The Portuguese Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia), also known as Spica Lavender, is a fragrant and hardy herb that produces stunning blue to purple flowers. With broad, leathery leaves, this lavender variety is highly valued for its strong, aromatic scent and is often used in essential oil production. It thrives in sunny conditions and well-drained soil, making it a versatile and low-maintenance addition to any garden or herb collection. This product provides 150 high-quality seeds, perfect for cultivating your own lavender patch at home.

Key Features:

• Aromatic Blue-Purple Flowers: Known for its fragrant, vibrant flowers, Spike Lavender creates an enchanting atmosphere in gardens.
• Broad-Leaved: The plant features broad leaves that add a unique texture and aesthetic to garden landscapes.
• Essential Oil Production: A sought-after variety for producing essential oils with a distinct camphor-like aroma, ideal for aromatherapy.
• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, Spike Lavender is resistant to drought, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardening.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to your garden.

Growing Information:

• Light: Spike Lavender thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage robust growth and flowering.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal for lavender cultivation.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sow them directly outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
  • Lightly press the seeds into the soil without covering them, as lavender seeds need light to germinate.
  • Germination takes around 14-28 days at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
• Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. Once established, Spike Lavender is very drought-tolerant.

Benefits:

• Aromatic & Therapeutic: The camphor-like aroma of Spike Lavender makes it a highly sought-after plant for making essential oils, which are often used to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Beautiful & Resilient: Lavender’s purple flowers and durable nature make it a low-maintenance addition to any garden, offering both beauty and fragrance.
• Culinary Use: The flowers can be used sparingly in cooking, especially in Mediterranean dishes, for a unique, fragrant flavor.
• Low-Maintenance: Once established, it requires little care, thriving in poor soil and needing minimal watering.
• Pollinator Support: Attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in your garden.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 5-9, meaning it can tolerate colder temperatures and can be grown in most temperate regions, thriving in Mediterranean-like climates.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Gardens: Combine with other herbs like rosemary and thyme to create a fragrant and attractive herb garden.
• Flower Beds: Spike Lavender makes a striking addition to flower beds, adding color, texture, and fragrance.
• Borders & Edging: Use as a natural border or edging plant around flower beds or garden paths.
• Container Gardening: Ideal for growing in pots or containers, Spike Lavender works well in small gardens, patios, or balconies.

Conclusion: With its vibrant blue-purple flowers, strong fragrance, and versatile uses, the Portuguese Spike Lavender is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add beauty and fragrance to their outdoor spaces. This hardy herb is perfect for creating aromatic landscapes, producing essential oils, and supporting local pollinators. With 150 seeds, you can easily start your own lavender garden, enjoying both the aesthetic and practical benefits it offers.