An Evergreen perennial with the slightly misleading common name Basket of Gold Alyssum. Learn how to grow Aurinia from seed in these simple instructions. Remember that the common name Alyssum is a bit misleading. This Basket of Gold Alyssum is actually Aurinia saxatilis, and Snow Cloth Alyssum is actually Lobularia maritima. Alyssum describes the shape and size of the plants more than any true botanical details.
Latin
Aurinia saxatilis
Family: Brassicaceae
Difficulty
Easy
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 4-10
Timing
Indoors, start Aurinia seeds 8-10 weeks before planting out. Or direct sow in early spring or early autumn – March or September.
Starting
Sow seeds on the surface of the soil. Light is required to help the seeds break their dormancy. At 10-12°C (50-55°F) Aurinia seeds will take 5 to 14 days to sprout.
Growing
If transplanting from indoor starts, do so in early spring when the soil is still cool, but the threat of frost has passed. Or transplant out in early Autumn. Space plants around 30cm (12″) apart in full sun, in well-drained soil. Aurinia plants will become leggy in rich soil, so do not feed. Water plants in periods of very dry weather. Cut plants back hard after flowering to prevent self sowing.
