Clear Crystal Alyssum is one of the most fragrant and large-flowered varieties of this beloved annual flower, producing delicate blooms on compact mounded plants that reach just 6-10 inches tall. These quick-growing flowers emerge in 50-59 days and thrive across hardiness zones 5-11, tolerating frost and adapting to full sun or partial shade. The pelleted seeds germinate easily in cool conditions (50-70°F), making Clear Crystal a reliable choice for spring plantings, hanging baskets, and annual ground covers that will attract beneficial insects and birds throughout the season.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-11
10in H x ?in W
—
Low
Hover over chart points for details
Clear Crystal stands out for its exceptional fragrance and oversized blooms relative to traditional alyssum varieties, a rare combination that makes it feel less like a filler plant and more like a genuine garden feature. The pelleted seed format means faster, more reliable germination, and the compact 6-10 inch mounding habit works beautifully in containers, borders, and as low ground cover without requiring deadheading to stay tidy. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, these seeds can be saved year after year, giving you a self-renewing source of fragrant flowers.
Clear Crystal Alyssum is grown primarily as an ornamental flower for its fragrance and prolific blooming. It excels in hanging baskets where its compact, mounding growth naturally cascades, and serves as a low-maintenance annual ground cover for garden beds and borders. The flowers attract beneficial insects and birds, making it valuable in pollinator-focused gardens.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Use pelleted seeds and sow them on moist seed-starting mix without covering, as they need light to germinate. Maintain soil temperature between 50-70°F and keep soil consistently moist. Seedlings will emerge in 7-14 days.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting after the last frost date. Space plants 10 inches apart in beds with rows 24 inches apart. These frost-tolerant annuals can tolerate cool spring soil and air temperatures.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost once soil is workable. Sow on soil surface without covering and keep consistently moist until germination occurs in 7-14 days at soil temperatures of 50-70°F.
No pruning is necessary. The naturally compact, mounding growth habit keeps plants tidy and full without intervention, and deadheading is not required to maintain continuous blooming.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.