Jacquinet's Mignonette (Reseda jacquini)

Jacquinet's Mignonette

Reseda jacquini

Its delicate spikes carry a sweet, nocturnal fragrance. Herbaceous annual flowering plant; common name: Jacquinet's Mignonette.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot, dry Mediterranean summer conditions
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in 15–28°C; tolerates light frost down to 5°C for short periods
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, lanceolate to oblong leaves with smooth margins, pale green to gray-green
  • Flower: Dense terminal spikes of small, creamy-white to pale yellow four-petaled flowers
  • Stem: Slender, branching green stems with fine, soft pubescence
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in late autumn as growth slows

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around base of plants every 2 months to add calcium to soil
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continuous blooming
  • Trim leggy stems to maintain a compact, bushy growth habit
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental for fragrant blooms; historical use in natural dye production