Alyssum Snow Cloth

Soil Preparation 

 Soil Type:

• Well draining, sandy loam. Amend heavy clay with compost or coarse sand. 
• pH: 6.0–7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline).
• Add lime if too acidic. 

 Enrichment:

• Mix in compost or aged manure before sowing. 

Sowing Seeds 

 Method:

• Surface sow seeds (tiny size).
• Press lightly into soil; do not cover. 

 Spacing:

• 30 cm apart. Thin seedlings if overcrowded. 

 Germination:

• 7–14 days at 21–24°C.
• Keep soil moist with mist spray. 

Sunlight & Watering 

 Sun:

• Full sun (6+ hours daily).
• In hot regions, provide afternoon shade. 

 Water:

• Moderate. Water 2–3 times weekly until established.
• Drought tolerant later; avoid overwatering. 

Fertilising 

• Use balanced slow release fertiliser at planting. 
• Apply diluted liquid fertilizer (e.g., seaweed solution) monthly during flowering. 

Maintenance 

 Deadheading:

• Trim spent blooms to encourage flowering. 

 Pruning:

• Cut back by ⅓ if leggy. 

 Self Seeding:

• Allow some flowers to drop seeds for next season. 

Pest & Disease Management 

 Pests:

• Aphids treat with neem oil.
• Slugs/snails use beer traps. 

 Diseases:

• Prevent powdery mildew with good airflow; avoid overhead watering. 

Harvesting Seeds 

• Let flowers dry on plant.
• Collect brown seed pods, crush, and store in a paper envelope. 

Companion Planting Guide 

 Benefits of Alyssum Companionship: 

• Attracts pollinators (bees, hoverflies) and predatory insects (lacewings). 
• Acts as living mulch to suppress weeds. 
• Enhances garden aesthetics. 

 Top Companion Plants: 

• Tomatoes. Alyssum repels aphids; hoverflies control pests.
• Lettuce. Provides shade, retains soil moisture.
• Broccoli. Attracts beneficials that deter cabbage moths.
• Strawberries. Suppresses weeds; attracts pollinators for better fruit set.
• Herbs- Rosemary, Thyme. Deter pests; thrive in similar dry conditions.
• | Nasturtiums. Complementary pest control; bright colour contrast.

 Avoid Planting With: 

• Water loving plants (e.g., celery, rice) – alyssum prefers drier soil. 
• Avoid overcrowding with tall plants (e.g., corn) that block sunlight.