Lavender

The lavenders (Lavandula) are a genus of 39 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. An Old World genus, distributed from Macaronesia (Cape Verde and Canary Islands and Madeira) across Africa, the Mediterranean, South-West Asia, Arabia, Western Iran and South-East India. It is thought the genus originated in Asia but is most diversified in its western distribution.

Location
Choose a sunny, open site to discourage leaf fungus diseases.

Growing in containers
Lavenders grow well in containers but they need large pots as they have long, deep roots. Use a soil-based compost, as this is the closest the plants will get to their natural habitat. Add some old crocks and coarse grit to the base of the container to ensure good drainage. Lavender grown in containers will need watering regularly in summer months, as the pots are prone to drying out. Feed lavender once a week during the growing season with a high-nitrogen organic feed such as seaweed.

Soil
Ensure soil is well drained, sandy and with lime content.

Sowing
Sow from fresh seed in late summer or autumn.

Planting
Take 10-20cm (4-8in) cuttings from a stem or transplant seedlings, in autumn or spring, to 45-60cm (18-24in) apart or 30cm (12in) for hedges.

Aftercare
Remove faded flower stems; prune hedges and straggly plants in late autumn or spring.

Harvesting
Gather flowering stems just as flowers open. Pick leaves at any time.

Preserving
Dry flowering stems by laying on open trays or hanging in small bunches.