Dame's Rocket (Hesperis) Seeds (Heirloom)

Dame's Rocket is a biennial flowering plant that blooms profusely and fragrantly in the spring and summer. Although purple and lavender are the most popular colors, white and pink are also lovely possibilities for this heirloom beauty. These plants are simple to grow from seed and have a proclivity for spreading. Cultivation of this species is restricted in several states due to its invasive tendency.

• An adaptable perennial
• Can be successfully planted in sun and partial shade
• Incredibly resilient and easy to maintain
• Early season bloomer

There aren't many flowers with as many names as heirloom Dame's rocket: Damask violet, Dame's violet, Dame's-wort, Dame's gilliflower, Scented gilliflower, Queen's gilliflower, Mother-of-the-evening... Its long history of cultivation in gardens and the high regard in which Dame's rocket seeds have been held witness to its many common names. Many of the names allude to the flower's sweet perfume, and the genus Hesperis is Greek for "evening," as the scent of the blossoms is strongest in the evening.

Heirloom Dame's rocket has been in the making for a long time. Dame's Rocket was transported to North America in the 17th century and is now found all throughout the country. It is most usually found growing wild and beautifying roadside ditches and wooded areas. The abundant seed production of this species is responsible for its rapid dissemination. In most cases, the plants will create a low-level rosette their first year, and then seed and flower production will occur simultaneously during the bloom season in succeeding years.

Lavender and purple are the most common flower colors. Dame's rocket, on the other hand, comes in pink and white hues. They can reach a height of 100 centimeters or more and have many upright stems. Because of the small hairs on the surface, the large leaves have a rough texture. Flowers are typically two centimeters in diameter and have four petals.

Dame's rocket is a hardy plant that thrives in both the sun and the shade. After the fear of frost has gone, seeds should be planted in the spring. It's best to choose a location with well-draining but moist soil. Simply distribute the seeds onto the soil's surface for direct sowing. Compress the seeds firmly but do not cover them because they need sunshine to germinate. After planting, there is little to no maintenance required. However, because of its proclivity for seeding, some control may be necessary to avoid spread. Due to Dame's rocket's ability to spread, it is prohibited in Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin.

For more information about growing, planting, and caring for dame's rocket seeds, see the Dame's Rocket Seeds Planting Guide.