Focus on Reseda

By Jacqueline Cross (libellule)
November 16, 2008

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]

Cautions When Growing  Reseda

Plant may irritate skin in some people.
Some species may be invasive.

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

[3] Dave's Garden Plant Files

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 with 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.com and was promoted to Feature Writer in the vegetable gardens section in 2008.

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Discussion about this article:

Subject Topic Starter Replies Views Last Post Fragrant plants wind 3 25 Nov 20, 2008 12:35 PM Zone? MtnGardener 1 10 Nov 18, 2008 9:31 AM The information was very helpful. Motherdirt 1 8 Nov 18, 2008 9:24 AM TY you for teaching us about this plant vossner 1 7 Nov 16, 2008 3:05 PM

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