Candytuft, Rocket ‘ (Iberis amara) ANNUAL, flowers SEED

Iberis amara ‘Rocket’ (Rocket Candytuft ‘Empress’) is a fast-growing, fragrant annual producing abundant white flower clusters on upright stems — outstanding for beds, borders, and sunny slopes. Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. Easily grown in average to poor, well-drained soil; prefers full sun to partial sun. Blooms just 5–6 weeks after germination. May self-seed without becoming weedy. ~11,313 seeds per oz.

Plant Highlights

• Fragrant white blooms in 5–6 weeks from germination — one of the fastest-blooming annuals
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds
• Tolerates average to poor soil; grows well in sandy or well-drained soil
• Self-seeds without becoming weedy; excellent for continuous-color plantings
• ~11,313 seeds per oz

Sowing Guide

Timing: Direct sow in fall for the earliest spring blooms, or after the last spring frost for early summer color. Sow in succession every few weeks for continuous flowering.

Direct sow: Sow just below the soil surface in a prepared bed. Keep evenly moist at 65–70°F. Germination: 15–20 days. Note: does not transplant well — direct sowing preferred. If starting indoors, use peat pots to avoid root disturbance.

Care Guide

Watering: Keep well-watered but not soggy. Tolerates short dry periods once established. Well-drained soil is essential.

Temperature: Prefers cooler temperatures — may die back in the peak of summer heat. Best performance in spring and fall.

Deadheading: Deadhead regularly to prolong the blooming period. After flowering finishes, cut foliage back by one-third unless saving seed.

Seed Saving

After flowers fade, a papery tan seedhead forms containing flattened brown oval seeds. Shake ripe heads over a container to collect seed. Store cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.

Harvesting as Cut Flower

Cut long stems when flowers have just opened and place immediately in water. Strip leaves that would fall below the waterline.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Rocket Candytuft
• Botanical name: Iberis amara
• Type: Annual
• Bloom: Fragrant white clusters
• Bloom time: 5–6 weeks after germination
• Light: Full sun to partial sun
• Soil: Average to poor; well-drained; tolerates sandy soil
• Seeds per oz: ~11,313
• Germination: 15–20 days at 65–70°F
• Sowing depth: Just below surface
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, birds
• Use: Beds, borders, sunny slopes, cut flower gardens