CREEPING GOLDENTUFT SEEDS

Alyssum serpyllifolium

Rare species native to the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. Tiny bright yellow flowers on persistent stoloniferous silvery foliage that forms a weed smothering mat over time. Unique groundcover for dry soils in full sun. Provides forage for pollinators in early spring. Fairly easy to grow once established and very hardy. The foliage provides season-long interest and a striking contrast to common ground covers like thyme and creeping jenny.

Start indoors at least 8 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Press seeds into moist soil and just barely dust with fine vermiculite and mist carefully. Cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature. Kept warm (around 70°F) and moist the seeds will usually germinate within a week. Very slow growth initially. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual cells or pots in bright light at warm temperatures. Do not overwater!

Requires sharply drained soil to overwinter. Best planted in late spring or very early autumn, as the young plants tend to rot away in cold damp soil. Rarely available and a nice addition to the rock garden or between pavers on a hot sunny informal patio.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.