Lavender, French - Lavandula stoechas
80 Seeds
Sow February - August
Hardy perennial.
Height 80cm (32in), spread 1m (3ft).
Prefers a light, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Under cover sow the seeds into pots or trays on the surface of a good seed compost and then lightly cover with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place at a temperature of 21-25°C (70-75°F) until seeds germinate which usually takes 14-21 days.
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out 23cm (9") apart. Overwinter late summer sowings in a cold frame and plant out the following spring.
This bushy, branching shrub has mature stems that become dense and woody. The smooth edged silver-grey leaves are opposite, narrow, somewhat hairy and up to 2 inches long (depending on variety). The freely-produced fragrant flowerheads are densely cylindrical, tapering to a blunt tip, crowned by 4 sterile bracts 2.5cm long, give the heads a distinctive appearance. Flowers are very dark purple, calyces rather paler and greyer. Flowers for a long season over spring and summer.
