Updated on January 20, 2025 by Ruth
This post may contain affiliate links. Probably doesn’t, but it might. It doesn’t cost you anything extra but if you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission.
Lavender, lavandula angustofolia, with its fragrant blooms and soothing aroma, is a beloved herb that adds beauty and charm to any garden. Growing lavender is a rewarding experience, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out. This versatile herb is not only prized for its delightful scent but also for its culinary and medicinal uses. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know to successfully grow lavender in your garden, from selecting the right variety to caring for your plants throughout the seasons. Let’s dive in and discover the beauty and benefits of growing lavender!
Table of Contents
How to grow lavender from seed
Lavender has a low germination rate, so be prepared for about half of the seeds to come up. Once you know that it’s just the way lavender is, you aren’t discouraged. Germination can take 14-21 days. Once the seeds are up, they grow steadily and slowly. Lavender, as a perennial herb in growing zones 4-10, depending on the variety, typically does not flower until the second year. Allow the first year to establish roots.
Because lavender’s germination is erratic, you are better off starting the seeds in a flat and then transplanting when the plants are large enough to handle. Sow shallowly at 1/8 inch deep, and keep the tray where it will get sunlight. You can plant outside once all danger of frost is past.
Does lavender grow quickly
Lavender takes 100-120 days to reach maturity, so you need to allow 3-4 months for lavender to grow. Each variety of lavender has its own growth rate, but they will all be in that range.
Can lavender grow in pots
Lavender can be grown in a container if you can provide sunshine, slightly alkaline soil, pH of 6.5-8 is preferred, and a dormant period where the container will not freeze and break. Overall, it is better to plant lavender in the ground.
Where does lavender grow
Lavender needs full sun, with a southern exposure the best. However, lavender likes moderate temperatures and humidity. This is where researching the different types of lavender—Spanish, English, Lavandin, French, and Portuguese. Some are more heat tolerant, others more cold tolerant, some can tolerate humidity and others cannot.
For our area, mid-Atlantic growing zone 7, we find that the English and Lavandin varieties do best. These varieties are good for culinary purposes as well as for floral displays and fragrance.
Consistent water, good drainage, and drying out between waterings are essential for lavender.
Best time to harvest lavender
When is lavender ready to harvest? You can harvest the stems at any time. The leaves are full of the fragrant oil as well as the flowers. You want to harvest the flower spikes when they are half-way open. This will give you the greatest length of time for use in floral displays or for preserving shape and color if drying.
When is it too late to harvest lavender? While harvesting the flowers when they are fully open is not optimal for some uses, the flowers can still be used for sachets or pot pourri or for infusing in tea or oils. One of lavender’s many good qualities is its regrowth of flowers. The more you harvest, the more you will have. From the second year on, you will be able to harvest for most of the summer into the fall, until you have a frost.
When are lavender seeds ready to harvest? You will want to leave flowers on the plant until the seeds form. Once they do, collect the spikes carefully and shake the seeds into a container.
How to dry lavender flowers
Collect a small bunch of flowers and tie them together near the bottom of the stems. Hang them upside down in an area that is cool, dry, and out of direct light. After a few weeks, the stems will be dry. You can now use them in sachets, pillows, tea, or on wreaths.
Where to find lavender plants
Lavender is a popular herb and flower, so it will show up in many locations. For the best selection of plants that will do well in your garden, look for a nursery, garden center, or farm market where they are growing the lavender at that location. The staff should be able to point you to the different types of lavender. If your goal is to have beautiful flowers, all of the lavender varieties work. If you are looking for culinary or medicinal purposes, then you may want to narrow down your search.
There are now family farms who specialize in lavender, with a beautiful display of lavender plants and a wide array of lavender products. From fragrances, soaps, salves, lotions, and sachets, what can be done with lavender has no limits.
Lavender in the kitchen
Lavender chocolates, cookies, and other baked goods show up on restaurant menus—if you are growing lavender, then you can incorporate lavender into your meals as well.
Here’s a simple recipe for Lavender Lemonade:
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
1/2 cup honey or sugar
6 cups water
2-3 tablespoons fresh or dried culinary lavender buds
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and the lavender buds. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
Strain the lavender-infused water into a pitcher and discard the lavender buds.
Add the lemon juice, honey or sugar, and remaining water to the pitcher. Stir until the honey or sugar is dissolved.
Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Serve over ice and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs or lemon slices, if desired.
Enjoy the refreshing taste of lavender lemonade on a hot summer day!
FAQs about Lavender
Q: Is lavender hard to grow from seed?
A: Lavender is sporadic in germination and slow to get started, but will then grow steadily.
Q: Does it matter which variety of lavender you have?
A: Each variety is suited to different growing conditions, so check with your local grower about the varieties that do well in your area.
Q: Can you cook with lavender?
A: All parts of a lavender plant are edible, so you can use the flowers or leaves for baking, sauces, or garnishes.
Q: Is lavender a perennial?
A: Some variety of lavender is a perennial in growing zones 4-10, but not all varieties are for all zones. Some are zones 5-6, some are zones 8-10, some are zones 6-9. Check your variety carefully for its best growing conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing lavender is a delightful and rewarding experience that offers a multitude of benefits. From its aromatic blooms to its culinary and medicinal uses, lavender is a versatile herb that deserves a place in every garden. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this blog, you can successfully grow lavender in your own garden and enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come. So, roll up your sleeves, dig in the dirt, and let the soothing scent of lavender transport you to a world of beauty and tranquility right in your backyard.
If you are close to us in Wilmington, Delaware, we invite you to visit our family farm. Among our spring herb plants we feature several different types of lavender. We love to experiment and see what we can grow here. If not, look for a local farm near you that grows this wonderful plant. Thank you for your interest in sustainable agriculture!
Happy growing!
~ Ruth
Additional resources
https://www.johnnyseeds.com/herbs/lavender
https://www.nzlavender.com/post/grow-your-blog-community
