Growing Non-GMO Iberis Empress Mixture Flower Seeds

For earliest blooming, start Empress Mixture iberis seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the final frost and transplant once there are two sets of true leaves. Empress Mixture seeds will germinate within 14-21 days with full lighting. If transplanting outside, harden off seedlings into a sunny spot in the garden or a bright place indoors. Seeds can also be sown directly in the fall in warmer winters for early spring color. Plant 2-3 Empress Mixture iberis seeds 0.25 inch deep in average, medium moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Candytuft is drought tolerant, but is susceptible to water-related issues if not properly ventilated. Empress Mixture iberis will thrive with shade and deadheading to prolong vigor into the long summer months.

Prune Candytuft back by 1/3rd after blooming to prevent legginess and encourage plentiful flowers. Water regularly (weekly or more, depending on the weather) while the plants are getting established. Once Iberis has some deep roots, it can usually persist without supplemental watering except during a drought. In zone 8, this plant can tolerate some partial shade; otherwise, it is a full-sun plant. This is an annual version of iberis and will die in the frost. In areas without frost, it can persist perennially. Fertilization is not required for this plant to thrive, but it can encourage plentiful blooms. If desired, use a slow-release option with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorus (the first number should be lower, and the second should be higher). Follow the package directions. Candytuft is drought tolerant; however, avoid overhead watering to minimize wetting foliage.

Iberis Empress Mixture in the Flower Garden

These Empress Mixture Iberis flowers are deer-resistant and pollinator friendly! In flower gardens, candytuft is a great ground cover, providing beautiful blooms but also shielding the bare earth between other plants from weeds.

Landscape Use of Iberis Empress Mixture

Empress Mixture Iberis is a beautiful ground cover; to encourage them to fill in quickly, plant them 8-12” apart. Because it does not require much water once established, it can also be a wonderful addition to xeriscapes that are aimed at reducing the watering needs of a landscape.

About Iberis Empress Mixture Garden Seeds

Iberis can also be known as Rocket Candytuft, Wild Candytuft, Bitter Candytuft, Hyacinth Candytuft, and Annual Candytuft.

Use candytuft in fresh cut or potted arrangements as a short, filler flower to help larger blooms pop!

This variety of iberis is not toxic like some others. However, it is not commonly eaten either. In the past, Iberis amara had been considered an edible variety but now, however, its extremely bitter taste is a bit too heavy for the modern palate and is no longer considered treated as edible.<

Iberis amara, or most commonly known as Rocket Candytuft or Annual Candytuft, is native to Southern Europe and thrives as a perennial in the warmer Mediterranean winters similar to thyme. The genus Iberis earns its name from the Iberian Peninsula of Southern Europe (Spain and Portugal), where it is found to grow naturally. /p>

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Iberis or Candytuft in the landscape reminds me of a perfect cross between alyssum and lobelia! The papery white blooms on the delicate foliage with a sprawling habit is idyllic for flower beds and potted arrangements."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Iberis Empress Mixture Seeds Per Package:

• 1 g - Packet - Approximately 350 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Iberis Empress Mixture seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.