Lavender

(Lavendula vera, D. C.; L. Angustifolia, Moench.; L. spica, Linn.)

lavender flowers

Name Origin:

From the Latin word Lavo, to wash,a distillation of the flowers being anciently used in perfuming water for washing the body. Learn more of the History of Lavender.
 

Natural Order:

Labiatæ
 

Growing Cycle:

Half-hardy perennnial undershrub
 

Origins:

Native of the dry, calcareous uplands in southern Europe.
 

Height:

Lavender grows in a compact clump that reaches 24-30 inches tall.
 

Characteristics:

Tall, numerous, erect stems with small grayish leaves.
 

Lavender Flowers:

Small, violet-blue flowers on a terminal spike.
 

Growing Lavender

Seeds, sowing, and cultivating

Lavender grows best in light, limy or chalky soil. Lavender enjoys a sunny location and poor soil will lead to a stronger fragrance. Rich soild will make for larger plants but a poorer aroma. Seeds remain viable for around 5 years.
 

Sowing Lavender Seeds.

Sow lavender seeds indoors in March. Pinch out seedlings to retain 2 inches of spacing between lavender plants. When the ground is warm, plant 15-20 inches apart.
 

Cultivation.

When the ground is warm, plant seedlings 15-20 inches apart. In colder climates, lavender must be protected or housed in a greenhouse or cold frame that can be covered during severe weather.
 

 

Lavender Uses

lavender oil

Lavender is sometimes grown for a condiment and used as an addition to salads and dressings, but its primary use is in perfumery.
 
There was a time that a young girl was prepared for marriage when, with her own hands, she had made her own linen and stored it with lavender.
 

Lavender Oil.

Flower stems should be cut in August and covered immediately to protect them from the sun. Four-year-old plants produce more of the thin, pale yellow and fragrant lavender oil but two-year-old plants yield a better product. Lavender oil is one of the most prized of the essential oils. About 150-200 pounds of cut plants are required to obtain one pound of lavender oil.
 
Learn more about Lavender Uses.
 

 

General Info

Herbs