Sweet Rocket ‘Pale Lavender’
Hesperis matronalis
Description
We’ve been growing this hard-to-find variety for many years and it’s one of the most beautiful biennials that blooms on our farm each spring. Towering stems are loaded with billowy flowers that are well loved by pollinators. This old-fashioned favorite is the palest lavender-mauve with a slightly darker eye. Blooms have a sugary candy scent that lingers in the evening air.
Please note: Sweet rocket is considered invasive in some areas. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s invasive where you live, a simple web search will help you find the information you need.
Details
Plant type: biennial
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 330 to 360 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 330 to 360 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Sow seed indoors in trays from late spring to early summer and transplant seedlings into the garden at least 6 weeks before your first autumn frost. Plants will overwinter in the garden and bloom the following spring.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when the first few flowers on a stem begin to open. Stems continue to grow after being cut, so keep this in mind when arranging. Expect a vase life of 5 to 7 days.
Details
Description
We’ve been growing this hard-to-find variety for many years and it’s one of the most beautiful biennials that blooms on our farm each spring. Towering stems are loaded with billowy flowers that are well loved by pollinators. This old-fashioned favorite is the palest lavender-mauve with a slightly darker eye. Blooms have a sugary candy scent that lingers in the evening air.
Please note: Sweet rocket is considered invasive in some areas. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s invasive where you live, a simple web search will help you find the information you need.
Details
Plant type: biennial
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 330 to 360 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 330 to 360 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Sow seed indoors in trays from late spring to early summer and transplant seedlings into the garden at least 6 weeks before your first autumn frost. Plants will overwinter in the garden and bloom the following spring.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when the first few flowers on a stem begin to open. Stems continue to grow after being cut, so keep this in mind when arranging. Expect a vase life of 5 to 7 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
