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The levkoje is a popular traditional cottage garden plant and transforms balconies and patios into a sea of fragrant flowers. Botanically, the summer-flowering plant is called Matthiola incana and belongs to the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae). The genus name Matthiola goes back to the Italian doctor and botanist Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501 to 1577). The garden levcoia originates from south-west Europe, Turkey, North Africa and the Canary Islands. Around 60 species are known. Even in ancient times, levkoyas were popular in gardens, particularly because of their fragrance. From the 18th century onwards, they became "in" in all social classes - whether in a lady's bouquet at a debutante ball or in a gentleman's buttonhole and on window sills in workers' flats.
Profile of the levkoye - What do levkoyes look like?
Levkoyas are a popular summer flower and a typical country flower, similar to snapdragons, peonies and daisies. In the past, no rural garden was complete without levkoyas, especially as their fragrance is a special feature. They are easy to grow and care for in the garden, their colour spectrum ranges from white, pink and blue to dark pink and light yellow, and they can be used in a variety of ways in bouquets and floristry.
Growth
The summer-flowering plant needs plenty of water during its growth phase and waterlogging should be avoided. Levkoje is sensitive to salt, so liquid fertiliser should only be used very sparingly. High-growing varieties should be given a plant support to prevent them from bending over. Withered flowers should be removed to prolong the flowering period.
Height of growth
As semi-shrubs, levkoyas grow between 25 and 80 cm high, depending on the variety, and develop a lush taproot. From this grows an upright main shoot that branches out at the sides. Today, the levkoye is usually grown as an annual.
Flower colour
Levkoye flowers in white, light yellow, red, pink, purple and lilac, offering a wide range of colours.
Flowering time
The flowering period lasts from June to September. In the greenhouse from March to June.
Flower shape
The flowers of the levkoye sit on a spike-like to racemose inflorescence. Levkoye flowers open on long panicles, either double or single, from bottom to top. What makes the flowers so special is their fragrance, which is reminiscent of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and clove. Levkojen form pods about 1cm long with spherical seeds.
Leaf shape
Levkoyas have elongated leaves. The grey-white pubescence on the leaves is striking. The leaves are simple, alternate, whole-margined and lanceolate.
Light
Levkoyas are light germinators. In this respect, they are simply sown evenly on the growing medium, lightly pressed down but not covered. Even when planted out, they love bright locations, but a full sun position in the bed should be avoided.
Soil type
Levkoja seeds require a humus-rich, light and well-drained substrate to germinate. In the garden, they prefer a well-drained location with good moisture penetration but without waterlogging.
Use
Levkoje is suitable for fragrant borders and flower beds. Low varieties are recommended for containers and tubs. The plants can also be cultivated as cut flowers for summer and scented bouquets. Levkoje is a popular cut flower as it also has a fragrance and a certain floral charm. It also has a very natural look and therefore belongs in the group of cottage garden plants. Levkoye is also popular as cut flowers in colourful bouquets for the vase.
Origin
The garden levkoje has several places of origin. Its original home areas are said to be south-west Europe, Turkey, North Africa and the Canary Islands.
Varieties of levkoje
For the hobby gardener, garden levkoyas are usually offered as seed mixtures. Single-flowering varieties can also be grown from your own seed, but the double-flowered varieties are sterile. Filled varieties can be recognised by the lighter, yellowish cotyledons of the seedlings and can be selected if necessary.
The double and fragrant variety 'Cinderella Appleblossom' flowers light pink and grows up to 25 cm high, slightly branched, with strong panicles. This variety has been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society as a particularly garden-worthy plant.
'Mammuth Lavender-Lilac' grows robust and vigorous up to 90 cm tall. It is ideal as a cut flower with its lavender-coloured double flowers.
In planters, branched levkoyas such as the 'Hot Cakes' variety are a popular scented plant.
Propagating levkoyas
The easiest way to propagate garden levkoyas is by sowing them on the windowsill from February to April. The temperature should be between 15 and 18 °C. They can be sown directly outdoors from mid-May. The germination period outdoors is around 15 days. For biennial cultivation, sow from June. After a frost-free and bright overwintering of the young plants, the levkoje will flower from May the following year.
Possible diseases and pests
Levkoyas are very robust. Only slugs and snails are among the pests that are happy about levkoyas and thus put an end to them.
Frequently asked questions & answers
Are levkoye poisonous to humans?
No, levkoye is not poisonous to humans or (domestic) animals.
What do levkoyes smell like?
Levkoye has a very pleasant fragrance. It is reminiscent of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and clove.
Are levkoyas hardy?
Levkoyas are hardy down to a temperature of around minus 15 °C.
When do levkoyas bloom?
Levkoyas flower from June to September. Their unfilled flowers in particular provide food for bees and other insects. Unfilled levkoyas also attract other pollinators such as moths.
How often do levkoyas flower?
Levkoyas are biennial and flower once a year. They can be overwintered, but it is better to sow them again for the following year.
How long do levkoyas flower?
Levkoyas flower for approx. 14 days. If they are harvested as cut flowers, they bloom in the vase for approx. 6 to 8 days, depending on the location and water supply.
Where do levkoyas grow?
Levkojen grow in the bed as a summer flower in a sunny and sheltered spot and can also be cultivated in the greenhouse from March. Pre-cultivation works from February to April on the windowsill. They can be sown directly outdoors from mid-May.
When are levkoyas planted?
Levkojen young plants can be planted outdoors from mid-May. If you sow at a different time, you will have to wait around 15 days until germination.
How long do levkoyas last in a vase?
In a vase, levkoyas last for around 8 to 14 days.
What goes well with Levkojen?
Levkoyas work very well as a bouquet of levkoyas on their own in a vase. But they are also a beautiful eye-catcher in a fragrant summer bouquet together with peonies, outdoor roses, bearded carnations and delphiniums. Levcoyas have a filling effect in the bouquet, making them ideal companion flowers - not least because of their fragrance - in colourful summer bouquets.
Are levkoyas snapdragons?
No, snapdragons and levkoyas are different plants. What they have in common is the way they grow and flower, i.e. the fact that the elongated flowers are arranged in spikes on a main stem. The size of the individual flowers is also comparable at 2 to approx. 3.5 cm. However, they are otherwise fundamentally different.