Ideal Growing Conditions for Candytuft

Candytuft is a low growing plant native to Spain. Known as a great beginners plant, candytuft is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and is marginally drought tolerant. Candytuft is at home in borders and along paths and is a popular rock garden plant.

A slow growing, mounding plant, candytuft is available in bloom colors ranging from white through pink to red and is also available in purple and lavender. There are annual and perennial varieties of candytuft, and while annual versions have a longer bloom season, perennial plants offer more value in the long run.

Growing Candytuft

Variety: Iberis
Zones: 5 to 9 for sempervirens, other varieties are annual
Soil Type: Tolerant of a wide range of soil types
Soil pH: 6.6 to 7.8
Sunlight: Full sun
Watering: Water regularly until established

Candytuft is available both a seeds and starter plants. Seeds can be planted in late spring outdoors. Starter plants can be planted after danger of frost has passed. Plants should be spaced 10" to 15" apart.

Caring For Candytuft Plants

Candytufts bloom throughout the summer and are self-seeding. To avoid unwanted spread, remove seedpods before they have a chance to spread seed. To collect seeds, allow the seedpods to dry on the plant, then remove and break open the seedpods. Store seeds in a paper bag until spring planting.

Although candytuft will tolerate a wide range of soil types, you'll get best results from planting in fertile, well-drained soil. Once your plants are established, allow the soil to dry between watering sessions to avoid mildew or stem rot.