Summer Romance

HARDY ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Can handle frost

EASIEST TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Plant in early spring in well-worked soil in a sunny spot. Sow 1/2 inch apart and barely cover. Keep evenly moist while awaiting germination. Seedlings will create a carpet of fine textured leaves, followed by a blanket of soft, airy flowers.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Sow indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost in a large seed flat. Broadcast seeds 1/2 to 1 inch apart. To transplant, separate clusters of 4 to 5 seedlings and plant each cluster 3 to 5 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES

Given ordinary garden soil and even moisture, alyssum grows easily and blooms profusely just 6 to 8 weeks from sowing. Plants stay compact and don't get rangy. After the first flush of intense flowering is over, cut plants back halfway to re-bloom abundantly. In mild winter areas, sow alyssum in the fall around bulbs, in containers or to cover bare areas. Plants overwinter to bloom all spring in a pretty carpet of pastel shades.