Description
English lavender is an evergreen perennial with beautiful purple spikes of flowers and subtle gray-green foliage of linear, downy leaves and sweet fragrance. The leaves first open white, then turn a pale gray-green color. Stalks of tiny purple flowers grow up to 14 inches tall. Plant in late spring or early summer. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Plant outdoors 18-24″ apart in full sun. Germination: 15-45 days. Plants should be thinned to 24-36 inches apart with rows 30 to 36 inches apart. Grow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in an open, sunny spot. Trim back in spring to encourage bushier growth; also deadhead after flowering. This is a shrub that can be trimmed in a formal garden or used naturally in a rock garden, do not prune all the way to the base. In Southern climates, lavender grows best in pots where there can be better drainage and air circulation. Fresh flowers may be used in sauces, marinades, and desserts. Handle fragile dried blossoms with care and use them in teas, salts, potpourri, sachets, and crafts.
Color: Lavender
Height: 20 – 30 inches
Type: Perennial
Climate: Sun-Dry/Moist
Seeds/oz.: 25,000, Seeds/lb.: 400,000
Rate: 1oz./960 sq.ft.
Bloom time: Early to Late Summer
Zone: 7- 9
