When to plant Sweet Alyssum in Collier County County,
Collier County County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Plant Sweet Alyssum between October 27 (after last frost on January 1) and November 17. A second sowing from January 21 to February 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Sweet Alyssum in Collier County, FL
June in the garden — Collier County, Florida
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Collier County, Florida this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Survive, don't thrive
June-August is endurance gardening. Keep okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and southern peas alive. Harvest everything daily before the heat damages produce on the vine.
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Start fall tomato seeds indoors
Yes, indoors — under lights or in AC. They'll be ready to transplant in August when temperatures briefly moderate.
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Add compost to empty beds
Empty beds get a thick layer of compost + mulch to suppress weeds and feed the soil for fall planting.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a low-growing cool-season annual prized for its honey-scented clusters of tiny white, pink, or purple flowers. A workhorse border plant, it tolerates light frost, self-seeds readily, and attracts beneficial insects throughout its bloom season. In warm climates it often re-blooms in fall after summer heat fades.
Collier County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 93 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Collier County receives approximately 61.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Alyssum during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sweet Alyssum will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Alyssum root diseases.
Collier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil Compatibility in Collier County
How your county's soil matches Sweet Alyssum's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Sweet Alyssum prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Collier County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Sweet Alyssum will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sweet Alyssum.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.3%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Sweet Alyssum.
How to Plant Sweet Alyssum
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Sweet Alyssum Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sweet Alyssum Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Collier County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sweet Alyssum Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Sweet Alyssum Planting Timeline — Collier County, FL
Sweet Alyssum Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | November 24 | Nov 24 – Dec 8 |
| Direct Sow | October 27 | Oct 27 – Nov 17 |
| Bloom | December 22 | Dec 22 – Mar 16 |
| Fall Sowing | January 21 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
· 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| February | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Direct Sow |
| November | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| December | Transplant Outdoors Bloom |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
93 days in Collier County
Growing Tips for Sweet Alyssum in Collier County
Direct sow Sweet Alyssum outdoors after January 12 in Collier County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Collier County dries quickly — mulch Sweet Alyssum with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 365.0-day season in Collier County allows multiple plantings of Sweet Alyssum. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Sweet Alyssum in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Surface-sow seeds — they need light to germinate. Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring; in zones 7+ also sow in fall. Thin to 6 inches apart. Shear back hard in midsummer when heat causes dormancy — plants recover and re-bloom when cool weather returns. Self-seeds prolifically; allow a few plants to set seed for a perpetual colony.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sweet Alyssum in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Alyssum in Collier County, FL?
Collier County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 12. Plan your Sweet Alyssum planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Collier County, FL?
Collier County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and first fall frost is .
When should I plant Sweet Alyssum in Collier County County, ?
In Collier County County, , plant Sweet Alyssum after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Collier County County, for Sweet Alyssum?
Collier County County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Sweet Alyssum grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sweet Alyssum grow in Collier County County's climate?
Yes — Sweet Alyssum grows well in Collier County County's temperate climate. Collier County County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Collier County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Collier County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.