Balm, Moldavian (Dracocephalum moldavica), organic
$4.95 – $23.55
Family: Mint (Lamiaceae)
Annual maturing in 100 days.
(Moldavian Balm, Moldavian Dragon’s Head) Native to a scattered distribution from eastern Europe to east Asia. Plant grows to about 1 foot tall. The flowers are very long lasting, bright purple, proportionally large to the plant, and shaped outrageously like the toothed head of a dragon. This is a superior tea herb that is best started by direct seeding in the spring garden. Easy germination (10 to 15 days), fast growth (flowers midsummer), and lemony, tasty leaves typify this old-time plant. Traditional usage (TWM): common cold. Plant prefers full sun to part shade, water, average, well-drained garden soil. It’s always a great joy to grow this plant. Plant prefers a sunny position in the garden and has a mild appetite for compost and water. Similar size and cultural requirements to basil. Space plants 6 inches to 1 foot apart.
Packet contains 50 seeds
1 g contains ~450 seeds
5 g contains ~2,250 seeds
Certified Organically Grown
Amy KOUSCH –
such a beautiful plant and solid germ
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Question
caitlin –
I’m in Florida, 9A, and am wondering how this should be grown as many balms cannot take the sun here but this is an annual. I desperately want to grow it. Suggestions for this growing environment? Pots, afternoon shade, or sun?thanks.
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Richo Cech –
hi caitlin, thanks for wanting this plant, i think you can freely grow it. i don’t understand the trend to describe moldavian balm as heat-sensitive, i grow it freely in beds in southern oregon which is a very hot place and although it does finish early i never see it suffer. planted early, it will be mature and harvested before the heat hits. richo
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Question
Dave Mitchner –
As this is a mint family plant, will it go nuts like a typical mint? Does it need to be contained? Does it self seed?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Dave,
Not really at all. First off, its an annual and the rhizomatous mints you’re thinking of are perennial. Moldavian balm is upright, not creeping. I’ve seen it self-seed from time to time.
Richo
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Question
Katie –
About how tall and wide do they get? Are there more than one flower stalk per plant? Trying to figure out if I have adequate spacing. Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
Moldavian balm is relatively compact–18 inches tall, 12 inches wide, something like that.
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Question
Monique Raymond (verified owner) –
When is the best time to harvest Moldavian balm ?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Monique,
Best in early flower, the plant gets a bit coarse if you let it go too long. Best to strip leaf and flower and dry for tea/spice. r
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Monique Raymond (verified owner) –
Thank you so much. I started mine from seed , they’re beautiful. I definitely want this plant in my yard every year. Thank you for all you offer , and your advice. I love the book , always have it out as a reference .
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Monique, Our pleasure. The world is full of balms, none of us should long suffer. Richo
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edensgrace –
soothing words
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Joanne East (verified owner) –
Good germination. Good seedling survival. Wonderful scent.
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Ann –
This was fun to grow. The more I picked tender blooming stems, the more it grew and bloomed. It made a lovely herbal tea mixed with some fermented blackberry and fireweed leaves.
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Rita –
It would be very helpful to know the planting Zones of comment !
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Richo Cech –
not sure what is meant by this–zones are designed to help people figure out if a perennial will overwinter and are not particularly helpful in describing the growth of annuals.
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