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The Reseda is a fascinating plant with a long recorded history. The heavenly scent is like sweet honey sent from the gods and will draw visitors to the garden in search of its source.
Reseda belongs to the Resedaceae family of plants. Some common names for Reseda are, mignonette, sweet reseda, and Dyers rocket. There are many species of Reseda, originally thought to be an annual herb, there are also perennial and biennial forms of the plant. The less than beautiful plant is offset by the wonderful aroma of the blooms.
Interesting Facts about Reseda
The plant is native to the Mediterranean region.
In his 1876 book, The Effects of Cross and Self Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom, Charles Darwin recorded his findings from using R. odorata, along with many other plants, in his experiments which proved self-fertilized plants produce inferior seedlings. [1]
Yellow dye was obtained from the roots of R. luteola by the first millennium BC, and perhaps earlier than either woad (Isatis tinctoria), or madder (Rubia tinctorum). Use of this dye came to an end at the beginning of the twentieth century, when cheaper synthetic yellow dyes came into use. [2]
Reseda luteola by DG member 'growin'
Characteristics of Reseda
Reseda has been grown for its fragrance since before Victorian times. The aromatic properties of this plant were very popular in cottage gardens, as it was used to mask the city smells of early London. For this reason, it could be found in every Victorian garden. By the time it reached the western world in the mid 1700's, it quickly became a favorite to plant near outhouses and along pathways leading the way to the front of the home.
Blooms are white, green and yellow with orange stamens. The plant blooms on spikes with approximately six petals for bloom. Mostly though, the blooms are a yellow-green and not particularly attractive. This is, of course, subjective.
Leaves can be either clustered or alternate, depending on the species. Leaf color ranges from gray-green to nearly lime green, once again, depending on species. New cultivars do not always have the original gray-green cast to the leaves.
How to Grow
Soil and Light
Reseda prefer rich soil that leans toward the alkaline end of the scale and a sunny to dappled shade area of the garden.
Water and Fertilizer
Reseda likes regular watering and will not do well under drought conditions. Fertilize well and often for best blooms with the most ambrosia like scent in the garden.
Transplant
They do not transplant well so it is a good idea to plant them where you want them and thin them out as very young seedlings.
Seeds
In northern zones, seed in early spring after last frost. In warmer climates, seed can be put out in late fall for spring blooms but may also be planted in early spring for summer blooms.
Seeds can be collected from the small capsules found on plant after bloom period. Allow pod to dry on plant and store as you would any other flower or herb seed.
Short List of Reseda Species[3]
Reseda odorata by DG member 'htop'
Reseda alba Commonly known as white mignonette. Hardy annual.
Reseda lutea Commonly known wild mignonette. Biennial grown as a hardy annual.
Reseda odorata Commonly known as common mignonette. Hardy annual.
Reseda luteola Commonly known as European mignonette. Biennial, herb, perennial.
Cautions When Growing Reseda
Plant may irritate skin in some people. Some species may be invasive.
Reseda odorata by DG member 'Weezingreens'
If you are searching for an old world plant to add to your cottage garden, this may be just the one. Seeds can be found here.
Happy Gardening~
[1] The Effects of Cross and Self-Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom, by Charles Darwin ISBN-13: 9781404349308 *when looking for this Charles Darwin book, the spelling is as written above
[2] Domestication of plants in the Old World by Daniel Zohary and Maria Hopf ISBN-13: 978-0198503569
Photograph on top right, Reseda lutea in Norfolk, England 1970, by DG member, 'kennedyh'
About Jacqueline Cross
I'm a native Floridian...feet planted in the shifting sands of northwest FL. but my heart strings are tightly knotted to the hills of Tennessee.
I live my poodle, Minnie Pearl, Zsa Zsa the cat who runs the whole show and a new addition, Kitty Belle.
I'm a writer, gardener, quilter, cross stitcher, soapmaker and nature lover. Mother to 3 wonderful daughters & Nana to 6 perfect grandchildren.
I also write for Suite101 and was promoted to Feature Writer in the vegetable gardens section in 2008.
Posted by Motherdirt (from Toms River, NJ) on November 17, 2008 at 7:07 PM:
I found the information regarding reseda very helpful. I just ordered some seeds for spring planting and now I have your great additional information!
Thanks!
...
Posted by libellule (from Fountain, FL) on November 18, 2008 at 9:24 AM:
I'm happy that you could make use of the info :-)
Good luck with your seeds in the spring.
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Subject: Zone?
Posted by MtnGardener (from Longmont, CO) on November 17, 2008 at 9:58 AM:
Thank you, Jacqueline for this interesting plant. Do you know what zones it grows in? I'm working on building a bee, bird, butterfly friendly oasis and this might be a great addition
Thanks for your nice preview.
Lori
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Posted by libellule (from Fountain, FL) on November 18, 2008 at 9:31 AM:
Hi Lori,
This would be a great plant to include in a garden for the winged critters.
The best information I can give you on zones for this plant are 7-11.
I would personally try it a bit further north, it may only grow as an annual if planted in the ground but it would be worth having.
Good luck if you decide to include Reseda in your garden.
Jackie
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Subject: Fragrant plants
Posted by wind (from Mount Laurel, NJ) on November 16, 2008 at 3:26 PM:
Hi Jacqueline,
I enjoyed your article. I've never heard of Reseda before. I'm always looking for new fragrant plants to try, I think I'll add this one to my wish list :)
Happy Gardening!
~Diana
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Posted by Fitsy (from Hayesville, NC) on November 16, 2008 at 7:18 PM:
Ditto!
Fitsy
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Posted by libellule (from Fountain, FL) on November 16, 2008 at 8:24 PM:
Diana and Fitsy,
If y'all have a wish list anything like mine, it's more like a wish book!
I wouldn't mind having these plants here along a path out in the woods. They would look natural and what a nice surprise to have blooms along the walking trails.
Thanks, I'm glad y'all enjoyed the article. :-)
Jackie
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Posted by TsFlowers (from Delphi, IN) on November 20, 2008 at 12:35 PM:
I wanted to say thanks for the article too. Although I've had seeds for 3 years, I never managed to get them planted in the garden until this year. And they certainly have a wonderful fragrance!! (In my opinion, not too much to look at though.)
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Subject: TY you for teaching us about this plant
Posted by vossner (from Richmond, TX) on November 16, 2008 at 12:04 PM:
I had a hard time obtaining good info about this plant so I thank you for all the info. Mine has been in my garden less than 6 mos but doing well. You are correct, it wilts miserably when thirsty but also recovers just as quickly. Mine flowered but I was away and did not get to see them. Can't wait to learn my variety. Based on the small leaves, I think I have luteola.
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Posted by libellule (from Fountain, FL) on November 16, 2008 at 3:05 PM:
Hopefully, you will be home when it blooms next time. It has such a pretty bloom to me. Glad you found the article useful. :-)
J
