How to Grow Dame's Rocket Plants

Perennial- Biennial, Hesperis Matronalis

Dame's Rocket is certainly easy to grow. While popular in the flower garden, it is also grown as a wildflower. Others still, consider it an invasive weed. Even the USDA refers to it as "weedy and invasive". Native to Eurasia and Japan,  it is a member of the mustard family, that was introduced into the US in the 1600's. Its prolific seed production, is the cause for it's quick spread wherever it is grown. Dame's Rocket seeds are often included in wildflower mixtures.

Dame's Rocket flowers are fragrant, in colors of white, pink and purple. The four-petaled flowers of this biennial, bloom profusely in large, loose clusters, from May to August of their second year.

Their native habitat is woodlands and along the edges of woodlands, which offers them the light shade that they prefer. You can also find them along roadsides and even in open spaces.

Other Names: This flower is also called Dame's Violet, Sweet Rocket, Damask Violet

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Plant Propagation:

Dame's Rocket  is grown from seed. Directly sow seeds in the spring, or in the fall. Keep the soil moist.

Plants will grow 1 - 4 feet tall. Make sure to space them to provide ample room, depending upon variety.

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How to Grow Dame's Rocket Plants:

Dame's Rocket plants are very easy to grow. They will grow in almost any soil, as long as it its kept moist. The plants do not like hot, humid weather, and will grow best in more northerly climates.

Keep soil most at all times. Fertilize every four to six weeks, for best performance.

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Insect and Disease:

Dame's Rocket have few insect  or disease problems. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

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It's an Edible Plant:

The young leaves, tender portions of stems, and pods are edible. They are used as pot herbs.

The flowers are used in fruit dishes and salads.

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