How to Grow Reseda Plants
Guide to Growing Mignonette and Weld plants in the Garden
Reseda are hardy perennials and biennials. They can range in height from 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 feet).
Reseda plants are able to bloom from the start of summer until the first frost of winter.
They carry spiked clusters of yellow and white flowers. These are situated atop long stems.
Reseda lutea - Wild Mignonette by Rictor Norton & David Allen; Creative Commons.
Common names for Reseda include Weld and Mignonette.
Reseda phyteuma by Manuel M. Ramos; Creative Commons.
Commonly Grown Reseda Species Photographs and Plant Identification
Reseda odorata
Reseda odorata (Garden Mignonette / Common Mignonette), photograph by Botanical Magazine; Public Domain.
Reseda alba
Reseda alba (White Mignonette / White Upright Mignonette), photograph by Miltos Gikas; CC.
Reseda luteola
Reseda luteola (Weld / Dyer's Rocket / Woold / Yellow Weed), picture by Andreas Rockstein; CC.
Reseda Plant Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Mignonette, Weld, Sweet Reseda, Dyer's Rocket.
Family: Resedaceae.
Life Cycle: Hardy annual. Hardy biennial.
Native: Mediterranean, Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 2 to 10.
Flower Details: Yellow, white, green, orange. Fragrant. Spikes.
Foliage: Rosette. Pinnate. Toothed
Sow Inside: Use peat pots. Germination time: one to three weeks in the light. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Partial shade. Soil pH 6 to 7.5 Rich soil. Pinch tips.
How to Grow Mignonette and other Reseda Plants in the Garden
It is best to sow Mignonette (and other Reseda plants) successively if you want a long flowering season.
The seeds should be sown from the start of spring until the first half of summer. Sow out about 3 weeks apart.
The Mignonette seeds should be sown on the surface.
Ideally the Reseda plants should be grown in a partly shaded part of the garden that has a rich soil and a pH of 6 to 7.
The spacing of Reseda is species dependent, plant smaller varieties about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) apart, and larger Reseda members about 30 cm (1 foot) apart.
You can also start Mignonette off indoors. They should take about one to three weeks to germinate, and require a temperature of 21 degrees centigrade (70°F) and light.
Caring for Mignonette - Reseda
Once growing it is important to pinch back the tips of juvenile Mignonette plants. This will encourage branching and lead to more Reseda flowers.
Common Questions
How many members does the Reseda genus contain?
The Reseda genus, also known as the Mignonettes, contains about 60-70 species.
Do Reseda members make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, many Reseda species are appreciated for their fragrant, visually appealing flowers and can be grown in borders or as specimen plants.
Which Reseda species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Reseda odorata (Sweet Mignonette) is often grown for its lovely, sweetly scented flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Are Reseda plants fragrant?
Yes, many Reseda species, notably Reseda odorata, have a strong, sweet fragrance that is especially noticeable in the evening.
What is the perfect location to grow Reseda?
Reseda grows best in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant plants that can thrive in less than ideal soil conditions.
Is Reseda invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Reseda species are not listed as invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Reseda plants from my garden?
To remove Reseda, uproot the entire plant, including the roots. They can self-seed, so remove any seed heads to prevent new growth.
Summary
The Reseda genus, known commonly as mignonette, contains flowering plants grown for their fragrant blooms. The small, often white or yellow flowers are arranged in tall spikes.
Reseda species require full sun and thrive in well-drained soil. They are generally sown in the spring or early summer. Most species are tolerant of poor soil and dry conditions, making them an excellent choice for rock gardens or borders.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Reseda plants. You may also enjoy the following Partial Shade Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Japanese Iris, Geranium plant, Zinnia flowers, and Herniaria plants.
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