Silverweed

Plant family

Crucifers (Brassicaceae)

Cultivation Break

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Light germinator

Germination temperature

15 - 18 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

20 cm

Row spacing

20 cm

Seeding depth

0.2 cm

Instructions

Description

Silverweed or Lobularia is a genus of four species of flowering plants from the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae). It is closely related to the genus Alyssum and was often included with it in the past. The genus is native to Macaronesia, the Mediterranean region, Iran and Saudi Arabia and includes annual and perennial plants that grow to a height of 10-40 cm and have hairy, elongated oval leaves and clusters of cross-shaped, fragrant white flowers. The name Lobularia is derived from the Greek word for small pod and refers to the fruits. Four species: - Lobularia arabica - Lobularia canariensis - Lobularia libyca - Lobularia maritima Lobularia maritima (formerly: Alyssum maritimum ) is a very popular garden plant and is widespread throughout the temperate world.

Growing tips

🌿 Sowing - Pre-cultivation: from February - April, light - Light germinator: Press seeds lightly, barely cover - Substrate: lean, sandy growing medium - Germination temperature: 15-18 °C, slightly moist soil - Germination time: 5-7 days - Prick out after two to three true leaves - Direct sowing: from mid-May (no frosts) - Keep slightly moist until germination Planting time - Planting time: from mid-May (after late frosts) - Planting distance: 15-20 cm 🌱 Location & soil - Full sun - partial shade - Nutrient-poor to moderately nutrient-rich - slightly humusy, loose, sandy, gravelly - No waterlogging, well drained - airy 💧 Care - Evenly moist, no waterlogging - Rarely, but thoroughly - Drought tolerant - little fertilization / starter fertilization 🌿 Harvest - Flowering: (May-October) - For seed production: dry, brownish pods - Pruning plant: cut shoots in the morning ✂️ Pruning - Light pruning after first flowering (promotes second flowering phase) 🌼 Propagation - Self-seeding 🌿 Use Lobularia is perfect for borders, rock gardens, balcony boxes and as an underplanting for taller summer flowers. It fills gaps quickly, suppresses weeds and attracts many pollinators. It looks particularly beautiful in combination with Mediterranean plants such as lavender, thyme or santolina. ❄️ Winter - Limited hardiness (-5°C for a short time) - Protected, frost-free, cool, lots of light ✅ Good neighbors - Sage, lavender, savory, basil - Thyme, oregano, rosemary, hyssop, lemon balm - Catnip, quilted sage, magnificent candles - Coneflower (Echinacea), daisies, cape magerites, delphinium - Stonecrop (Sedum) - Grasses such as fescue or feather grass - Tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, eggplants, bush beans - Lettuce, radishes - Garlic, onions ❌ Bad neighbors - Ferns, funkia, astilbe, purple bellflower, ragwort - Parsley, chives, mint, chervil, coriander - Hydrangea, rhododendron, snowball, hazelnut - Plants that like waterlogging or heavy shade - Spinach, cabbage, celery, leek, cucumber, pumpkin - Beech, ash, willow, alder, maple, spruce, fir - Sea buckthorn, rock pear, dog rose, butterfly bush - Gorse, privet, barberry - Field maple, rowan, pine, birch, black locust 🦠 Diseases - Root rot - mildew - Gray mold 🐛 Pests - Aphids - Earth fleas - Thrips