Sweet Dames Rocket 'Violet'
Hesperis matronalis
The Dames Rocket flower resembles phlox, but it belongs to the mustard family. It is native to Eurasia and has an appealing fragrance that is more pungent in the evening than during the day. Heavy fertilizer and moist, well-drained soil will help nurture this flower.
Dames Rocket should be fall planted in an area where it will receive full sun or partial shade. Fall planting can lead to an early spring bloom in this flower’s first spring, though by its second there will be many more blossoms.
This flower is a short-lived perennial and can reseed itself if the seeds make direct contact with the soil. Note that because this is a perennial this flower may not bloom the first year it is planted from seed. Perennials normally establish a plant the first year and then bloom the second year.
Plant life cycle: biennial
Height: 36-48”
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 330-360 daysSow: 1/8" deep
Plant spacing: 12”
Approx seeds per packet: 100
How to Grow:
Sow seeds from late spring to early summer and plant seedlings in the garden at least 6 weeks before your first autumn frost. Plants will winter over in the garden and bloom the following spring.
How to harvest:
Harvest when ⅓ of the flowers on a stem are open.
Vase life:
Long vase life, up to 7 days