Will alyssum grow every season after planting?
No, these plants are considered annuals and will not survive cold temps. Therefore, they are normally replanted each year.
I am trying to identify a box-like black bug, with orange markings. The bug seems to stay on the ground and breed heartily among the roots. Often, smaller bugs can be seen carrying each other. The bug is beetle like, flat and about the size of a small peanut. The bug has destroyed ancient alyssum banks. The foliage begins to take on a whitish appearance. I don't think the bug feeds on foliage, it just cuts off the water supply to the plant at the root. The bug is not a fussy eater.
It would be easier to identify if you could send in a picture.
I have purchased the following potted plants: Alyssum Lobelia Dianthus Begonia Aquilegia Petunias Mandevilla Calla Lily Fuchsia Never having planted anything before, I have no idea how deep they should be planted. HELP!!
These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/alyssum/growing-sweet-alyssum.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/lobelia/lobelia.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/dianthus/growing-dianthus-plants.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/begonia/annual-begonia-care.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/columbine/columbines.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/petunia/petunia-care.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/mandevilla/mandevilla-plant.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/calla-lily/growing-calla-lilies-and-care-of-calla-lilies.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fuchsia/growing-fuchsia-flower.htm
Where can I find alyssum seeds?
There are many places you can acquire alyssum seeds from. If you google "alyssum seeds" you will find many on-line suppliers of these seeds. You can also visit your local mom and pop and big box garden centers to make an inquiry about these seeds. If you still strike out, you can also google "seed swaps" or "seed exchanges" on-line to connect to someone to swap seed with. I hope that helps.
I live in Bakersfield, Ca, Central Valley. It is now early December and I see them in local nurseries. Is now a good time to plant?
Alyssum is hardy down to zone 8, so you should have no issues in growing this sweet flower now.
If you experience temperatures below normal for your area, you may want to cover them.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/alyssum/growing-sweet-alyssum.htm
Are there different types of alyssum? Mine seem to grow wild and bushy instead of low and small.
Yes, there are different varieties of alyssum, and some have a tendency to grow taller than others. This site has a good overview of different varieties:
http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scened548.html
There are also closely related species in the Alyssum genus, but these are less commonly grown in gardens.
I have an Alyssum border from a couple of years back. It's not in bloom yet. If I just trim it back with scissors, will it bloom again? I don't want to destroy the plants. I'm in the San Francisco Bay area - very mild climate and the frost is probably over now. Thanks jean
You can trim the damaged or dead parts of the plant but do not prune until after it's first bloom.
After blooming you can trim the plants back to half the height.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/alyssum/growing-sweet-alyssum.htm