Wonderland White Alyssum Seeds

Growing Wonderland White Alyssum from Seed in Jordan

1. About the seeds and plants

Wonderland White alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a winter ornamental perennial often grown as an annual. Its small white flowers have a strong fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies, making it ideal for gardens and flower beds. Also known as sweet alyssum or honey flower, it is fast-growing and easy to care for.

Main benefits

• Fast-growing and easy to care for.
• Tolerates cold and can be grown in autumn and winter in Jordan.
• Fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Suitable as ground cover or for paths and garden borders.
• Moderately drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

2. Detailed growing guide

A. Soil preparation — 10 days before planting

• Use light, well-drained soil such as sandy loam.
• A soil pH of 5.5–7.5 supports optimum growth.
• Improve the soil with 2–4 kg of organic fertiliser per square metre.
• Work the soil to a depth of 15–20 cm for aeration and better drainage.

B. Equipment

• A garden spade for soil preparation.
• High-quality Wonderland White alyssum seeds.
• Drip irrigation or a hand-held water sprayer.
• Garden shears for removing faded flowers and encouraging new blooms.

C. Sowing — September–December (9–12)

• Sow directly onto the soil surface without a deep covering, as seeds need light to germinate.
• Leave 15–20 cm between plants for good ventilation and healthy growth.
• Water immediately after sowing to maintain moisture.

D. Germination — 7–14 days after sowing

• Seeds require 15–22°C for successful germination.
• Keep the soil moist without saturation to avoid rot.
• After seedlings emerge, gradually reduce watering to prevent root rot.

E. Plant care — months 1–5

• Watering: water moderately every 3–5 days and avoid overwatering.
• Feeding: use balanced NPK 20-20-20, as detailed below.
• Pruning: regularly remove faded flowers to encourage continued flowering.
• Weeding: remove weeds by hand regularly to maintain healthy growth.

F. Flowering — months 2–6

• Alyssum begins flowering 6–8 weeks after sowing.
• Flowering continues over a long period and can be renewed by light pruning after each flush.

3. Fertiliser programme — NPK 20-20-20

Base dressing — 10 days before planting

Add 2–4 kg of organic fertiliser per square metre to improve fertility.

Feeding during growth

• Month 1: apply 10 g of NPK 20-20-20 per square metre after seedlings emerge.
• Month 2: apply 15 g of NPK 20-20-20 per square metre to promote vegetative growth.
• Month 3: apply 20 g of NPK 20-20-20 per square metre to support dense flowering.
• Months 4 and 5: apply 10 g of NPK 20-20-20 every 2 weeks to maintain continued flowering.

4. Common pests and problems

• Aphids: cause distorted leaves and weak growth. Spray horticultural soap or Actara.
• Red spider mites: cause yellowing and wilting leaves. Use neem oil or abamectin.
• Powdery mildew: appears as white patches on leaves. Use Score or Topas.
• Root rot: caused by overwatering. Improve drainage and reduce watering.

5. Tips for successful growing in Jordan

• Best planting period: September–December (9–12) for healthy growth.
• Provide direct sunlight for 6–8 hours daily.
• Continually remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms over a longer period.
• Grow in containers or directly in the garden.
• Little intensive care is needed, but light, regular feeding is beneficial.

White alyssum is a winter ornamental valued for its dense, fragrant flowers and ease of care. Balanced watering, suitable NPK 20-20-20 feeding and removal of faded flowers support dense flowering throughout the season.