Dames Rocket instructions

Temperature: 70 - 80F

Average Germ Time: 10 - 30 days

Light Required: No

Depth: 1/16 inch

Sowing Rate: 3 ounces per 1,000 square feet or 8 pounds per acre

Moisture: Keep moist until germination

Plant Spacing: 8 - 12 inches

Dame's Rocket is a showy, short-lived perennial with large, loose clusters of fragrant flowers that bloom from May to August on flowering stalks 24 - 48 inches in height. The heavenly clove-like scent will attract lots of bees, butterflies and birds. This member of the mustard family has flowers with four petals. Many flower seeds are produced in the flower clusters. The leaves are oblong, sharply toothed, and alternately arranged. Leaves decrease in size as they ascend the stem. This species is often confused with garden phlox (Phlox paniculata). Unlike Dame's Rocket, the phlox species have opposite leaves that are not toothed, and flowers with five petals, not four. Hesperis Matronalis Sweet Rocket is a liberal self-sower, dropping its own flower seeds and spreading. If spreading is not desired, deadhead flowers before they go to seed. Cannot ship this flower seed to Colorado.

Sow Hesperis Matronalis seeds directly outdoors in prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed. It is fast to get established.