Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a relatively easy herb to grow. It does best in well-drained soil and full sun in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 10, depending on the species. It is quite tolerant of drought, heat and wind. Besides its eye-catching color, it provides a wonderful long-lasting aroma. You can harvest and dry lavender to use as decoration, in a potpourri or for cooking.
Originally from southern Europe, lavender grows well in Mediterranean-type climates. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) can be planted in poor soils and tolerates drought, making it one of the hardiest varieties. All types of lavender need well-draining soil, so planting it in raised beds or containers is best. Lavender prefers full sun and requires little care. This perennial repels deer and attracts birds and butterflies.
Lavender tends to be a low-maintenance plant once established. Keep it moist, but do not over-water. Most problems growing lavender arise because the soil is poorly drained, leading to root or crown rot. Lavender is not usually bothered by pests and can survive wind, drought and heat. Lavender seeds germinate slowly and the plants grow slowly, so it is easier to buy plants from a garden center. Lavender is a smart choice if you struggle to find time to garden, if you're a beginner or if you want to fill in areas of the garden with a useful, colorful and fragrant plant.
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is usually grown as an ornamental annual in USDA zones 8 through 9 but it can also be grown indoors as a houseplant. Wooly lavender (Lavandula lanata), which grows in USDA zones 8 through 11, works well as a shrub, growing up to 3 feet tall, and produces a spectacular fragrance. A good choice for culinary use is "Munstead" lavender (Lavandula angustifolia "Munstead"), which grows in USDA zones 5 through 10. No matter which type of lavender you choose, the easy-care, no-fuss maintenance of this herb singles it out.
It is time to harvest when the flowers on the lavender have just opened. Cut the stems and gather them into a bunch. After tying the bundle with string, hang upside down in a cool, dry place, such as a garage or shed to dry. After two weeks, you can take the bundles down and place them in vases around the house for a soothing aroma that will last for months. You can also take just the dried blooms and use them for cooking. Lavender adds a distinctive and delicious taste to teas, vinegars and desserts.
- The Gardener's Complete Q&A; Editors of Garden Way Publishing
- Mother Earth News: 10 Easy and Useful Flowers
- University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Lavenders for California Gardens
- Oregon State University Extension Service: English Lavender
- North Carolina State University: Lavender
- Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images