Candytuft is a trendy choice among gardeners when it comes to decorative plants, as it bears flowers in beautiful shades of purple, pink, and white. The elegant and dainty flowers add a touch of color to an otherwise green garden. Besides the beautiful dark green leaves and the vibrant and enchanting flowers, the plant has a unique fragrance that makes morning walks or evening strolls in the garden even more delightful and uplifting. Growing candytuft is quite an easy task considering the plant does not require much maintenance. While growing and taking care of such a delicate plant may seem like a huge task, it is not. In this article, we are going to tell you how to grow candytuft in your garden and how to take care of the plant.
See also: How to grow Snowball flowers?
Candytuft: Key facts
| Scientific name | Iberis |
| Plant type | Shrub |
| Native area | Southern Europe and western Asia |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic |
| Dimensions | 6 to 12 inches tall |
| Growth requirements | Well drained soil and full or partial shade |
How to grow candytuft?
Choosing the right place
Candytuft grows well in adequate sunlight while the plant does not have any preferences when it comes to soil conditions. It is a drought resistant plant and this is the reason that it is often preferred in dry areas.
These plants need to be grown during the early spring season and it is important to leave adequate space i.e. 12 to 18 inches between them to allow for proper circulation of air and to prevent spreading of fungal diseases. You can either directly grow them outdoors, by digging a hole and sowing the seeds in the loosened soil or you can grow them indoors in a small container and then plant them outside during the growing season. Keep in mind that if you are growing candytuft in a container, it requires more water.
Propagating candytuft
If you are not growing candytuft with the help of seeds, you can use the method of root division to propagate them. The best time to do this is during fall, before the harsh winter comes. Start by digging out an existing plant along with its roots and then dividing it into two to three parts while making sure that each part has healthy stems as well as roots. Now you can plant these parts to new places and offer them the necessary nutrients to help them grow well.
Taking care of candytuft
It is important to take care of the plant if you want to see beautiful, aromatic flowers bloom during the spring season and make your garden look mesmerizing.
Growing conditions
Candytuft prefers slightly acidic soil, so you should keep checking the pH levels of the soil. Also make sure that the plant is not placed under harsh sunlight as it can damage the plant by developing fungal diseases. It is also important that you do not let the soil dry out as the plant grows well in moisture.
Add a fertilizer
Adding a well-balanced fertilizer is necessary in order to provide all the necessary nutrients required for proper growth. If you are not sure about the amount of fertilizer that you should use, you can refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pruning
Pruning is a good way to make the plant look clean. You can use pruning shears or even normal scissors to chop off all the unwanted growth or even the stems that look too hard and woody.
Protecting from pests and diseases
Candytuft often face root rot as they do not grow well in poorly drained soil, hence, it is important to grow it in well-drained soil. In order to keep the pests and insects away, you can use insecticidal soap and organic pesticides. These plants often catch fungal diseases and this is why it is important to plant them at a good distance from each other in order to prevent the diseases from spreading.
Toxicity
Candytuft, known for its beautiful blossoms, is non toxic to both humans and animals. While it is not harmful to ingest it, it is also not advised. One should always maintain caution in case they sense an allergic reaction when they come in contact with the plant.
FAQs
What are some common types of candytuft?
“Autumn snow”, “Pink ice”, “Little gem” and “Snowflake” are some of the most common types of candytuft.
Why is candytuft planted in gardens?
Candytuft is often preferred due to its beautiful green leaves and colorful flowers that compliment gardens. The plant is often used for ornamental purposes as it bears flowers in hues of pink, lavender and white.
What is the lifespan of candytuft plants?
Candytufts generally do not have a long lifespan. These plants start getting weak after five to six years.
What if my candytuft plant has yellow leaves?
If your candytuft has started growing yellow leaves, it is a sign that the plant is not receiving adequate water and the temperature is too high for it to survive. You can water the plant regularly to decrease the heat.
What is the best time to grow candytuft?
The best time to candytuft is late winter or early spring season.
When does candytuft bloom?
The blooming period varies for different varieties of candytuft. But generally, the plants bear flowers in spring and early summers.
Can I grow candytuft in my garden if I live in a cold region?
Yes, candytuft is suitable for a variety of climate conditions and it can thrive in colder climates as well.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
