Reseda (Oligomeris linifolia)

Photo: Xochitl ZambranoCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Reseda Plant Care

Oligomeris linifolia J.F.Macbr.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant features delicate, linear leaves with a silvery-green hue, giving it a striking appearance in any garden. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Oligomeris linifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of climates.

🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Reseda?

Water Reseda every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.

Where Is the Reseda Native To?

Native range43 countries

What Is the Reseda?

Reseda (Oligomeris linifolia) belongs to the Resedaceae family within the Oligomeris genus. Reseda is native to parts of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, as well as southern Europe and North Africa, and the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Reseda displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Reseda produces small clustered flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Reseda?

Oligomeris linifolia requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Reseda Need?

Reseda thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Reseda Prefer?

Oligomeris linifolia grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Reseda prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Reseda?

Well-draining sandy soil with moderate fertility. Good drainage is essential for Reseda to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Reseda?

Feed Reseda every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every month

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Reseda?

Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Reseda?

Reseda can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Reseda Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Reseda, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Reseda?

Reseda is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Reseda Need?

Reseda grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Reseda is native to parts of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, as well as southern Europe and North Africa, and the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 8a – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Reseda is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Oligomeris genus — compare its care with other Oligomeris species on PlantoScan.

Oligomeris is part of the Resedaceae plant family — browse all Resedaceae genera and species.

Reseda thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Oligomeris linifolia J.F.Macbr., family Resedaceae (first published in Contr. Gray Herb. 53: 13 (1918)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Reseda, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Xochitl Zambrano, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Reseda Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species