How to Grow Alyssum ‘Magic Circle Mix’: The Secret to Sweet Scents and Stunning Living Mulch

How to Grow Alyssum ‘Magic Circle Mix’: The Secret to Sweet Scents and Stunning Living Mulch

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A Fragrant Discovery

On a particularly warm evening this last May, as I was taking a leisurely stroll through my garden, the scent of honey filled my nostrils and my thoughts danced with visions of bees darting in and out of their hive. Then I remembered that I don’t keep bees. Where is the honey coming from?

The Scent-sational Source: Alyssum Blooms

Like a curious black bear, I began sniffing for the source. It wasn’t long until my scent-illating journey led me to the pink, purple, and white blooms of Lobularia maritima, which most of us call Alyssum. This versatile, low-growing mix is great for containers, hanging baskets, or as a living mulch in your vegetable garden. The smells of honey and vanilla await you in early Spring until the dog days of Summer are upon us. This annual takes a break from the heat but will surely be back for a grand finale in the early Fall.

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Living Mulch and So Much More

Alyssum ‘Magic Circle Mix’ is a showstopper as a living mulch in your vegetable garden. This native to the coasts of the Mediterranean is a member of the mustard family. You wouldn’t know it from the scent, but this flower tastes like freshly cracked peppercorn and is rarely consumed as many nurseries and market gardens (not this one!) use chemical pesticides. That is why it’s recommended that you only eat Alyssum that you’ve grown from seed.

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Planting and Growing Tips: Start Small, Grow Big

You can start your Alyssum indoors and transplant it outside once it’s had a chance to establish itself, or you can toss these little (and we mean little!) bundles of blossoms directly onto the bed. Lightly water the seeds in, taking care not to wash the seeds out of the cell (ask us how we know). Either way, plan on starting these when the soil temperature is around 70°F, typically in early spring or even early fall if you have mild winters. Only reaching four inchesor so at its peak, this low grower really gets a move on growing up. It reaches plant adulthood in sixtyto ninetydays.

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Light and Care: How to Make Alyssum Thrive

Alyssum really thrives on 6-8 hours of light per day, but can benefit from some afternoon shade if it’s later in the Spring that you’re planting. This pint-sized powerhouse is attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects too! This plant has almost as many uses as it does blooms.

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Alyssum flowers in full bloom, featuring a mix of pink, white, and purple hues. These low-growing, fragrant flowers are popular for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a favorite in cottage gardens and hanging baskets.

Alyssum 'Magic Circle Mix' - Quick Care Guide

  • Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
  • Life Cycle: Annual
  • Hardiness Zones: 3-10
  • Soil Temperature: 70°F
  • Planting Season: Spring, Fall
  • Stratification: Not required
  • Planting Depth: Surface sow
  • Germination Time: 7-21 days
  • Days to Maturity: 60-90 days
  • Mature Height: 3-4 inches
  • Deer Pressure: Minimal
  • Container Compatible: Yes
  • Bloom Colors: Pink, purple, white
  • Bloom Period: Mid to late spring, mid-fall
  • Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
  • Special Features: Edible blooms, fragrant, attracts pollinators, great for containers, living mulch