dwarf varieties).

Pinch back early growth if desired to encourage bushiness. Harden off before transplanting outdoors. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to prevent excessive leaf growth at expense of flowers.

Flowering

6-10 weeks (spring through fall)

Profuse clusters of small coral-pink flowers appear at stem tips. Continuous blooming with proper care.

Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage more blooms. Water moderately and consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Provide at least 6 hours of daily sunlight.

Decline

Variable; extends season with proper management

In hot summers or with frost, flowering slows and plants may decline. May rejuvenate in cooler fall weather.

Cut back plants by 1/3 in mid-summer heat to encourage fresh growth. Ensure adequate water during hot spells. Harvest seeds from flowers if desired for next season.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Calendula Dianthus Dusty Miller Lavender Petunias Snapdragons Zinnias Marigolds

Avoid planting near:

Tall plants that shade it (alyssum needs good light exposure) Invasive spreading plants

Common Pests

Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; netting to prevent moth egg-laying
Row covers on young plants; neem oil; diatomaceous earth on foliage
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; yellow sticky traps
and
Copper tape barriers; beer traps; hand-picking; diatomaceous earth
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; improve air circulation; remove affected plants

Uses

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Edible Garnish

Culinary

The delicate coral flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and beverages, adding both visual appeal and a subtle honey-like sweetness. Ensure the plant has been grown without pesticides if consuming. [source]

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Pollinator Attractant

Wildlife

Sweet alyssum is an excellent source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. The abundant small flowers provide reliable food throughout the growing season. [source]

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Fresh Cut Arrangements

Household

The delicate coral flower clusters make charming additions to fresh flower arrangements and bouquets, with a pleasant honey-like fragrance. They pair well with complementary colors and last several days in water. [source]

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Dried Flower Crafts

Craft

Alyssum flowers dry exceptionally well and can be pressed or air-dried for use in dried flower arrangements, crafts, and floral compositions. They retain their coral color and delicate form when properly dried. [source]

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Ground Cover & Border Plant

Household

The dwarf, spreading habit of 'Coral' makes it ideal for edging garden beds, cascading from containers, and creating low flowering borders that provide season-long color and texture. Its compact form eliminates need for frequent pruning. [source]

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental flower, not typically harvested. Cut flowers for bouquets or arrangements in morning when stems are turgid. Deadhead spent clusters regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Allow some flowers to remain on plant late in season if you wish to collect seeds for next year.

Fun Facts

🌱 Despite its common name 'sweet alyssum,' it is not related to true alyssum at all; it was reclassified from Alyssum to Lobularia in 1821, though many gardeners still use the old name.
🌱 Sweet alyssum has a delicate honey-like fragrance that intensifies in cool weather and attracts beneficial insects including parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests.
🌱 The 'Coral' variety was developed as an improvement over older varieties, offering more vibrant color, earlier blooming, and increased flower production in both spring and fall seasons.

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