When to plant Sweet Alyssum in Lincoln County County,
Lincoln County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Plant Sweet Alyssum between April 12 (after last frost on May 3) and May 3.
When to Plant Sweet Alyssum in Lincoln County, ME
This month in Lincoln County, Maine
Here's what deserves your attention in Lincoln County, Maine this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: sweet alyssum
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Collect sweet alyssum at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: sweet alyssum
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.
Lincoln County, Maine is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 815 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Alyssum during the growing season.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Sweet Alyssum Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Sweet Alyssum's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.4) is more acidic than Sweet Alyssum prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Sweet Alyssum — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Sweet Alyssum prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Sweet Alyssum.
How to Plant Sweet Alyssum
Succession Planting Sweet Alyssum
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 to harvest before frost.
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lincoln 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 — Lincoln County, ME
Sweet Alyssum Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Bloom | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 23 |
· 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Sweet Alyssum in Lincoln County
Direct sow Sweet Alyssum outdoors after May 03 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 159.0-day season in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, ME?
Lincoln County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Sweet Alyssum planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, ME?
Lincoln County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Sweet Alyssum in Lincoln County County, ?
In Lincoln County County, , plant Sweet Alyssum after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lincoln County County, for Sweet Alyssum?
Lincoln County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Sweet Alyssum grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sweet Alyssum grow in Lincoln County County's climate?
Yes — Sweet Alyssum grows well in Lincoln County County's temperate climate. Lincoln County County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 9.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lincoln County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.