Weld (dyer’s rocket) Reseda luteola
Weld (dyer’s rocket) (Reseda luteola) is a biennial flowering plant in the Resedaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia (disturbed limy ground). It grows 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Weld (dyer’s rocket) at a glance
| Type | Biennial flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Resedaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 47–60 weeks after planting, for 6–11 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 365 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe, North Africa and western Asia (disturbed limy ground) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Weld (dyer’s rocket) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not reported as poisonous; not used as food.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Weld (dyer’s rocket)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Weld (dyer’s rocket)
- How far apart should I plant Weld (dyer’s rocket)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Weld (dyer’s rocket) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Weld (dyer’s rocket) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Weld (dyer’s rocket)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.
- When does Weld (dyer’s rocket) flower?
- About 47–60 weeks after planting, for 6–11 weeks.
- Is Weld (dyer’s rocket) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not reported as poisonous; not used as food.
- What grows well with Weld (dyer’s rocket)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Weld (dyer’s rocket). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Natural Dyes: Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science (Cardon, 2007), Archetype Publications, London
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- A neat leaf rosette the first year, then a tall, narrow spire of small yellow-green flowers. The most lightfast natural yellow (luteolin) in Europe; overdyed on woad blue it made Lincoln green.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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