PlantFiles: Mignonette
Reseda odorata

I have grown this plant also and was disappointed that it had no scent. Then I found out that certain flowers cannot be smelled by a minority of people. This is one of them. It's just genetics. OTOH, such as we can perceive the rich, anise scent of white oleander, which is unscented for most people.

No luck for me with this plant. The few times when seeds germinated the plants were completely scentless. The reddish, tiny flowers do have a certain appeal, but it was the famous scent I wanted. I've been told that a lot of the seed offered in the trade produces scentless plants.

I'm deeply disappointed in this plant. I grew some because I had read that mignonette odor was supposed to be so wonderful and strong. My plants smelled weakly of grape kool-aid. They otherwise looked pretty healthy.

Sowing: Indoors- Sow sparingly, just pressing into soil surface (seeds require light for germination); once seeds emerge, grow cool. Outdoors- Sow in situ late April to mid-May (May to mid-June here in Seward). Don't delay sowing for too long, because seed may not germinate in warm summer conditions. (We don't have to worry about that here in Seward, Alaska.) Keep moist, and thin as seedlings appear to at least 6" apart (one plant will bloom nicely in a 5-6" pot). Good for sun or part shade, but bear in mind that mignonette is not drought tolerant, preferring a rich, heavy, alkaline soil, cool moist conditions, and regular watering and fertilizing to produce the best, most fragrant spikes.
Common Mignonette): Somewhat sprawling HHA, 16-18" high at maturity, with tender green foliage and stems and vaguely burr-like, greenish-white flowers sometimes tinged reddish. Nobody grows mignonette for show; it's the fragrance cottage gardeners have prized since the 18th Century. Great for tucking here and there in window boxes and borders among unscented annuals or perennials. (In Western gardens since 1752).

Mignonette is one of the most fragrant flowers, even if they are fairly insignificant. They do not transplant well, so it is best to direct-seed them where they are to grow. Plant them from early through late spring -- they flower in 2-3 months.