Organic Seed Packet - Moldavian Dragonhead - Ecoumene

Turkish balm, Moldavian dragonhead, garden tea, dragon's head are all names that refer to Moldavian balm. The leaves and flowers of this annual aromatic plant give off a delicious lemon scent with a hint of licorice. This beautiful annual has antiseptic, digestive, antioxidant, and immunostimulant properties. Its melliferous flowers will contribute to the health of bees in your neighborhood.

The abundant flowering in July and August takes the form of very decorative erect bluish-purple spikes. Each flower is large enough to make a noticeable effect on plates. They are used in herbal tea or with desserts, fruit salads, green salads, and fish. As for the leaves, they are harvested by cutting stems as needed, once the plant is large enough. A bouquet can be placed in a glass of water in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for a few days. The leaves can also be dried for later use, but they must be completely dry when picked to prevent them from turning black.

Moldavian balm likes full sun and cool, deep, light soils rich in organic matter. It tolerates partial shade, but flowering will be less abundant. At the beginning of cultivation, it requires regular watering, but without excess, and tolerates dry conditions better when well-rooted. Beware of very humid and poorly ventilated sites that will encourage the proliferation of slugs and snails, which are very fond of its foliage. It is sown directly in the ground from mid-May to mid-June. The plants are thinned to leave 40 cm between each and grow vigorously to reach between 40 and 80 cm in height.

Number of days to harvest: 80 to 110