LIFE CYCLE
Annual
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Herbaceous
GROWTH HABIT
Upright
BLOOM SEASON
Spring
FLAVOUR PROFILE
Non-edible
SUITABLE FOR
Outdoor
SEED TYPE
Flower Seeds
PLANT TYPE
Herbaceous
PLANTING SEASON
Spring
FRUIT SIZE
N/A
PLANT HEIGHT
60–90 cm
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Full sun
WATER NEEDS
Moderate
HARDINESS ZONES
4–9
CONTAINER GARDEN
Yes
PLANT SPACING
15–30 cm
PLANTING DEPTH
Surface sow
GROWING CONDITIONS
Well-drained
Frequently Asked Questions
The title suggests "Perennial," but the life cycle field says "Annual" — which is correct?
The title suggests "Perennial," but the life cycle field says "Annual" — which is correct?
That's an inconsistency in the listing; Reseda alba is often grown and treated as an annual or short-lived plant regardless of its technical classification, so practical garden behavior points toward annual performance.
Is this the same as the famous fragrant mignonette (Reseda odorata)?
Is this the same as the famous fragrant mignonette (Reseda odorata)?
No, it's a related but distinct species; Reseda odorata is the variety most renowned for its especially strong sweet fragrance, while Reseda alba is a related white-flowered relative.
What does "alba" mean in the name?
What does "alba" mean in the name?
It simply means "white" in Latin, referring to the flower color of this particular species.
Why is the fragrance strongest during warm daylight hours?
Why is the fragrance strongest during warm daylight hours?
Many fragrant flowers release more volatile scent compounds as temperatures rise, which is why warmth tends to intensify the aroma compared to cooler mornings or evenings.
Is this related to the dye plant historically called "weld"?
Is this related to the dye plant historically called "weld"?
Weld (Reseda luteola) is a different species in the same genus historically used for yellow dye; Reseda alba isn't typically used this way.
Should I expect this plant to return year after year?
Should I expect this plant to return year after year?
In many climates it behaves more like a short-lived annual or biennial in practice, so re-sowing or allowing self-seeding is the more reliable way to keep it going.