Renee's Garden Lavender, French Perfume

Planting: In early spring, sow seeds about 1" apart in a container of seed starting mix, cover very lightly and keep at 60 - 70°F in a spot with good air circulation. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. Seedlings emerge slowly and unevenly over 18 - 28 days. Provide a good light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant into 4" plastic pots. Provide consistent water, but let soil dry out on top between waterings. Feed every few weeks. Plant outside when plants are 2 - 3" tall after gradually acclimating to outdoors.

Growing: Start these small seeds indoors so you can tend them carefully. When well established, plant seedlings out into pots filled with new potting mix with excellent drainage or in a well-drained, sunny garden spot with good air circulation. Plant one seedling per individual pot at least 8" wide and deep, or space multiple plants 8" apart in larger, deeper containers. Feed monthly during the growing season. Plants bloom the first season, but come into fullest flowers by the second summer. Harvest stems of scented florets just as they start to open and air dry to use as aromatic sachets. At season's end, shape plants by cutting off spent flower stalks down to top crown of leaves.