How to Grow Aromatic Lavender Plants
Perennial, Lavendula
A member of the Mint family, Lavender is the most popular of aromatic herbs.
Since ancient Roman times and before, people have loved Lavender for its
beautiful, fresh scent. Gardeners, crafters, homeowners, we all just love
it!
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean, Middle East, and northern Africa.
Wildly popular, this hardy perennial is now grown around the world. In the
flower garden or herb garden, Lavender is attractive with it's grayish foliage.
When in bloom, the Lavender scent drifts pleasantly across the yard.
We recommend planting some along the house under your windows, so the scent
can waft inside in the breeze. Most varieties are under 1 1/2 feet. They
can grow up to two feet tall.
Propagation:
Grow Lavender from seed. We recommend an early start, sowing seeds, indoors
six to eight weeks before the last frost. You will want to get these plants
in bloom in your yard as early as possible. Place seedlings in a sunny
window or use grow lights.
You can also directly sow Lavender seeds into your garden. Sow seeds early
in the season and cover lightly with soil.
Space seedlings or thin plants to 18" apart, in rows 24 inches apart.
How to Grow Lavender Plants:
Lavender grows best in full sun. These plants do well in most soils,
but a well drained soil is a must. They are tolerant of droughts.
Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Pick flowers in full bloom and place in a small vase.
The scent is in leaves, stems and flowers. Harvest in early morning
when the oils are at their strongest in the plants. Cut the stems and spread
loosely on a screen to dry.
Main Uses:
Lavender scent is relaxing. It is called the "scent of tranquility". Lavender
is the most popular scent used in Aromatherapy.
Lavender was used by ancient Romans to scent their bath water. Since ancient
times, it was also stored with clothes and linen for a fresh scent.
Lavender is used in baked goods, jellies, and teas.
Lavender is popular in candles, crafts, detergents, hair shampoos, massage
oils, perfumes, potpourri, sachets and as dried flowers. The oils are used
to make perfumes.
It is also used as a medicinal herb. Lavender extract is used for anxiety
relief. Try it in baked goods, and teas.
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