Lavender

Lavender is a classic garden perennial known for its fragrant foliage and beautiful blooms that attract pollinators. While it takes two years to flower when grown from seed, starting your own plants is a rewarding and economical way to fill your garden. Because these plants come from seed rather than cuttings, you’ll enjoy a natural variation in colour, shape, and form—adding unique charm to every planting. Lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and makes a long-lived addition to ornamental, medicinal, or craft gardens.

Where Can You Grow Lavender?
Lavender grows well in Zones 4-9. Choose a sunny location with well-drained, even sandy soil. Great for raised beds, borders, pollinator gardens, or large containers.

History and Historical Uses
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) has been cultivated for centuries for its calming scent, antiseptic properties, and culinary and ornamental uses. Used in teas, sachets, soaps, oils, and as a natural insect repellent, it has long held a place in both traditional medicine and home gardens around the world.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Direct sow in spring or fall; mulch lightly in winter.
Zones 5-7: Start indoors in early spring; transplant after last frost into well-drained beds.
Zones 3-4: Start indoors and grow in containers to overwinter inside or protect with heavy mulch.

How to Grow and Harvest Lavender

Planting: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; transplant 30-45cm (12-18in) apart in full sun.
Watering: Water regularly until established; reduce once mature to encourage stronger scent and flowering.
Harvesting: Cut flower stems when buds just begin to open.
Maintenance: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

Let Flowers Mature: Allow some flower spikes to dry completely on the plant.
Harvest Seeds: Collect dried flower heads and shake or rub out seeds.
Dry and Store: Spread seeds to dry thoroughly; store in an airtight container.
Viability: Seeds remain viable for 2-4 years when stored in cool, dry conditions.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)