did you know?

The Latin name for dame's rocket comes from the Greek word for "evening," which is the time of day its flowers are most intensely fragrant.

general maintenance:

Pinch growing tips of young plants to encourage branching. Allow plants to set seed and self-sow.

pests/diseases:

Slugs, snails, and powdery and downy mildews may occur.

controls:

Handpick slugs and snails from foliage, or spread diatomaceous earth around plants. To discourage powdery and downy mildews, space plants for increased air circulation and avoid wetting leaves when watering. Pick off diseased leaves where practical, and remove and destroy severely infected plants. As a preventive, spray plants weekly with a mix of 4 teaspoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon horticultural oil per gallon of water.

how to sow/plant:

Start with established plants or sow seeds indoors 8?10 weeks before last frost; in warmer areas direct sow. Cover seeds with a very thin layer of soil, because they need light to germinate. After seedlings are hardened off, choose a sunny, well-drained site and set plants about 2 feet apart. Water after planting, and mulch to conserve water and to suppress weeds.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform moisture throughout the season. Fertilize monthly with a diluted solution of soluble fertilizer. Cut back old foliage in spring, before new growth emerges.

garden hint:

Dame's rocket is a biennial and often will not bloom until its second year of growth. For that reason, it is often easier to start with plants purchased from a garden center than to start from seed.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Fragrant

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders
• Naturalizing

other uses: