Lavender Seed English
Lavender Seed English
Enhance the charm and aroma of your herb garden by introducing this variant of English Lavender. Lavender remains a sought-after plant, ideal for drying and incorporating into sachets, potpourris, and fragrances. Cultivating English Lavender seeds yields robust plants adorned with a plethora of lilac blooms against a backdrop of silvery foliage.
Vera Lavender, the progenitor of English lavender varieties, boasts aromatic flowers that dry exquisitely and exhibits compact, bushy growth. Originating in the rugged mountains of the Mediterranean, lavender boasts a rich history and diverse utility. Beyond its extensive medicinal applications, lavender finds use in cosmetics, aromatherapy, culinary endeavors, and ornamental displays. Dating back to ancient Egypt, lavender featured prominently in perfumery and incense, while the Greeks and Romans infused their bathing rituals with its aromatic essence.
During the medieval era, lavender served as a protective measure against insects and infections in sickrooms and featured in remedies like smelling salts. Pioneering aromatherapist René Gattefossé observed its remarkable efficacy in treating burns, a discovery that continues to influence contemporary practices. Today, Lavandula angustifolia comprises around 20 primary species with numerous cultivars, cultivated worldwide for its essential oil and ornamental appeal.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Chill the English lavender seeds for a month prior to planting. Sow them just below the soil surface in well-draining soil, maintaining a temperature of 15-18 degrees Celsius. Keep the soil lightly moist with a spray bottle to prevent overwatering, and shield from excessive sunlight. Germination may take up to a month, with plants ready for transplanting in approximately 6 months. Transplant carefully to larger pots, ensuring minimal disturbance to the roots. Lavender thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, spaced 61-91 centimeters apart in rows 76-91 centimeters apart to allow for ample growth. With proper care, English lavender seeds can flourish in containers, serving as an attractive hedge that attracts beneficial wildlife while deterring pests like deer and rabbits.
Growing: Adequate moisture is vital for young lavender plants, with soil moisture levels kept moderately moist until established. Mature plants exhibit drought tolerance but must avoid dehydration. Mulching with gravel or small shells aids in heat absorption and weed control, ideal for the plant's Mediterranean origins. Pruning flowers during the first year promotes robust root and foliage growth, with mature plants benefiting from annual, meticulous pruning.
Harvesting
Harvesting
Optimal harvest time for lavender is in the morning post-dew evaporation. For drying purposes, select stalks with a few buds open, indicating peak fragrance oil levels. For immediate use, harvest stalks with more open buds. Dry lavender bundles upside down in a cool, shaded location for a week or longer, stripping buds from stalks to preserve.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
As summer wanes, flowers fade, and seeds begin maturing. Harvest stalks individually as they dry and seeds ripen, spreading them out for further drying away from direct sunlight. Thresh to separate seeds, storing them in a cool, dry place for future use.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Latin Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Species Origin: Mediterranean region
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 5-8
Sunlight: Full sun
Height: 30-60 cm
Color: Lavender
Blooming Season: Summer
Uses: Culinary, medicinal, aromatic