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How To Grow Lavender
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PLANT TYPE:
Perennial
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Lavandula angustifolia
ZONE / HARDINESS:
5 to 8
MATURE PLANT SIZE:
Up to 36 inches high to 24 inches wide
LIGHT:
Full Sun
FLOWERING PERIOD:
July to September
SOIL TYPE:
Light, well-drained soil
pH RANGE:
7.1
KNOWN PESTS:
N/A
KNOWN DISEASES:
N/A
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OVERVIEW:
Lavender is a many-branched, somewhat woody, perennial plant growing 1 1/2 to 3 feet tall. The narrow leaves are about 2 inches long and have a pleasing gray-green color. The small lavender flowers are borne on long-stemmed, slender spikes.
Lavender is one of the most famous of all herbs for the fragrance of its dried flowers and the oil distilled from them. It is used most often in sachets and perfumes.
This perennial is slow to germinate, so sow indoors in seed trays, using bottom heat, 18 degrees C (65 degrees F). Keep soil moist until the seedlings are well established. Cuttings can be taken from the tips of shoots. Place in sandy soil and keep moist. Enjoys full sun and warmth. Transplant once the root system is well established. Very attractive planted in groups. Pick the flower stalks before the last flower on the spike has opened. Harvest on a dry day before the sun is too hot. Hang in bundles upside down in a shady, airy place. Store whole spikes or remove the flowers from the stems. Store in airtight containers.
PROPAGATION / SOWING:
Seeds, stem cuttings. sow indoors in seed trays, keep soil moist and warm until the seedlings are well established. Cuttings can be taken from the tips of shoots. Place in sandy soil and keep moist.
COMPANION PLANTING:
Thyme and lavender help each other grow. Also, lavender helps vegetables to stay healthy and produce more flavor.
CARE & GROWING:
Sow seeds in spring in shallow drills or seed trays. Keep soil moist until the seedlings are well established. Cuttings can be taken from the tips of shoots. Place in sand medium and keep moist. Transplant once the root system is well established.
HARVESTING:
Pick the flower stalks before the last flower on the spike has opened. Harvest on a dry day before the sun is too hot. Hang in bundles upside down in a shady, airy place. Store whole spikes or remove the flowers from the stems. Store in airtight containers.
USAGE:
Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal. The dried flowers scent sachets, potpourris, and decorative pillows. The aromatic oil is used in toilet water, cologne, and perfume. Lavender also is used in bath products and stimulating, cleansing facial steams. It is said to repel mosquitoes. It can flavor vinegars and jellies. Decorative uses include floral arrangements, wreaths, and wands. Lavender is said to have some medicinal qualities.
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