I tried to grow lavender as one of the first herbs I planted in my garden – and promptly killed it. Since then I learned to pay attention to what the plants need instead of where they'd look nice in the yard. In this post I'll share easy tips for helping your lavender plants to thrive, and some of my favorite lavender uses. It's a great garden plant for bees, and has a rich history of use as food and medicine.
Contents
A Little Lavender History
Lavender (Lavandula) is a genus of 47 known species. The five main types of lavenders are:
- English Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Portuguese Lavender Lavandula latifolia
- French Lavender Lavandula dentata
- Spanish Lavender Lavandula stoechas
- Lavandin Lavandula intermedia
The flowers range in color from a white-pink to a dark purple. Lavender is part of the mint family and is one of the most used and cultivated herbs worldwide.
One of the earliest recorded uses of lavender that I could find is from Dioscorides in 60 AD. Dioscorides wrote about lavender in “De Materia Medica”. De Materia Medica is a première historical source of information about the medicines used by the Greeks, Romans, and other cultures. I found lavender use associated with King Tut's Tomb, Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
How to Grow Lavender
Lavender is a perennial with a typical lifespan of ten years, although some plants have been known to live up to 20 years! True lavender is native to the mountains of the Mediterranean region. The ideal environment for lavender is one which mimics the Mediterranean, where winters are cool and moist and the summers are hot and dry. Source
Lavender grows in zones 5-9, and sometimes up to zone 11. With care, lavender can be grown as far north as zone three, as demonstrated by my friend, Chris, from Joybilee Farm.
We live in zone 8 on the east coast and our lavender does really well as long as I remember to prune it for air flow. Our lavender is almost 4 feet tall and just as wide, which is average for a lavender plant.
Lavender Growing Tips
- Lavender needs 6+ hours of sun per day
- Grow in well-drained area
- If you have clay or hard soil, grow lavender in raised beds or pots
- For sandy soil, mix with rocks or shells for drainage
- Do not over water – let dry between waterings
- Plant with other drought-tolerant plants
- Water from the bottom, not overhead
- Allow for ample air circulation avoiding planting next to a wind block such as buildings
- No need to mulch – you don't want to trap moisture
- Prune your plants back in the fall
How to Cook With Lavender
Most varieties of lavender can be used in cooking, but flavor will vary. Grow your own or buy organic lavender or lavender sold specifically for culinary applications to avoid pesticides or other contaminants.
What is the difference between lavender and culinary lavender?
Plants or dried herbs sold as culinary lavender are generally harvested from the Lavandula angustifolia species. Lavandula angustifolia species possess a sweeter fragrance and spice. The flavor is floral, with lemon and citrus notes. Click here to purchase culinary lavender.
The leaves, flowers and stems of lavender are all used for cooking. Sturdy dried stems make handy skewers for kabobs. Just soak the stems for about an hour before loading them up and using them on the grill. Finely chop the leaves and sprinkle them on savory foods for a unique flavor twist.
Cooking Ideas
- Desserts
- Jams
- Cocktails, such as this Lavender Fields Forever Recipe
- Breads
- Meat dishes
- Vinegar – see How to Infuse Herbs in Oil, Water, Vinegar, Alcohol or Honey
- Garnish – I like to dip my lemons in lavender and place by water or tea for my guests.
- Cheeses – I place goat (or other soft cheese) on a nice dish, sprinkle lavender flowers then drizzle with honey.
- Lavender infused sugar – wonderful for dipping the rim of your drink or sprinkling on scones.
How to Make Lavender Infused Sugar
You will need:
- Small glass jar with lid
- Sugar
- Lavender blossoms
Place a layer of sugar in the bottom of the jar, and top with a layer of flowers. Use roughly four times as much sugar as flowers. (For instance, about one cup of sugar and 1/4 cup blossoms.) Repeat layers until jar is filled. Place jar in a cupboard or pantry for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally to distribute the lavender flavor. Use as you would regular sugar. Leave flowers in or sift out – your choice. The sugar dries and preserves them.
If you don't have your own fresh lavender, you can buy lavender sugar ready made.
Medicinal Lavender Uses
Lavender is my go-to for many of our medical issues – I use it for everything from migraines to burns.
Some of the properties for lavender include:
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Antifungal
- Antidepressant
- Antiseptic
- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
- Antispasmodic
- Analgesic
Medicinal Uses for Lavender
Lavender is used medicinally for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Stress
- Muscle Pain
- Heals burns and wounds
- Improves eczema and psoriasis
- Heals burns and wounds
- Antibacterial
- Anesthetic
- Sedative
- Headaches
- Digestive Issues
- Aromatherapy
Lavender Oil or Herb?
