Planting Alyssum

• Alyssum is sold as starter plants in cell six-packs at the garden centers in spring, but you can easily grow them by seed. If you prefer to purchase the plants, set them out after all danger of frost. Start seeds indoors five to six weeks before the last frost, or sow them in early spring after all danger of frost. Choose a planting site in full sun to partial shade and preferably in soil with good drainage. Space the plants or seeds 2 to 4 inches apart. You may want to plant more seeds in August to guarantee hardy plants for fall.
  
  

Watering Alyssum

• According to Erv Evans, a horticulturist at North Carolina State University, alyssum has a low-drought tolerance, but according to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, alyssum "tolerates dryish soils." To complicate the issue further, Texas A&M University describes alyssum as "a compact, rapid growing variety which is drought tolerant and heat resistant." According to the Park Seed Company, the soil of alyssum should be moist and well drained. Since the experts are at odds on this, and your alyssum dried out, assume that you didn't water it enough. Check the moisture of the soil each day and water if necessary.
  
  

Soil

• According to Texas A&M University Extension alyssum can grow "in almost any soil." If you are dealing with unamended clay soil, water might not be reaching the roots. Amend your soil generously with compost to guarantee good drainage for your plants.
  
  

Sun

• If you live where the summers are scorching hot from the intense sun, such as the desert areas, plant your alyssum where it receives afternoon sun. If you live where summers are cooler, plant it in full sun. At the height of the summer, when temperatures are the hottest, alyssum becomes leggy. Cut it back to about 1 or 2 inches and keep it moist. It will return with a flourish when the temperatures begin to cool. Also cut alyssum back when the blooms are spent.
  
  

Fertilizing Alyssum

• Over-fertilizing plants can cause them to burn and dry out. If you have been fertilizing your alyssum, this could be the problem. Alyssum can thrive without fertilizer. Stop fertilizing and watch for improvement.