Sweet Alyssum Companion Planting

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) flowers attract hover flies (Syrphidae) whose larvae are voracious aphid predators. Living mulch of alyssum between tomato rows also suppresses weeds and conserves soil moisture.

Sow alyssum between tomato rows or at bed edges. Reseeds freely once established.

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) undersown beneath cabbage significantly increases hover fly (Syrphidae) populations. Hover fly larvae are primary predators of cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae). Field trials show 50-70% aphid reduction.

Undersow alyssum at the time of transplanting brassicas. One alyssum plant per 3-4 square feet provides adequate floral resources.

Sweet alyssum as living mulch beneath broccoli increases parasitoid wasp (Diaeretiella rapae) and hover fly abundance. Reduced aphid pressure and improved broccoli head quality documented in California organic trials.

Same protocol as cabbage -- undersow at transplant. Alyssum blooms quickly and persists through the growing season.

Alyssum floral resources support hover flies and parasitoid wasps that control cabbage aphid and green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) on kale. Living mulch also suppresses weeds.

Particularly effective for fall kale when aphid pressure peaks. Sow alyssum seed when transplanting kale.

Sweet alyssum living mulch attracts hover flies and parasitoid wasps that control cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) on cauliflower. Same documented mechanism as cabbage-alyssum and broccoli-alyssum pairings.

Undersow alyssum at transplant. All brassica-alyssum pairings follow the same research base.

Alyssum floral resources support hover flies and parasitoid wasps that control aphids and caterpillars on collards. Same brassica-alyssum conservation biocontrol mechanism.

Collards are long-season brassicas -- alyssum provides season-long beneficial insect habitat.

Alyssum living mulch supports conservation biological control of aphids on bok choy through hover fly and parasitoid wasp recruitment. Same mechanism as other brassica-alyssum pairings.

Bok choy is particularly susceptible to aphids in fall -- alyssum provides critical beneficial insect habitat.