Moldavian Balm
Dracocephalum moldavicafam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. EEAB — Dracocephalum moldavica
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IOverview
Overview
Moldavian Balm (Dracocephalum moldavica) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in light to partial sun and moist conditions, with a hardiness range of 6-9. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Amur, China North-Central, Chita, Inner Mongolia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Krasnoyarsk, among others, this plant can grow up to 0.3 meters in height. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, Moldavian Balm is distinguished by its adaptability to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—making it a versatile addition to gardens or landscapes where it can attract pollinators and provide culinary interest.
Quick answers
What is Moldavian Balm?
Moldavian Balm (Dracocephalum moldavica) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in light to partial sun and moist conditions, with a hardiness range of 6-9.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Moldavian Balm thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows as an annual, reaching a height of about 0.3 meters. This forb/herb can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Harvest the edible leaves and shoots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Moldavian Balm for the first time
7steps
Start with Moldavian Balm as an easy-to-grow herb for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the garden bed or start them indoors and transplant when they are strong enough to handle.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot after germination.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, and keep the soil consistently moist. Prune to encourage bushy growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to promote new growth and prevent self-seeding.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Essential OilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
17 native · 13 introduced
Distribution
17 native · 13 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 17 native· 13 introduced
Europe7 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (6)AustriaBelarusPolandRomaniaRussiaUkraine
Asia7 regions
native (6)AfghanistanChinaIranKazakhstanMongoliaTurkmenistan
introduced (1)South Korea
Broader regions
native:Krasnoyarsk, Amur, Chita, Primorye, Tadzhikistan, Tuva, West Himalaya
introduced:Baltic States, Vermont, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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