LAVENDER SEEDS

Lavandula angustifolia

ORGANIC

Growing lavender from seed can be tedious, but it is far more economical than buying plants if you hope to harvest the flowers in quantities suitable for small still distillation. These seeds produce vigorous plants that will grow quickly. Plants typically begin to bloom in the second year and produce a large crop of flowering stems in the third year. In traditional French aromatherapy these flowers produce an essential oil that qualifies as Fine Lavender. Suitable for use as a culinary herb as well as tea and tincture.

These seeds germinate best with at least some cold. Press seeds onto the surface of moist soil and dust with fine vermiculite. Mist generously and cover with plastic to maintain moisture. Pop into the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks before returning to room temperature in bright light. Alternatively, pots may be placed outdoors in a sheltered location in late winter. These seeds will germinate over several weeks in early spring. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual 2" cells or 3" pots of fertile but loose potting soil in bright light. Fertilize weekly with dilute seaweed emulsion to encourage root development. Do not overwater! Transplant well-rooted plants into sharply-drained warm soil in full sun. Water frequently just until established and continue to fertlize or top dress with seaweed-based fertilizers in the first year. Hardy to at least zone 5, and sometimes colder given good drainage. These plants cannot tolerate winter wet.

Much of the “lavender" essential oil on the market is adulturated and/or primarily lavandin. Lavandin, Lavandula x intermedia, is an inexpensive hybrid that is actually a truly fantastic plant for landscaping (look for ‘Grosso' Lavender at your local nursery), but it is absolutely not a true lavender. The fragrance and flavor is camphorous and it is less than ideal for culinary use or tea.

Real lavender is among our favorite herbs for roasting meats and flavoring sweets. The dried flowers make a very nice tea, especially with chamomile. We also add lavender flowers to almost every cup of Earl Grey. The tincture smells like bathwater but a squirt of it right before bed is quite comforting.

Packet contains at least 100 seeds.