MORE INFO

Name: Candytuft
Scientific Name: Iberis amara
Color: White
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Plant Seeds: Outdoors After Frost or Indoors Weeks Before Last Frost
Plant Height: 12"-16"
Plant Spacing: 6 - 9"
Cycle: Annual
Bloom Season - Summer
Light Requirements: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Soil & Water Preferences: Average
Other: Attracts bees, birds, & butterflies,

Sowing: Direct sow in fall for the earliest blooms, or after the last spring frost for early summer bloom. Plant more every several weeks for continuous flowers. Though these plants do not respond well to transplanting, they can also be started indoors in peat pots; sow just below the surface of the soil, keeping it evenly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F. Germination usually occurs within 15-20 days.

Growing: Keep these plants well watered but not soggy; they can tolerate short periods of drought, and grow best in well drained soil. They also grow well in poor or sandy soil. Though they do not grow well in shade, they also prefer cooler temperatures and may die back in the heat of summer. They develop quickly, blooming 5-6 weeks after germination. Deadhead regularly for prolonged blooming; after flowering has finished, cut the foliage back by one third unless saving the seed. Though this plant will self-seed in good conditions, it does not become weedy. These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds.