French Lavender (Lavendula stoechas)

Lavandula stoechas, also known as Spanish lavender or French lavender, is a species of lavender native to the western Mediterranean region. This perennial shrub is known for its distinctive lavender-blue petals and brightly coloured bracts, which have been used in herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and ornamental plants for thousands of years. Lavender has been considered a holy herb during the Middle Ages and was often used in religious ceremonies to treat various ailments.

To grow Lavandula stoechas from seeds, follow these steps:

1. Sow seeds in early spring or late autumn, as they require cold stratification to germinate. Preparation involves scarifying the seeds lightly to break their hard coating. Use a well-draining seed starting mix in small pots or seed trays with drainage holes. Plant the seeds on the surface of the soil, space them about 1 cm apart, and gently press them into the soil. Water the seeds thoroughly but gently to avoid disturbing the seeds. Place the seeds in a bright but not direct sunny location, keeping the soil moist but not in saturated soil.

Germination can take anywhere from 14 days to several months, so be patient with lavender seeds. Care of seedlings involves keeping them in a bright area but protecting them from direct sunlight. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over a few weeks before transplanting them.

Outdoor planting should be done in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, spacing the plants approximately 30 cm (12 inches) apart to allow for future growth and air circulation. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, and fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in the spring. Prune the plants lightly in the spring to encourage bushy growth and remove spent flowers to promote more blooming.