How to Grow Globe Candytuft (Iberis Umbellata)
The ideal plant for edging flower beds or growing alongside a path, globe candytuft puts forth a froth of flowers atop attractive, low, deep green foliage for the better part of the summer. It goes by several other variations on its name, including hyacinth-flowered candytuft and rocket candytuft. No matter what you call it, it's also wonderful for rock gardens.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Bypass Pruners
- Compost Makers
- Hand Cultivators
- Mulch
- Plants
- Seeds
- Watering Cans
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1
Check out your nursery for established seedlings. Globe candytuft is also somewhat easy to start from seed.
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2
Read the label carefully. Candytuft (Iberis) comes in both annual (grows one year) and perennial (returns year after year) types. Annual candytuft has the advantage of blooming for a longer period of the summer and costing less per plant.
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3
Plant seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your region's last frost date. Since candytuft doesn't like transplanting, start seeds in peat pots - those brown, biodegradeable pots that you plant in the ground right along with the seedlings.
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4
Plant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date, spacing 6 to 12 inches apart.
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5
Keep fairly well watered, allowing to dry out slightly between waterings since candytuft is slightly drought-resistant.
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6
Shear flowers off when they fade; the plants may well bloom again, either later in the spring or again in the autumn. (A cool-season annual, globe candytuft starts to fade once temperatures regularly reach 80 degrees.)
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7
Pull up plants and discard if the foliage starts to brown severely in summer; otherwise, wait until frost kills the plants and then pull up.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Globe candytuft needs average, well-drained soil and full sun with some afternoon shade where summers are hot.
In zones 8-10 of the U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Map, try sowing globe candytuft a second time in late summer for autumn and early winter bloom.
Make sure candytuft has good drainage. Soggy conditions promote disease.
