Lavender Daydream: Your Ultimate Guide To Growing And Enjoying Lavender
Growing lavender can be a rewarding experience, but before investing the time and resources into growing lavender from seed, make sure that your garden is suitable for lavender cultivation. Lavender requires specific growing conditions to thrive, including well-draining soil, full sun exposure, and protection from harsh winter winds. The Mediterranean native plant prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and it cannot tolerate wet feet or heavy clay soil. If your garden tends to retain moisture or has poor drainage, you may need to amend the soil significantly or consider growing lavender in raised beds or containers.
Recently, I had the remarkable experience of visiting a lavender farm in Washington state, where I picked up some great tips for harvesting and using lavender. We were traveling to a family reunion when we stumbled upon this picturesque farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Pacific Northwest. The farm owner shared valuable insights about the different lavender varieties, optimal harvesting times, and creative ways to use the fragrant flowers. She emphasized that the best time to harvest lavender is when about half of the flower buds have opened, as this is when the essential oils are most concentrated. The farm also offered workshops on making lavender sachets, culinary lavender products, and even lavender-infused cocktails.
Since lavender needs a long growing season to produce the flowers, they need to be started now, but also require stratification (cool temps before sowing). This means that lavender seeds need to undergo a period of cold treatment to break dormancy and improve germination rates. You can achieve this by placing the seeds in a sealed plastic bag with some moist vermiculite or sand and storing them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before sowing. This process mimics the natural winter conditions that lavender seeds would experience in their native habitat. After stratification, the seeds can be sown indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.
Wintersowing is an option, but they... This alternative method involves sowing lavender seeds in miniature greenhouses made from recycled plastic containers during the winter months. The containers are then placed outdoors, where the seeds will naturally experience the required cold stratification period. As temperatures warm in spring, the seeds will germinate at the appropriate time. This method eliminates the need for indoor seed starting and hardening off, making it a convenient option for gardeners with limited indoor space. However, it's important to note that wintersowing may result in lower germination rates compared to traditional indoor seed starting methods.
Check out the largest plant identification database in the world to help you identify different lavender varieties and their specific growing requirements. Websites like Dave's Garden offer extensive resources for gardeners, including detailed plant profiles, growing tips, and a vibrant community of experienced growers who can provide personalized advice. The plant identification database can help you distinguish between English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French lavender (Lavandula dentata), and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), each with its own unique characteristics and growing preferences.
Read plant and insect reference guides at Dave's Garden to learn more about potential pests and diseases that can affect lavender plants. While lavender is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, it can occasionally be troubled by issues such as root rot, leaf spot, or lavender leafminer. Understanding these potential problems and their solutions can help you maintain healthy, thriving lavender plants in your garden. The reference guides also provide information on beneficial insects that can help control pest populations naturally.
The term lavender Provence, or lavender from Provence, is used interchangeably, but I think it's a different cultivar. True lavender from Provence refers to lavender grown in the Provence region of France, which is known for its ideal growing conditions and traditional cultivation methods. However, many lavender varieties can produce similar aromatic oils and blooms, regardless of their origin. Some popular lavender cultivars that are often associated with the Provence region include 'Grosso', 'Provence', and 'Super'. These varieties are known for their high oil content and are commonly used in the production of lavender essential oil and other aromatic products.
It might also work for you to experiment with different lavender varieties to find the one that best suits your growing conditions and intended use. For example, if you're primarily interested in using lavender for culinary purposes, you might prefer the milder flavor of English lavender varieties like 'Munstead' or 'Hidcote'. On the other hand, if you're looking to create long-lasting dried flower arrangements, you might opt for the robust blooms of Lavandin hybrids like 'Grosso' or 'Phenomenal'. Don't be afraid to try multiple varieties to discover which ones thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions.
The question becomes: do you want fragrance or...? When selecting lavender varieties for your garden, consider whether your primary goal is to enjoy the aromatic fragrance or to create a visually stunning display. Some lavender varieties, like 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead', are prized for their intense fragrance and are often used in potpourri and sachets. Others, such as 'Thumbelina Leigh' and 'Ellagance Purple', are valued for their compact growth habit and vibrant flower colors, making them ideal for ornamental borders and container gardens. You may even choose to grow multiple varieties to enjoy both the fragrance and visual appeal of lavender in your landscape.
How do I grow lavender in the New York area? Answer: English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, which is the species commonly grown in gardens, is a perennial species if grown in USDA zones warmer than 5. However, New York's climate can be challenging for lavender cultivation, as it experiences cold winters and humid summers. To successfully grow lavender in New York, choose cold-hardy varieties like 'Munstead' or 'Hidcote', and plant them in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Consider using raised beds or planting on a slope to improve drainage, and apply a layer of gravel or sand around the base of the plants to reflect heat and prevent moisture buildup. In colder regions of New York (zones 5 and below), you may need to provide winter protection by mulching heavily or growing lavender in containers that can be moved to a sheltered location during the coldest months.
To maximize your lavender growing success, consider implementing these additional tips:
Soil preparation: Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter and coarse sand to improve drainage. Lavender thrives in lean, well-draining soil and doesn't require rich, fertile conditions.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of lavender plant failure.
Pruning: Regularly prune your lavender plants to maintain their shape and promote bushier growth. Prune in early spring, cutting back about one-third of the plant's height, and again after the first bloom to encourage a second flowering.
Harvesting: Harvest lavender flowers in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day, when the essential oils are most concentrated. Cut the stems just above the leaves to encourage new growth.
Winter care: In colder climates, protect lavender plants from harsh winter winds by wrapping them in burlap or providing a windbreak. Avoid using organic mulches, which can trap moisture and lead to root rot.
Companion planting: Plant lavender near roses, as it can help deter aphids and other pests. It also pairs well with other Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage.
By following these guidelines and experimenting with different lavender varieties, you can create a thriving lavender garden that provides beauty, fragrance, and utility for years to come. Whether you're using lavender for culinary purposes, crafting aromatic products, or simply enjoying its visual appeal in your landscape, the versatility and charm of this beloved herb make it a worthwhile addition to any garden.
Remember that growing lavender, like any gardening endeavor, requires patience and persistence. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't entirely successful. Each growing season provides an opportunity to learn and improve your lavender cultivation skills. With time and experience, you'll develop a deep appreciation for this remarkable plant and its many uses, from soothing aromatherapy to delicious culinary creations.
