Dracocephalum moldavica
Turkish dragonhead
Common names: Moldavian dragonhead, Turkish lemon balm
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Turkish dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica) is an annual herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that emits a delicate lemon‑mint fragrance. From July to September it produces violet to blue‑white flower spikes that are among the most rewarding nectar sources for bees in herb gardens. The fresh leaves are excellent for tea, salads, and as a lemon‑basil substitute in cooking. It grows compactly and bushy up to 60 cm tall in full sun and warm conditions.
Care instructions
Sow seeds mid‑April (week 16) directly outdoors or start indoors at the end of April for stronger direct‑sown plants. Prefers full sun, well‑drained soil and tolerates brief dry spells better than waterlogging; water moderately and regularly rather than keeping soil constantly wet. Regularly prune the shoot tips to encourage bushy growth and extend flowering into autumn. The plant is frost‑sensitive, so its season ends with the first cool nights in October; leave some flowers to set seed, and it often returns the next year from seed.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, lean, lime-loving, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
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