Culture guide

Usage

Plant for bedding, a good ground cover for border

Sow time

March-August End July for flowering in pots from September onwards; Outdoor forcing (frost free): from April onwards

Sowing method

3-5 seeds per plug, sowing directly into final pot is recommended

Germination

2-4 days: Do not cover seed as light aids germination. Maintain uniform, but not overly wet moisture levels. Dampen soil well before placing into germination chamber when using multi-pelleted seed. Use a well-drained medium as Alyssum can be susceptible to damping off. Maintain temperatures of 75-80 °F (24-27 °C) and relative humidity levels of 95 %.

Growing on

Alyssum prefers cool finishing temperatures. Maintain 50-55 °F (10-13 °C) night temperatures and 55-60 °F (13-16 °C) day temperatures. Fertilize every other irrigation 150-200 ppm nitrogen in a well-balanced fertilizer.

Media

Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 0-30 % clay, 0-15 % parts (e. g. perlite, bark), 1-1,5 kg/m³ complete balanced fertilizer, iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.2.

Temperature

Grow at 13-15 °C during daytime and at 10-12 °C during night. Temperatures above 16 °C will support stretching of the shoots and an application of growth regulators will become necessary. Lobularia does not tolerate temperatures below -2 °C.

Fertilization

Low-moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen, using alternating a potassium balanced fertilizer and a calcium nitrate fertilizer (N: K₂O-ratio: 1:1,5). Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency (above pH 6.0) apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times.

Tip

Use Giga White in mixed containers. That looks awesome!