Herbs > Lavender Herb

Information on, uses of and how to grow lavender:

Name
Lavandula.

Family
Labiatae.

History
Used in Tudor knot gardens. Historically used in food and medicine.

Growing pattern
Perennial.

Seeds
Buy Lavender Seeds (Organic and Non-Organic) from The Green Chronicle (Pay in $US, £, Euro).
Herbs, Seasonings and Spices - Buy Lavender Flowers from Mountain Rose Herbs ($US).

How to grow
Lavender can be grown from seed. Sow the seeds when the soil is warm and danger of frost is over. Set seedlings at about 75cm apart for the larger varieties and 40cm apart for dwarf types. Cuttings can be grown in boxes of sand in summer ready for planting out next spring.

Soil condition/position
Well drained, limed soil in a sheltered position. Lavender may need protection in winter. It makes a nice low hedge.

Appearance
Small shrub which grows up to 90cm high. Very fragrant blue, pink or white flowers grow up the flower stems in spikes.

Uses
Used in rubbing oils for sore joints. An infusion can be used as a cold compress for headaches. Added to many cosmetics lavender has always been valued for its perfume. Lavender bags are used for linen and Lavender is again being used in cooking, for example in ice cream and biscuits.

If you have a question about Lavender, have a look at our reader's question page on Lavender.