Lavender Herb

Lavender herb (lavandula angustifolia) are a genus of abot 39 species of flowering plants in the mint family and are native to the Mediterranean region south to Africa and to the southeast regions of India.

Lavender is such a beautiful herb, that you can include it in anything from homemade flower arrangements to crafts.

Imagine growing so much lavender that you can use it to scent every closet and every drawer and still have lots left to use in winter bouquets and potpourris.

Lavender also has several medicinal, cosmetic, and cooking uses.

This beautiful, aromatic herb should be included in any garden!

Description

Lavender is a perennial herb that can grow up to 3 feet tall, depending on the species and cultivar. Lavender grows best in zones 5 to 8.

Flowers: Depending on the species and cultivar, lavender produces slender spike of blue-purple, lavender, pink, or white flowers in midsummer. Each flower spike can grow up to 1 foot long.

Leaves: Lavender's opposite gray-green or silvery green leaves are narrow, smooth-edged, and somewhat hairy.

Flavor and fragrance: Lavender is highly aromatic with a sweet, clean fragrance and flavor with almost-bitter undertones.

How To Grow

When to plant: Start the seeds indoors eight to ten weeks before your last spring frost. Seeds require light for germination. Transplant the seedlings to the garden after that date. Take softwood cuttings in the late spring.

Where to plant: Lavender prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Soil and fertility: Plant in well-drained moderately fertile soil. Lavender prefers alkaline soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.

Plant spacing: Space lavender plants 1 to 3 feet apart.

Pests: Largely pest free

Diseases: Leaf spot can develop in high temperatures and humidity. Plant lavender in raised beds and pick off any infected leaves. Prunning will help improve air circulation around the stems. Plants in consistantly moist soil are prone to root rot.

Harvesting

When to harvest: Harvest the flower spikes and stems when the flowers are nearly open.

How to harvest: Cut the flowers several inches below the bloom. Cut the stems to within one node of the woody growth when harvesting for leaves or arrangements.

Drying: To dry lavender for arrangements, lay it on flat screens so the branches dry in an attractive shape. You can also hang the stems upside down in a hot, well-ventilated location.

Uses

Cooking: Add fresh or dried flowers to baked goods and jellies. Mix the flowers with black tea for a little fragrance.

Medicinal: A strong tea made with lavender is very calming. Cold lavender teas applied to a washcloth make a compress to relieve headaches.

Cosmetic: Use in skin oils, creams, lotions, and in conditioners for oily hair.

Arrangements and crafts: Use lavender herb flowers and leaves in potpourris and sachets.