This evergreen perennial bears the slightly misleading common name Basket of Gold Alyssum. Remember that the common name Alyssum is a bit misleading. This Basket of Gold Alyssum is actually Aurinia saxatilis, and Snow Cloth Alyssum is actually Lobularia maritima. Alyssum describes the shape and size of the plants more than any true botanical details. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow Aurinia from seed.
Latin
Aurinia saxatilis
Family: Brassicaceae
Difficulty: Easy
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: Hardy to Zone 4
Timing
Indoors, start Aurinia seeds 8-10 weeks before planting out. Or direct sow in early spring, when there is still a risk of frost, or in early autumn.
Starting
Sow seeds on the surface of the soil. Light is required to help the seeds break their dormancy. At 10-12°C (50-55°F) Aurinia seeds will take 5 to 14 days to sprout.
Growing
If transplanting from indoor starts, do so in early spring when the soil is still cool, but the threat of frost has passed. Daytime temperatures should be steadily above 10°C (50°F). Space plants around 30cm (12″) apart in full sun, in well-drained soil. Aurinia plants will become leggy in rich soil, so do not feed. Water plants in periods of very dry weather. Cut plants back hard after flowering to prevent self sowing.