Dragon Head - Turkish Balm [Dracocephalum moldavicum]

The dragon's head is an annual tea 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 colored purple and covered with tiny hairs pointing downwards. 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 copes with almost any garden soil.

General information
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life Cycle: One year
Days to harvest: 130 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root Type: Deep Root
Nutrient requirements: Weak Eaters
Water Requirements: Means
Winter hardiness: Up to 3 °C
Location: Sunny
Floor: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

PH: 7 to 8

Sowing and planting information
Germ Type: Light germ
Seed Depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-22 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Planting, row spacing: 20x35 cm

Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from February to June.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly outdoors from March to June.

General
Sow in rows or as a litter.
Turkish lemon balm prefers a sunny and warm location with permeable, light loamy, humus-rich and calcareous soil.

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 well-drained soil, an additional incorporation of biochar and primeval rock flour is recommended.

Type of propagation
Spread occurs via seeds.

Care Plants
No care or fertilization needed.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Dracocephalum moldavicum
English Names: Dragonhead, turkish balm
German names: Drachenkopf ,Türkische Melisse, Moldavische Melisse, Moldovischer Drachenkopf
Portuguese names: Erva-cidreira, turca de escorpião
Spanish Names: Bálsamo De Limón, Turco De Cabracho
French names: Ras casse, Mélisse Turque