i leave last years plants.. as ugly as they are now.. there until about june... and when i move them.. presto.. babes underneath ...

covering with mulch or compost.. will probably bury any seed too deep ... or the seed isnt released until spring.. so if you removed them last fall ... nothing to sprout ...

ken

I have only had to start them once; each year they re-seed like mad! I do mulch but always pull it back from the beds in early spring because 1. it helps warm the soil 2. to promote re-seeding for all re-seeders and 3. to eliminate a lack of hiding places for slugs and earwigs so seedlings have a good head start before re-placing mulch. My mulch preference is straw; dry grass and leaves and is easy to rake back without disturbing the soil too much; there is always some mulch left behind but is very thin.
I keep the Alyssum going all season long and by middle September I stop sheering to allow seeds to mature and drop. A light sheering all the way around as blooms begin to fade promotes blooming all season and mounds will get wider :)

Hi,

I'm growing alyssum for the first time so can't speak to reseeding. But if you want to grow it from seed, it seems to be really easy. This is what worked for me: Fill a 3" deep disposable container with drainage hole poked in the bottom with Miracle gro potting mix, wet thoroughly, allow to drain, sprinkle seeds on top, pat down, fit clear plastic cover over container and leave outside. I sowed my seeds on 3/22/09 and on 04/02/09 had sprouts (info thanks to all the excellent gardeners on the WS forum). Beats having to use the precious indoor lighting setup space.
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Amna

...I also live in z6/CT and alyssum re-seeds for me in my flowerboxes on the deck every year. I don't clean out my flowerboxes until spring...so the soil doesn't get disturbed (except for all the birds pecking around out there)..and sure enough...there are always alyssum which have re-seeded. It is really easy to grow from a pkt of seeds though..alyssum pkts are really easy to find. You can just sprinkle the seed on the top of the soil of the area where you want them to grow or use a small container (with drainage holes), fill with a 'seed starter' mix...I use potting soil with about 1/4 to 1/2" of the 'seed starter' on top...wet it down really well and just sprinkle the seeds on top and put in a sunny area. Keep the soil damp and they will germinate.