Growing Dwarf Fairy Mixture Iberis (Candytuft) Garden Seeds

For earliest blooming, start Dwarf Fairy Mixture Candytuft seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the final frost and transplant once there are two sets of true leaves. Dwarf Fairy Mix iberis seeds will germinate within 14-21 days with full lighting. If transplanting outside, harden off seedlings into a sunny spot in the garden, or an equally bright place indoors. Seeds can also be sown directly in the fall in warmer winters for early spring color. Plant 3-4 Dwarf Fairy Mix iberis seeds ¼" deep and 10" apart in average, loamy, and well-drained soil in full sun. Candytuft is drought tolerant but avoid overhead watering to minimize wetting foliage as Dwarf Fairy Mixture iberis seeds are susceptible to molds, mildews, rust, leaf spots, and rot if not properly ventilated. Dwarf Fairy Mix Candytuft will thrive with shade and deadheading to prolong vigor into the long summer months. Potential insect problems include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, whitefly, slugs and snails. Candytuft iberis seeds will mature in 70-77 days as 6-8" tall dwarfed shrub with a 10" wide spread of densely floreted calyx-like blooms in white, pink, and lavender clusters.

Iberis umbellata, or most commonly known as Garden Candytuft or Globe Candytuft, is native to southern Europe and thrives as a perennial in the warmer Mediterranean influenced 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. The specific epithet umbellata is derived from its root "umbel" which translated into English means "umbrella" in reference to the shape of the bloom.