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Why Do My Sweet Alyssum Keep Dying?

Why Do My Sweet Alyssum Keep Dying?

“Every year I try planting alyssum and within 48 hours of planting its dead? I’ve tried many different things but can’t seem to get it to work at this house.  I’ve grown it in other beds and borders just not working here … any thoughts?” Question from Kyla of Oakbank, Manitoba, Canada

Answer: Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a common bedding plant that originates as a seaside plant from the coasts of the Mediterranean and Europe. It can withstand the cool temperatures of spring as well as the heat and drought of summer, but there are several things that are certain to kill it early in the season. Here are the top four possibilities.

  1. Below-freezing temperatures – Spring-purchased alyssum plants have been greenhouse-grown and are more tender than average and sensitive to temperatures near or below freezing. Once well-established and growing, they can take light frost.
  2. Poor drainage – Maritime plants like alyssum are adapted to very sharply drained soils. They will grow well in organic-rich soils if they are porous and have very good drainage. Pot-grown specimens require a mix with good drainage, such as Black Gold All Purpose Potting Mix. The containers also need to drain well through holes at the bottom.
  3. Cold, wet weather – Cold, wet weather can induce fungal disease and subsequent root and crown rot.
  4. Poor Irrigation before establishment – Newly planted annuals need even moisture and good care while they are becoming established. If they are not properly watered from the start, they can dry out and die quickly. Those planted as small plugs are especially susceptible to drying because they have tiny root systems.

If your plants are subjected to one or more of these stresses shortly after planting, death can occur. But, below-freezing cold is the fastest killer. I hope that these tips help!

Happy gardening,

Jessie Keith

Black Gold Horticulturist

Why Is My Lavender Dying?

“This is the 2nd lavender I am having problems growing.  I can pull up part of it like it’s rotting.  What am I doing wrong?  There is another Lavender about 3 feet away that is looking great.” Question from Jacklyn  of Portland, Oregon

Answer: When lavender (Lavandula spp.) struggles, it is almost always due to a problem with soil quality and drainage. If fungal rot has taken hold, it is definitely caused by excess soil moisture. The frequent rains of the Pacific Northwest make it even more important to give your lavender very sharply drained soil. The difference between soil from one garden spot to another can be quite dramatic, even if they are only 3 feet away.

Lavenders naturally grow along sunny uplands with very well-drained soil, and they require full sun. If the soil is too moist and does not drain fast enough, rot will take hold. I encourage you to read our article titled, Soil Matters to Lavender; it will give you all of the information you need to properly amend your soil for lavender growing. You might also consider growing lavender in large containers and cutting their mix with part Black Gold All Purpose Mix and part Black Gold Cactus Mix. Topping the pots off with decorative pebbles would also be helpful.

I hope that these tips help!

Happy gardening,

Jessie Keith

Black Gold Horticulturist