Candytuft, Rocket ‘ (Iberis amara) ANNUAL, flowers SEED Iberis sempervirens

These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

Rocket Candytuft ‘Empress’ is a fast-growing annual and excellent ornamental for use in beds, borders and on sunny slopes. The plants produce fragrant white flowers and are easily grown in average to poor, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial sun.

APPROX .11,313 SEEDS PER OZ

Sowing: Direct sow in fall for the earliest blooms, or after the last spring frost for early summer bloom. Plant more every several weeks for continuous flowers. Though these plants do not respond well to transplanting, they can also be started indoors in peat pots; sow just below the surface of the soil, keeping it evenly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F. Germination usually occurs within 15-20 days.

Growing: Keep these plants well watered but not soggy; they can tolerate short periods of drought, and grow best in well drained soil. They also grow well in poor or sandy soil. Though they do not grow well in shade, they also prefer cooler temperatures and may die back in the heat of summer. They develop quickly, blooming 5-6 weeks after germination. Deadhead regularly for prolonged blooming; after flowering has finished, cut the foliage back by one third unless saving the seed. Though this plant will self-seed in good conditions, it does not become weedy. 

Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, a papery tan seedhead will form; the ripe seeds will be flattened brown ovals. Shake the ripe heads over a container to remove the seed. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.