Sweet Rocket 'Violet'
Hesperis matronalis

SKU # S162

Product Type: Seed Packet

Approximate Seeds Per Packet: 125

Availability:

In Stock

$3.00

Prized by generations past, this biennial has escaped the garden to grow happily in damp thickets. The epitome of an old-fashioned flower, the evening-scented blooms are redolent of clove and violet, hence its other name, 'Dame's Violet.' Marie Antoinette was enamored of the double white, and while in prison, "the concierge daily brought her bunches of pinks, sweet rockets and tuberoses, an act of gentleness for which she was imprisoned but eventually released." Listed in an 1838 catalog. Self sows. Sorry, we cannot ship to CO/CT/MA/OH/WI.

Lifecycle: Biennial

Zone: 3,4,5,6,7,8

Size: 3-4' h x 1-2' w

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Regular to rich, moist, well-drained

Season: Spring to summer

Seed to Bloom:

Color: Bright lavender purple

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Columbine 'National Collection Mix'

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HOW TO GROW Hesperis matronalis

Sowing Instructions

Depth: Surface sow
Sprout Time: 7-30 days
Starting Indoors: Start seeds in containers 8 weeks before planting out. Keep at 60-70°F, and cover with a light sprinkling of vermiculite or a humidity dome to retain moisture until germination occurs.
Starting Outdoors: Sow direct after danger of frost has passed until midsummer.
When to Set Outside: After all danger of frost has passed.

Placement & Cultivation

Often mistaken for Phlox, Sweet Rocket's full flowerheads scent evening gardens with the fragrance of violet and cloves, drawing in night pollinators, such as moths. Once seeds have matured, I pull it up, stripping the ripe seeds to scatter about and start new plants for the following year's blooms. Considered invasive in some regions, site away from wild areas, a garden bed bordered by lawn is the best location.
Final Spacing: 1-2'
Water Use: Medium Water Use
Watering Details: Keep moist but not saturated; about 1" per week.
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Fertilizer: Mix in a balanced organic, granular fertilizer each spring. Alternatively, a couple of inches of compost can be incorporated into the soil.
Diseases & Pests: No major pests or diseases. This plant self-sows prolifically and can become invasive in some locations,including in the Midwest.
When to Cut For Bouquets: When florets are 3/4-fully opened.

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Number of Comments 1

Average rating:

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

So lovely in the spring. Tuesday, May 23, 2023

By Rumford, RI

Select Seeds Confirmed Purchase

Started last summer and overwintered, these came up and are beautiful in the garden. I put them in the cut flower garden, but wish I had planted them in the perennial beds, so then it would be this bright blue/purple above the new green in the spring.

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Sweet Rocket 'Violet'
Hesperis matronalis

Growing Companions

HOW TO GROW Hesperis matronalis

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Sweet Rocket 'Violet' Hesperis matronalis

Growing Companions

HOW TO GROW Hesperis matronalis

Sowing Instructions

Placement & Cultivation

Ratings & Reviews

Notify Me

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Sweet Rocket 'Violet'
Hesperis matronalis