• Balm of Gilead Cedronella canariensis plant with aromatic green foliage and delicate pink-lavender flowers growing in a sunny garden.
  • Balm of Gilead Cedronella canariensis plant with aromatic green foliage and delicate pink-lavender flowers growing in a sunny garden.
  • Balm of Gilead Cedronella canariensis plant with aromatic green foliage and delicate pink-lavender flowers growing in a sunny garden.
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Eden Valley Seeds

Balm of Gilead Seeds – Cedronella canariensis Aromatic Garden Plant

Balm of Gilead Seeds – Cedronella canariensis Aromatic Garden Plant

$16.99 USD
$16.99 USD
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Key Features

  • Plant Variety: Balm of Gilead, a fragrant perennial herb native to the Canary Islands.

  • Flower Color: Delicate pink to pale lavender flowers arranged in clusters.

  • Plant Characteristics: Bushy growth, aromatic leaves, and upright flowering stems.

  • Garden Uses: Suitable for herb gardens, fragrant borders, containers, and cottage gardens.

  • Unique Feature: Releases a distinctive cedar-like fragrance when its foliage is brushed or crushed.

Growing Benefits

  • Fragrant Gardening: Adds a pleasant, aromatic scent to outdoor spaces.

  • Pollinator Interest: Its flowers attract visiting bees and other insects.

  • Garden Texture: Provides attractive foliage and graceful flowering stems.

  • Container Growing: Can be grown in pots and moved to shelter in cooler weather.

  • Herb Garden Appeal: Offers an unusual aromatic plant for gardeners who enjoy growing fragrant herbs.

Seed Specifications

  • Common Name: Balm of Gilead, Canary Balm, Herb of Gilead

  • Botanical Name: Cedronella canariensis

  • Plant Type: Tender perennial aromatic herb

  • Colors: Green foliage with pink to pale lavender flowers

  • Height: Approximately three to five feet under suitable growing conditions.

  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade in a warm, sheltered position.

  • Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil.

  • Water: Regular watering during active growth; avoid waterlogged soil.

  • Germination Time: Usually around two weeks under favorable conditions, though germination can be irregular.

  • Sowing Depth: Lightly cover seeds with a thin layer of growing medium.

  • Spacing: Allow approximately two to three feet between plants for mature growth.

  • Growing Zones: Generally USDA zones eight through eleven; frost-sensitive in colder climates.

  • Flowering/Maturity: Flowers in summer, with timing influenced by climate and growing conditions.

  • Uses: Ornamental gardens, fragrant borders, containers, and aromatic herb gardens.

Growing Tips

  • Choose a warm, sheltered location with good drainage.

  • Keep the seed-starting mix moist while seeds are germinating.

  • Provide bright light for seedlings without exposing them to harsh afternoon heat.

  • Move container-grown plants into a protected location before frost.

Seed Storage

  • Store unused seeds in a cool, dry, dark place.

  • Keep seeds in an airtight container away from moisture.

  • Label the container with the plant name and storage date.

  • Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.

Unique Facts About Balm of Gilead Seeds

  • Canary Island Native: The species originates from the Canary Islands and nearby regions of Macaronesia.

  • Distinctive Fragrance: Its aromatic foliage releases a sweet, cedar-like scent when handled.

  • Summer Blooms: Small, delicate flowers appear in clusters during the warmer months.

  • Alternative Propagation: The plant can also be propagated by division and basal cuttings, not only by seed.

Growing Instructions

Planting Season

Start seeds indoors during spring, when temperatures are becoming warmer. In mild climates, sowing can also be done during a suitable warm season.

Sowing Preparation

Use clean seed trays or small pots filled with a light, well-drained seed-starting mix. Moisten the growing medium before sowing.

Sowing Depth and Spacing

Sow seeds on the surface and cover them lightly with a thin layer of growing medium. Keep seedlings spaced sufficiently to allow good airflow and healthy development.

Sunlight Requirements

Place seed trays in a bright location with indirect light. Once seedlings are established, gradually introduce them to full sun or partial shade in a warm, sheltered garden position.

Soil Requirements

Choose fertile, well-drained soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. Add compost before planting if the soil is poor.

Watering

Water gently after sowing and maintain consistent moisture during germination. Once established, water when the soil begins to dry, particularly during hot weather.

Germination

Keep seeds in a warm environment with temperatures around fifteen degrees Celsius or slightly warmer. Germination often occurs within a few weeks, but some seeds may take longer. Avoid allowing the growing medium to dry out.

Transplanting

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. Grow them in a protected location until they are strong enough to move outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Fertilizing

Mix mature compost into the soil before planting. During active growth, apply a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer if needed. Avoid excessive fertilizer, which may encourage leafy growth.

Plant Care

Maintain consistent moisture and remove competing weeds. Pinch back young stems if a bushier shape is desired. Protect plants from frost and provide shelter during cold weather.

Flowering and Maturity

Balm of Gilead develops into a fragrant, bushy perennial herb with clusters of pink to pale lavender flowers. Flowering generally occurs during summer in suitable climates. Plants grown from seed may take time to reach flowering maturity.

Growing Note: Balm of Gilead is a frost-sensitive perennial in many climates. In colder regions, grow it in a container that can be moved to a protected location during winter.