Lavender, Vera - Lavandula
200 Seeds
Sow March-May and August-September.
Hardy perennial.
Height 80cm (32in), spread 1m (3ft).
Prefers a light, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Sow in small pots or trays. Cover with glass until germination occurs. Keep at 20°C. Prick out when large enough and gradually harden off.Germination can be erratic.
Sow outdoors in spring or late summer, barley covered wtih soil, kept watered. Transplant to final position in the second year. Prefers sunny position and well drained soil with plenty of lime.
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 small lavender-purple flowers are highly scented spikes 6-8 inches long (depending on variety) appear in summer. The seed is comprised of four shiny grey-brown nutlets.
Lavender - Vera
From the family Lamiaceae.
Long before the world manufactured deodorants and bath salts, the Romans used Lavender in their bath water. The name comes from the Latin verb 'lavare' meaning 'to wash'. Lavender has long been used medicinally, when in Tudor times people noted its fragrance and a peculiar power to ease stiff joints and relieve tiredness.