Corn Mignonette (Reseda phyteuma)

Corn Mignonette

Reseda phyteuma

Delicate spires of creamy blooms carry a sweet, lingering fragrance. Herbaceous annual flowering plant; common name: corn 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 afternoon sun in cool temperate climates
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in temperate to warm conditions; tolerates light, short-duration frosts once established
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear to lanceolate pale green leaves arranged alternately along stems
  • Flower: Dense elongated terminal spikes of tiny creamy-white to pale yellow blooms
  • Stem: Slender branching green stems with fine, soft pubescence
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during active growth

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization once flowering ends in late summer

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per plant monthly to boost soil calcium content without causing nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous blooming through summer
  • Trim leggy stems mid-season to promote bushier, more compact growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve airflow and plant appearance
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No recorded toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects for humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Fragrant ornamental garden plant; cut flower for floral arrangements