If you’re looking for an easy way to brighten up your garden with a splash of vibrant yellow, look no further than Alyssum (also known as Basket of Gold). This little plant is a total rockstar—it’s incredibly low-maintenance, doesn’t need much in the way of fertilizer, and is super simple to grow from seed. You can either sow it directly in your garden beds or get a head start by starting seeds indoors.
Wait Until April for Outdoor Sowing
Even though Alyssum is a native plant and perfectly hardy once established, the young seedlings are actually pretty sensitive to frost. Because of that, you’ll want to wait until at least April to sow them directly outside. Keep in mind that the seeds won’t even think about germinating until the soil hits at least 60°F (15°C). That’s why most gardeners (myself included!) usually recommend starting them indoors first.
Starting Indoors in March
The best part about starting indoors is that you can get a jump on the season as early as March. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill small starter pots with a high-quality seed-starting mix.
- Drop a few seeds into each pot.
- Lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil and press down gently.
- Place your pots on a sunny windowsill—ideally one facing south to get the most light.
Moving Into the Garden
You should see those little sprouts popping up within a week to ten days. Give the young plants plenty of time to get strong and sturdy. You’ll want to wait until after the “Mother’s Day frost” (or whenever the danger of frost has passed in mid-May) before transplanting them outside. Pick a spot that gets plenty of sun and has well-draining soil. If your garden has heavy clay soil, just mix in a little sand or fine gravel to help loosen things up.
Pro Tips and Tricks
If you don’t have any Alyssum yet, you can grab a packet of seeds at any local garden center. But if you already have some growing, you can easily harvest your own seeds for next year! The simplest way is to cut off the entire dried seed heads in late summer or fall. Bring them inside, shake out the seeds, and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant again.