Many people will ask me which is better- Oil or Herb? I discussed this subject in detail in this article, Herbs or Essential Oils- Which is Better?
Always dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil. Never use essential oils on cats, small children, or pregnant/nursing moms.
Always ask your doctor or other medical professional when taking herbs or essential oils for health. This post is for general information only.
Other Lavender Uses
From cosmetics to teas, lavender has hundreds of applications. I use it in many natural pest control recipes, as well as craft projects.
- Perfume – Make Your Own Perfume With Essential Oils by Common Sense Home
- Cold and Flu- Knock Out Cold and Flu Germs by Common Sense Home
- Playdough – Easy Homemade Herbal Playdough by My Homestead Life
- Natural Pest Control- Natural Spider Repellents – 8 Ways to Get Rid of Spiders by Common Sense Home
- Mosquito Repellent- How to Make A Mosquito Repellent Necklace by My Homestead Life
- Gifts- 10 Easy Herbal Gifts to Enjoy Now, Plus One Gift That Lasts All Year Long by Common Sense Home
How do you use lavender? Did I miss something you'd like to know? Share your questions and comments below.
This post is by Amber Bradshaw of My Homestead Life.
Amber and her family moved from their tiny homestead by the ocean in South Carolina to forty-six acres in the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee.
While building their off-the-grid homestead, they live like the days of old – cooking without electricity, collecting water from the creek and raising chickens, goats, pigs, turkeys, bees, and guineas. They've recently filmed their journey for a TV show on the Discovery Channel and the DIY Network/HGTV called Building Off The Grid: The Smokey Mountain Homestead.
Michele M Pappagallo says
Great article! I grown French Lavender and Spanish Lavender, and I am amazed by all the things it can be used for…not to mention it is one of my favorite scents in the world.
Glenda says
Any idea on how to tell lavender types apart? I bought a plant, and never even though about asking which one it is
Romi says
I got 3 small lavender plants about two weeks ago as I read that they keep mosquitoes and ants away. Strangely enough it seems they are attracting ants. I have not seen any ants all summer, but since I got the lavender these large ants are popping out of nowhere. Could it be? Am confused.
Lisa says
Thank you so much for this information. Please provide information on how you prune your lavender.
Sincerely, Lisa/from Georgia.w
Laurie Neverman says
From Amber:
It depends on what type of lavender you are growing. But assuming you are growing English, the most common, you can prune it back to the woody stalk in early fall. But try not to prune more than 2/3 of the plant at any time.
I failed to prune one of mine last fall and the frost got to it this winter. I had to give it a major prune. I did see new shoots at the base so I’m confident it will survive.
Lavender plants need circulation so I like to prune them as I do my pear trees. I go in each branch and open the middle. The plants will get long and leggy if not pruned every year.
Lavender plants can last up to 20 years if taken care of properly. I believe mine are going on year seven.
Best of luck with your herbs.
Anne Sefcik says
You are mistaken about spikenard (as mentioned in the Bible) being lavender, but I appreciate the rest of the info on your page.
Amy says
have you started lavender from seed? I’m reading about it needing cold stratification first to increase germination? Would love to hear your thoughts and experience. I’m zone 5 and about 6 weeks away from my last frost date. Thanks.
Laurie Neverman says
I did successfully start a batch from seed one year. I didn’t bother with stratification. I’m seeing mixed info on whether it is needed or not. The seeds do take a long time to germinate – 2-4 weeks. The general recommendation is to start seeds 6-8 weeks before your last frost.
Roberta Winchester says
At what point is it best to harvest the lavender? When they are just starting to open? Fully open?
Thank you for all the helpful information.
Laurie Neverman says
The best time to harvest lavender is when buds have formed but not opened. The buds will retain fragrance and color longer, and fall off the stems more easily after drying so you can gather them quickly.
Jeanne Birkbeck says
We are in Catalonia Spain and would like to grow legends on.our land …approx 2 acres would appreciate any help,advice,recommendations,books,suppliers ect …many thanks
Laurie Neverman says
We’re not commercial growers, but these titles are well recommended on Amazon:
Lavender: How to Grow and Use the Fragrant Herb
Lavender: The Grower’s Guide
The Lavender Lover’s Handbook: The 100 Most Beautiful and Fragrant Varieties for Growing, Crafting, and Cooking
It looks like you should be able to find the information you need there. Also, if you are able to visit any growers near your area, they are often an excellent resource.