Grow a garden filled with the sweet aroma of Spike Lavender, from freshly harvested Lavandula latifolia seeds. Spike Lavender offers an extremely strong scent, which surpasses other Lavender strains. The plants will mature to a height of roughly 12 to 30 inches tall, producing small, violet colored blooms along its thin green stems. Spike Lavender doesn’t only smell great, it is also very attractive as well. The plants are often seen in many home gardens, as well as parks, zoos and other natural sceneries.
Spike Lavender is categorized as a perennial flowering herb. Perennials such as this will grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds, establishing a deep root system in their initial year of growth. The plants may wilt on the surface, only to return the following year, when all danger of frost has passed. Spike Lavender will make a great addition to your landscaping project, and can be planted along borders, or directly in the garden as well. The plants are known to attract all sorts of beneficial insects to the garden, such as honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies and even hummingbirds. Spike Lavender also makes a great addition to many insectaries and butterfly gardens.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Perennial
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Lavender / Violet
- Height: 12″ to 30″ Tall
- Width: 20″ to 24″ Spread
- Harvest: 100 Days
- Uses: Culinary / Medicinal
- Environment: Full Sunlight
Sowing The Seed
Lavender seeds are best started indoors, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Start in peat pots, sowing 3 to 5 seeds per pot, at a shallow depth of 1/16” under topsoil. The seeds will require a bit of direct light to properly germinate, so try not to bury them deeper than the recommended depth. Transplant small pots into larger containers if necessary, or transplant directly into the garden, when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Lavender herbs will require an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day. Temperatures of at least 70F are recommended. A light soil that contains a small amount of gravel will best suit your Lavender plants, as they will need a well draining medium. They are fond of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. Water the seeds daily with a spray bottle or mist setting, until germination has successfully occurred.
Germination & Growth
Lavender seeds will typically germinate within 7 to 21 days after sowing. Spike Lavender will produce upright plants, which measure anywhere between 12 and 30 inches tall. The plants can be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. The violet blooms can be seen through the summer months, and will attract a number of beneficial insects to the garden as well.