Lavender is a member of the mint family and one of the most popular herbs in the world. In addition to outstanding beauty and fragrance, lavender is amazingly versatile in terms of practical uses. The whole dried flowers are added to teas, baked goods and alcoholic beverages. The buds are also used to make various soaps, perfumes, skin salves and other cosmetic preparations. Powdered lavender flowers are also used in cooking and in making cosmetics, especially where a smooth consistency is desired (body powder, for example).
description Lavandula angustifolia is a flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is a strongly aromatic shrub growing as high as 1 to 2 metres (3.3 to 6.6 ft) tall. The leaves are evergreen, 2–6 centimetres (0.79–2.4 in) long, and 4–6 millimetres (0.16–0.24 in) broad.
Lavandula x intermedia is a hybrid species between English lavender (L. angustifolia) and Portuguese lavender (L. latifolia). Commonly called lavandin, and grown in the Provence region of France and can also in other areas where the environment is less humid. It can reach heights of 2 to 2 1/2 feet or more.
Lavender flowers are pinkish-purple and one might even say—lavender colored. The produce on spikes 2–8 cm (0.79–3.1 in) long at the top of slender, leafless stems 10–30 cm (3.9–12 in) long.
common names & nomenclature The genus name "Lavandula" comes from the Latin lavo, meaning "to wash."
Also known as: lavender, lavandin, english lavender
Lavandula x intermedia is a hybrid species between English lavender (L. angustifolia) (also known as spike lavender) and Portuguese lavender (L. latifolia). Originally grown in France for use in potpourris and other aromatic crafts.
climate Grows on dry grassy slopes amongst rocks, also in exposed, usually parched, hot rocky situations in sun.
soil Grows best in neutral to alkaline soils that are not continuously damp. Does better in a dry soil than a rich, moist soil.
growing Sow seeds in the spring in a greenhouse; they should germinate in 1-3 months. Transplant into individual pots once the seedlings are large enough, plant out the next spring.
harvesting The best time to harvest lavender is when the buds have formed on the plant but the flowers have not yet opened.
Once cut, hang flower stems can be hung in bunches upside down to dry. Dried flowers can be removed from stems and stored whole or powdered.
preserving Store dried lavender flowers and dried powder lavender in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
lavender flavor notes a penetrating aroma that is sweetly floral, some citrus and minty undertones; potent flavor is slightly camphor to taste, with bitter aftertaste.
culinary uses for lavender It is important to use lavender sparingly in recipes. Great in both sweet and savory dishes, and visually resplendent as a culinary decorative device.
household uses for lavender Of all the simples in the botanical kingdom, few hold such a place of reverence in the gardens and hearts of herbal enthusiasts as lavender. Its graceful beauty, peppery fragrance, and potent therapeutic properties have made this herb a staple in the kitchen and bath.
lavender water recipe This basic recipe has so many uses! Use it to freshen linens, as an herbal air freshener, as a hair tonic, or as a facial spritz (try refrigerating it). ingredients 1 ½ cups distilled water ½ rosewater (available in pharmacies) 50 drops lavender essential oil Combine all ingredients into a clean spray bottle. Shake before use.
lavender usable plant parts flowers, leaf, whole plant (hedging)
farming and processing Lavender is in the family Lamiaceae which is native to the western Mediterranean. It thrives with relatively little amount of water in sunny open areas. Lavender is grown in commercially on a large scale, mostly for its aromatic uses.
Lavender stems can be gathered just as flowers open. Leaves can be picked at anytime. Process lavender by laying stems on trays or hanging them in bundles.
choosing your lavender When choosing which variety to purchase please consider: all are edible; all have the same aromatic value.
Ultra (743) has the most vibrant color and is good for visual purposes (cooking, potpourri, etc). Extra has a light blue/grey color and is less expensive, this makes it best for projects where color is not important as flowers will be hidden (making sachets, pillows etc.) Organic is, well just that, organic....
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
