The botanical name of Alyssum plant
is Lobularia maritime and the plant is from Brassicaceae family. The Alyssum
plant is a short-lived perennial. Alyssum plant can be grown year-round in most
climates. Make sure you avoid planting Alyssum in extremely hot or cold weather
which can affect the seed germination and plant growth.
How Do You Collect Alyssum Seeds?
According to most gardeners, Alyssum
plants commonly self-seed in the garden. The self-seeding plants drop seeds
onto the soil at the end of the season that may germinate and grow without help
the following season. Just choose a position where new plants will be welcome.
If you do not actually want alyssum to become established in your garden you
can easily deadhead the plants before they can drop seed or you can grow them
in containers. Where does alyssum grow best? Alyssum plants are best grown in
full sun or part shade. Make sure you choose a location that will receive at
least three hours of full sun each day. Also alyssum plants need a well drained
soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. You can prepare the soil by
weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and also add aged animal
manure or compost. Make sure you also keep the area free of weeds until
planting.
Planting Alyssum Seeds in Pots
Alyssum plants can also be easily grown
in pots. If possible you can choose a variety that is recommended for container
growing. Make sure you use a good quality potting mix and also make sure your
container is large enough for mature plants; a minimum of ten liters is
recommended for alyssum plant. During the plant growing season, keep in mind
that container grown plants may need additional fertilizer in other to
encourage healthy growth.
Do alyssum seeds need to be
stratified? Actually alyssum seeds do not require any treatment (e.g. soaking,
stratification) before sowing. You can easily sow alyssum seeds directly into
the garden or the seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and
transplanted to the garden once established. Just sow the alyssum seeds
directly in the garden 2mm deep and twenty centimeter apart. Make sure you keep
the soil moist but never wet or dry. How long do alyssum seeds take to grow? Alyssum
seeds should germinate in around seven to fourteen days at a soil temperature
of 18-22°C. The young alyssum seedlings will need protection from pests, pets
and weather until they are established.
Pest and Disease Control in Alyssum
Plant
Downy Mildew: Actually downy mildew
is a fungal disease that causes yellow to grey-brown patches on alyssum plant leaves,
most especially the undersides. You can water the plants at soil level (not on
the leaves), also remove and destroy the affected plant leaves and do not
overcrowd the alyssum plants to ensure adequate air flow. If the problems actually
persist you can spray with a homemade milk spray or fungicide.
Slugs and Snails on Alyssum: Slugs
and snails are actually molluscs that feed on the tender alyssum plant leaves
and shoots, mostly during night, leaving slimy trails behind them. You can
easily control them by removing their hiding places, keeping free range
poultry, you can also collect them using torchlight or by placing traps.
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