Companion Plants for Alyssum: The Ultimate Guide

Oleh Anonymous July 24, 2022 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Alyssum - A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the topic of companion plants for alyssum, let's first take a brief look at what alyssum is. Alyssum is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It's a low-growing plant that typically reaches only 6-12 inches in height and produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow.

The Importance of Companion Planting

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for their mutual benefit. When correctly, companion planting can help increase crop yields, improve soil health, and reduce pest and disease problems. By choosing the right companion plants for alyssum, you can enhance its growth and protect it from pests and diseases.

Companion Plants for Alyssum

Now let's take a look at some of the best companion plants for alyssum.

1. Lavender

Lavender is an excellent companion plant for alyssum as it attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate both plants. Additionally, lavender's strong scent can help repel pests such as aphids and spider mites.

How to Grow Lavender with Alyssum:

Plant lavender near your alyssum in well-draining soil and full sun. Be sure to water both plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Prune the lavender regularly to keep it from becoming too woody and to encourage new growth.

2. Marigold

Marigold is another great companion plant for alyssum as it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests like aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, marigold's strong scent can help repel nematodes and other soil-borne pests.

How to Grow Marigold with Alyssum:

Plant marigold near your alyssum in well-draining soil and full sun. Water both plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Deadhead the marigold regularly to encourage new blooms.

3. Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a great companion plant for alyssum as it attracts predatory insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which can help control pest populations. Additionally, nasturtium's leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in salads.

How to Grow Nasturtium with Alyssum:

Plant nasturtium near your alyssum in well-draining soil and full sun. Water both plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Nasturtium prefers slightly drier soil than alyssum, so be sure not to overwater it.

4. Dill

Dill is an excellent companion plant for alyssum as it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests like aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, dill's strong scent can help repel spider mites and other pests.

How to Grow Dill with Alyssum:

Plant dill near your alyssum in well-draining soil and full sun. Water both plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Be sure to give the dill plenty of space as it can grow quite tall.

5. Chives

Chives are a great companion plant for alyssum as they attract beneficial insects such as bees and hoverflies, which can help pollinate both plants. Additionally, chives' strong scent can help repel pests like aphids and thrips.

How to Grow Chives with Alyssum:

Plant chives near your alyssum in well-draining soil and full sun. Water both plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Be sure to harvest the chives regularly to encourage new growth.

Other Companion Plants for Alyssum

In addition to the plants mentioned above, there are several other plants that make good companions for alyssum. These include:

Basil
Calendula
Cosmos
Geraniums
Parsley
Salvia
Snapdragons
Zinnias

In companion planting is an excellent way to enhance the growth of your alyssum while also protecting it from pests and diseases. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your garden that benefits all of your plants.

FAQs

1. What is alyssum?

Alyssum is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It's a low-growing plant that typically reaches only 6-12 inches in height and produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow.

2. What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants that are grown together for their mutual benefit. When correctly, companion planting can help increase crop yields, improve soil health, and reduce pest and disease problems.

3. How do I grow alyssum with lavender?

To grow alyssum with lavender, plant both plants near each other in well-draining soil and full sun. Water both plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Prune the lavender regularly to keep it from becoming too woody and to encourage new growth.