The Gardeners Almanac

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Alyssum saxatile

Common name: Gold Dust

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Week Numbers

Coldframe

Compost

Heating

Planting out

Pricking out

Seed sowing

Tip cuttings

Overview

Draped over Boundary Wall

Draped over a Wall

Alyssum saxatile, is an evergreen shrubby perennial originating from Crete with semi- deciduous lanceolate grey-green leaves.


Golden-yellow corymbs(a flat topped cluster of flowers) are borne from April to June. and sometimes they will flower again in autumn.


It requires well drained soil that is not too rich in nutrients.

It can grow to a height of 200-300mm (8”-12”) with a spread of around 400-500mm (14”-18”) making it a plant well suited to rockeries and walltops.

Cultivation

Week 11:

Sow seeds in boxes/ trays of JI seed compost (or equivalent) and germinate at 16°-18°C (60°-65°F)

Alternatively; sow around Week 25 and grow on in a coldframe.

Germination should take aound one week, for a sowing under heat or around two weeks for sowings grown in a coldframe.


Week 13:

When they are large enough to handle pot the seedlings singly into 75mm (3") pots of JI potting compost No.1 (or equivalent).

Prick out later sowings when large enough to handle, say circa Week 28


Week 24:

Take 50-70mm (2"-3") long tip cuttings and insert them in equal parts (by volume) peat and sand and place in a coldframe.

When the cuttings are rooted, pot them singly into 75mm (3") pots of John Innes potting compost No.1 (or equivalent) and grow them on in a cold frame.


Week 36:

Plant out in any ordinary, well-drained garden soil, in full sun.

Alternatively: Plant out over-wintered plants 300mm (12") apart in flowering positions when weather conditions allow. circa Week 12.

Cut hard back after flowering to prolong their life and make them more compact.