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Fragrant flowers from seed
Scent is the point of these plants, so put them where you will notice it: by the door, along a path, beside a seat or in pots on a patio or balcony.
The reliable few
Sweet pea (the classic scented annual climber), nicotiana (scent in the evening), sweet alyssum (honey scent, edging) and lavender (perennial, scent from leaves and flower). Herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm and mint give leaf scent and are usable for tea.
By use
Pollinators: alyssum and lavender feed bees and butterflies. Tea and potpourri: chamomile, lavender and lemon balm, dried well. Sachets and gifts: dried lavender. Small gardens, balconies and containers: alyssum, sweet pea on a wigwam, compact nicotiana. Autumn scent: sow in late summer for late bloom.
Sowing
Tiny seed (alyssum, nicotiana) is pressed onto the surface; sweet peas are sown deeper, with the seed coat nicked or soaked. Take dates and depths from each plant page.
Plants in this guide
| Plant | Germination temp | Depth | Days | Light | Before sowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus | 55 to 65°F | ¼ to ½ in (6 to 12 mm) | 14 to 21 | Cover | Nothing needed |
| Nicotiana (flowering tobacco) Nicotiana spp. | 72 to 78°F | surface or lightly pressed in | 7 to 14 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Sweet alyssum Lobularia maritima | 65 to 70°F | see page | 8 to 10 | Nothing needed | |
| Lavender Lavandula angustifolia | see page | barely covered | 14 to 21 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla | see page | surface | 10 to 14 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Lemon balm Melissa officinalis | see page | barely covered | 7 to 14 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Mint Mentha spp. | see page | barely covered | 10 to 14 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Borage Borago officinalis | see page | ¼ to ½ in (6 to 12 mm) | 7 to 14 | Cover | Nothing needed |