How to Plant Alyssum in a Pot

Alyssum is a popular bedding plant that can be grown in pots as well. It comes in different shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow, and has an exceptionally sweet fragrance. If you are planning to grow this plant in a pot, here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

Alyssum requires a well-draining pot with adequate space. Choose a pot that is at least 6-8 inches deep and has a similar width. Avoid containers that are too small as they may not provide enough space for the plant's roots to grow. Additionally, make sure that the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which can rot the roots.

Step 2: Prepare the Potting Soil

Mix the potting soil with a slow-release fertilizer and some perlite or vermiculite. Alyssum prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. You can use a soil pH testing kit to determine the acidity level of your potting soil. If the pH is lower, you can add some lime, and if it's higher, mix in some sulfur.

Step 3: Planting Alyssum

Fill the pot with the prepared soil, and leave about an inch of space from the top. Gently tap the pot to settle the soil, and then add water to moisten it. Sow the alyssum seeds evenly on top of the soil, and cover them lightly with some more soil. If you have seedlings, make small holes in the soil and plant them. Water the pot gently once again and cover it with plastic film to create a mini greenhouse. Place the pot in a sunny location where it will get at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Step 4: Caring for Alyssum

Alyssum requires consistent moisture to grow correctly. As such, make sure the potting soil doesn't dry out. Damp soil doesn't necessarily mean it's moist enough, so you need to poke your finger into the soil to check. If it feels dry, add some water around the base of the plant by hand rather than from overhead to avoid damaging the fragile petals. Also, remove any dead flower heads promptly as they can inhibit new blooms from growing. Apply a slow-release fertilizer every month as well.

Step 5: Harvesting Alyssum

Alyssum blooms in late spring and continues to flower until the first frost. You can harvest the petals as soon as they start to bloom, and they will last in a vase for up to 10 days. Ensure that you cut them at an angle and with clean scissors to avoid stem crushing as this can hinder the plant's growth.

Conclusion

Planting alyssum in a pot is easy and straightforward, and with proper care and attention, it can provide you with fragrant and colorful blooms for months on end. Just remember to choose the right pot, add the right soil mix, sow the seeds appropriately, water regularly, and add some fertilizer every month, and you'll have a beautiful display of charming blooms in no time!