Candytuft

Scientific Name: Iberis umbellata

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

Approximate number of seeds per kilogram (pound) : 440,000 (200,000)

Sun: full sun, does not tolerate shade well

Water: keep soil moderately moist during germination, Candytuft does not tolerate damp soil conditions well.

Soil: cover with 1/16 inch of soil, use light, gravelly, well-drained soil.

Temperature: 20 to 26 degrees Celsius (68 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit)

Spacing: 15 pounds per acre for a meadow

Germination Time: three to four weeks

The Candytuft is native to Europe, but has naturalized in the United States.  Its blooms are white, pink and lavender.  Candytuft makes an excellent, colorful groundcover which is particularly suited to drier areas.