Many gardeners consider lavender a somewhat old-fashioned plant but its wonderful fragrance makes lavender truly a classic.

Lavender plants are sun loving, bushy and branching in habit, usually growing up to 2-1/2 ft. in height. The leaves are silvery-green in color, blunt 1-2 inches long, needle-like, opposite, lanceolate in shape, smooth edged and somewhat hairy. When rubbed produce the same scent as the flowers.

Flowers usually bloom in June and July but season can extend to the Fall months. Color is a lavender-purple; 5 lobed corolla; 5 toothed calyx; 4 stamens. Consists of whorls of from 6-10 flowers that form a terminal spike on a 6-8 inch long stem.

To grow lavender from seed it's best to start seedlings indoors. Growing temperature is 70-75°. We recommend the use of Burpee’s Seed Starting Planting Formula.

Transplanting Lavender
Space plants to stand 12 inches apart and rows 12 inches apart.

Soil Requirements
Lavender requires a light, rich, well-drained, slightly sweet (limy) soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Plants would appreciate a light side dressing of 5-10-5 fertilizer when growth begins in the spring.

Moisture Requirements
Minimal. Avoid constant moisture. This is why we recommend a well-drained, light soil.

General Care
After flowering, remove faded flowers to encourage new growth and to keep lavender plants compact. Plants may be left undisturbed indefinitely. Winter protection must be given to lavender where temperatures are low. Always protect lavender from both summer and winter winds. Cut dead branches back in the Spring, after new growth starts up. Lavender plants should be replaced every 4 or 5 years.

Container Growing Lavender
Lavender plants may be trained as a potted plant. Use a coarse, porous soil, water infrequently. Keep the winter night temperatures between 40 and 50°, with a daytime temperature only 5-10 degrees higher. In the summer, pots may be put out in the sun.

Uses:

Ornamental
Excellent choice plant for rock gardens, edges of paths, borders, ponds or potted plants.

Fresh Flowers:
Cutting for arrangements.

Dried Flowers:
For aromatic sachets, potpourri and pillows.

Cosmetic:
Added to the bath, to make facials, skin cleanser especially for oily skin.

See all our lavender