Tiny Tim Sweet Alyssum is a diminutive cultivar of Lobularia maritima that brings fragrant, delicate flowers to gardens in the tightest spaces. Growing just 2 to 4 inches tall but spreading 6 to 12 inches wide, this frost-tolerant flower thrives in hardiness zones 6 through 11 and rewards gardeners with reliable blooms in full sun. Its compact habit and adaptability make it a straightforward choice for edging, containers, and small garden pockets where height is at a premium.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-11
4in H x 12in W
—
Low
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At barely 2 to 4 inches tall, Tiny Tim delivers the fragrant charm of full-size alyssum in a footprint so diminutive it fits into crevices and tiny borders. The compact, spreading growth habit fills in horizontal space without demanding vertical room, and its frost tolerance means blooms can persist well into cool seasons in most climates. Direct sowing is simple and straightforward, with seeds pressed directly onto the soil surface where they'll germinate in as little as a week or two.
Sweet alyssum flowers are prized as garnishes and edible accents in culinary presentations, bringing both visual delicacy and subtle honey-like fragrance to plates and dishes. The flowers are also valued in floral arrangements and bouquets for their fine texture and long-lasting blooms, and the plant's trailing habit makes it especially useful for softening the edges of containers and garden beds.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Keep soil temperature between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable germination.
Transplant seedlings outdoors 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, once they are established and ready to be hardened off.
Sow seeds directly outdoors 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature reaches 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In mild climates, fall sowing is recommended for winter bloom.
Harvest flowers by cutting or pinching stems just above a leaf node once blooms have fully opened and are at their peak fragrance. Pick in the morning after dew has dried but before midday heat, when flowers are most fresh and fragrant. Flowers can be used immediately in arrangements or as garnishes, or air-dried for longer storage.
Pinching back the first flower buds when seedlings are young encourages bushier, more compact growth. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the season promotes continuous flowering and prevents the plant from self-seeding excessively.
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