How to Grow Alyssum in New Zealand
A low carpet of tiny flowers that draws hoverflies whose larvae eat aphids. Easy under-planting around the vege garden.
When to plant alyssum in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
Best alyssum varieties for NZ
- Carpet of Snow — Low spreading mat smothered in tiny fragrant white flowers. Ideal edging and gap-filler between pavers. (Kings Seeds, Yates NZ)
- Royal Carpet — Deep violet-purple form with the same sweet honey scent. Great for contrast in pots and borders. (Egmont Seeds)
How to grow alyssum
- Space plants about 20cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.3cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 55 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow alyssum near: Lettuce, Brassicas, Beans, Strawberry.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Alyssum plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant alyssum in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy alyssum seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Yates NZ, Egmont Seeds.