Lavender

Common name for a genus (Lavandula) of fragrant herbs or shrubs of which a Mediterranean subshrub species (L. spica) is grown for ornament in the garden and for its sweet scent when dried. The dried flowers are used to fill sachets and to perfume clothing or linens. Commercially they, and the green parts, are used for making "oil of spike," aromatic vinegar and lavender water.

True lavender, not being fully hardy, is little grown in northern gardens, where it must be protected over winter by mulching. It is more popular, therefore, in the milder Pacific Coast and in the South. As seed produces variable plants, propagation is commonly by cuttings of selected plants. Taken of one-year-old "wood" in spring, these are set in a shady place, 4 inches apart, and kept cultivated for a year.

Then they are transplanted not less than 2 feet asunder in permanent quarters in dry, light, limy, friable soil and full sunlight. In such a location they thrive best, develop the maximum fragrance and are least likely to be injured in winter. In wet soils, they grow but poorly; in rich soils, they become lush and sappy, and in both types they lack fragrance and easily succumb to frost.

Growing Lavender

Growing Cultures
Outdoors, containers, hydroponics.

Plant Height
Lavender grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).

Plant Spacing
Lavender plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches (45 - 60cm) apart.

Preferred pH Range
Lavender will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1 (mildly acidic) and 8.5 (alkaline) with a preferred range between 6.5 and 7.5.

Propagation
From seed, sow indoors six weeks before last frost. Propagates well through softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings.

Seed Germination Period
10 to 28 days. Germination of english types (L. angustifolia) is frequently below 50 percent; scarification or freezing of seedflat can sometimes improve germination.

Seeds Per Gram (Approximate)
Between 850 and 1300.

Soil Requirements
Light, well-drained, deep, not overly rich soil.

Alternative Growing Media
Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.

Time From Seed to Saleable Plant
Sow seeds 20 to 26 weeks before sale. Seeds to finished plugs, 12 to 16 weeks. Plugs to saleable plant, 8 to 10 weeks.

Sun & Lighting Requirements
Lavender grown outdoors prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.

Lavender will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output fluorescent , compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage. Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit.

USDA Hardiness
5a to 9b.

Water Requirements
Water on a regular schedule, do not overwater.

Potential Pests & Diseases
Mealybug, whitefly, spider mites, scale. Minimal disease issues.

Special Notes
Lavender is known to attract bees, butterflies or birds. Fragrant flowers. Suitable for containers.