Family:  Mint (Lamiaceae)

Hardy to Zones 7 to 11

(Spanish Lavender, French Lavender) Woody perennial native to the Mediterranean, Spain and Morocco.  The densely-packed spikes rise to about 2 feet tall, tufted with purple, petal-like bracts.  They look to me like tiny sails set to the wind. Plants prefer full sun and a dry to mesic, well-drained soil.  Commonly grown in open fields or as landscape plants, mellowing the corners and curbs between buildings, driveways and sidewalks.  They are tough to the sun and should be trimmed back in the fall to prevent large amounts of snow from accumulating on them.  Seed is very hard and will benefit from a brisk scarification with fine sandpaper, followed by sowing on sandy soil in the light, kept moist and cool until germination, which can take 4 to 6 weeks.  Once the seedlings attain sufficient size, transplant them to quarts, grow them on that way for some weeks, with a sharp eye out for snails and slugs, then transplant again up to gallons, always freeing the roots at transplant and using a rich but fast draining mix.  Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart.

50 seeds per packet, certified organically grown