The flowers of mignonette are small and inconspicuous, but they emit a very strong aroma, which can be compared with the smell of perfume. This plant is even used in the perfume industry. And you can grow it yourself.
There are about 60 species of this plant, among them there are annual and biennial varieties. For the climatic conditions of Russia, 2 varieties of mignonette are suitable: fragrant and white.
Mignonette does not have to be sown every year, the plant propagates by self-sowing
Description of these varieties:
- Fragrant mignonette. Annual variety. Sprawling bushes, branched shoots. Plants are 20-40 cm tall. Inflorescences are large, spike-shaped, pyramidal brushes. The photo shows the flowering of mignonette.
- Mignonette is white. Blooms in June-September. Small flowers of a snow-white hue are collected in tall inflorescences. After flowering, capsules with seeds are formed, which crack when ripe, and the seed material spills out.
All varieties of mignonette have a unique aroma. These plants are not afraid of light spring and autumn frosts.
The plant is light-loving and cold-resistant, it can grow in a slightly shaded area. It is better to plant reseda in non-acidic soil with a high lime content.
The plant is propagated by seeds. They can be sown in the ground in the second half of April, or they can be grown on a windowsill, and then transplanted into a flower bed at the end of May. Sow the seeds in rows, leave at least 40-50 cm between them. After 1 cm, immerse 1-2 seeds in the soil to a depth of 5-6 cm, sprinkle with sand on top. Water after planting.
Seedlings will appear in 1-2 weeks. When they reach 3-5 cm in height, thin out the seedlings. The distance between plants in a row should not exceed 12-15 cm.
When growing seedlings, keep in mind that transplanting sprouts do not tolerate well, they may not take root. Transplant them into open ground along with a lump of earth.
If you want to prepare seeds, pluck the pods before they open. Seed material can be stored for 3-4 years.
You don’t need special care for the flower:
- Remove faded inflorescences regularly.
- Fertilize the site with humus in the fall.
- Keep the aisles clean. Remove weeds and loosen the soil.
- In a drought, water the flowerbed where the mignonette is growing. Do not overflow.
The plant is not exposed to diseases and pests.
Reseda can be grown in flower beds, along curbs, and on balconies. It is undesirable to plant plants with a strong aroma next to it, for example, levka.