SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface sow and press in lightly; requires light for germination.
Seed To Bloom:
8-12 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Not recommended.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in early spring; fall to late winter zones 8-10.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Mignonette has a long history in gardens. Native to Egypt, it was said to be one of the flowers strewn in tombs to fragrance the eternal rest of the mummified. In the early 1800s, it was fashionable to possess a winter bouquet of mignonette fresh from the fields in the south of France. Reseda alba has tall spikes of fringed white flowers advertising an ambrosial scent that includes overtones of violet and raspberry that attract all the honeybees in the vicinity. Pinch tips, if desired, when plants reach about 6" tall to encourage branching and fullness. It will continue blooming in cooler summer areas until fall; afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter climates. Grow in cottage gardens and cutting gardens.
Watering Details:
About 1" per week; do not overwater.
Fertilizer:
Mix about 2-4" of compost into soil prior to planting if soil is not rich. Feed monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer.
Diseases & Pests:
Avoid fungal leaf spots by placing in an area with good air circulation.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when 1/2 of the florets are open.
