Dragon Head - Turkish Balm [Dracocephalum moldavicum]

The annual dragon head is a tea and medicinal plant with a long tradition. The scent and taste are reminiscent of a mixture of lemon balm and anise. The plant has a general digestive effect and is ideal as a bee pasture or cut flower. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing in spring, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
The dragon head is an annual tea and medicinal plant that has a long tradition and is native to southeastern Russia, Moldova, Turkey and Iran. The plants form several upright and branched stems that are purple in color and covered with tiny downward-pointing hairs. The flowers of the drought-resistant species are blue-violet and the smell and taste are reminiscent of a mixture of lemon balm and anise. The plant has a general digestive effect and, with its beautiful and long-lasting flowers, is an excellent cut flower or bee pasture. Loves a sunny location and can cope with almost any garden soil.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 130 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 7 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-22 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 20x35 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Lavender
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to June is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm and sunny.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to June is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm and sunny.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Dragon head - Turkish balm prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, dry to moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Weakly acidic soils or those with a high clay content are not suitable for cultivation. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
No care or fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Dracocephalum moldavicum
English names: Dragon head turkish balm
German names: Drachenkopf Türkische Melisse, Moldawische Melisse, Moldawien-Drachenkopf
Portuguese names: Erva-cidreira turca de escorpião
Spanish names: Bálsamo De Limón Turco De Cabracho
French names: Rascasse Mélisse Turque

 Origin 
Country: Portugal