Growing Whiteout Iberis (Candytuft) Garden Seeds

For earliest blooming, start Whiteout iberis seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the final frost and transplant once there are two sets of true leaves. Whiteout 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 2-3 Whiteout iberis seeds ¼ inch deep and 6-15 inch apart in average, medium moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Candytuft is drought tolerant but avoid overhead watering to minimize wetting foliage as Whiteout iberis seeds are susceptible to molds, mildews, rust, leaf spots, and rot if not properly ventilated. Whiteout iberis 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 are herbaceous perennials that mature in their 2nd year as 6-12 inch tall semi-dwarfed shrubs with a 6-15 inch spread of branching 2 inch clustered blooms in alpine white.

Iberis sempervirens, or most commonly known as Candytuft, is native to southern Europe and thrives as a perennial in the warmer Mediterranean influenced winters similar to thyme. The genus Iberis earns it name from the Iberian Peninsula of southern Europe (Spain and Portugal), where it is found to grow naturally. The specific epithet sempervirens is a combination of two Latin words meaning "forever" and "green".