Description
Saxatile Alyssum Seeds 6370.
Vibrant Golden-Yellow Alpine Blooms for Rock Gardens and Border Edgings.
Saxatile Alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis), also known as Rock Madwort or Basket of Gold, is a cherished open-pollinated dwarf alpine perennial celebrated for its intense, carpet-like display of vivid yellow flowers throughout May and June. Native to Central/Southwestern Europe and Turkey, this compact plant matures to a neat height of 15 cm and features attractive, light grey-green evergreen foliage that retains visual interest long after the flowers fade. Ideal for cascading over stone walls, nestling into rock gardens, or edging sunny paths, Saxatile Alyssum is exceptionally cold-hardy down to Zone 4 and thrives in lean, well-drained soils.
Quick Seed Details
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Product Code: 6370
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Botanical Name: Aurinia saxatilis (formerly Alyssum saxatile)
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Type: Open-Pollinated Perennial
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Hardiness: Zone 4
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Height: 15 cm
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Bloom Time: May and June
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Light Requirement: Full Sun
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Soil Preference: Dry to average, sharply well-drained soil (Thrives in rocky or sandy soils)
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Germination: 5–10 days at 20°C (Pre-chilling for 10–15 days improves germination)
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Seed Count: Approx. 150 seeds per packet (1,200 seeds per gram)
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Saxatile Alyssum is easy to start early indoors and benefits from a brief cold pre-treatment.
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Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. For optimal germination, sow seeds in a quality soilless growing medium, moisten, and pre-chill the tray in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 days. Move the tray to a warm area maintained at 20°C; germination typically occurs in 5 to 10 days. Move sprouted seedlings under grow lights at a cooler temperature of 15°C before hardening off and transplanting outdoors after spring frost danger passes.
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Garden Spacing & Care: Space plants 20 to 30 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid overly rich or wet soils, which can weaken plant stems. Shear plants back by one-third after spring flowering finishes to encourage tidy, compact growth and preserve lush foliage throughout summer.
Why Saxatile Alyssum Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you want a burst of bright golden colour to welcome spring across your rock garden or stone pathways, Saxatile Alyssum is a proven favourite. Its low-growing, cascading habit, grey-green foliage, Zone 4 winter hardiness, and exceptional drought tolerance make it an essential centerpiece for Canadian landscapes.
