True Lavender – LV

Description

True Lavender, also known as English Lavender, is a classic aromatic perennial valued for its fragrant purple-blue flower spikes, silvery-green foliage, and calming herbal scent. It is an excellent choice for herb gardens, flower beds, borders, containers, rock gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. The fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while the dried flowers can be used in sachets, potpourri, crafts, and other aromatic applications. True Lavender prefers sunny conditions, excellent drainage, and relatively dry soil once established.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Indoors: Start seeds indoors in July.
• Outdoors: Transplant established seedlings in late October, when temperatures become cooler and more suitable for growth.
• Avoid: Planting young lavender directly outdoors during the peak summer heat, as extreme temperatures can stress seedlings and make establishment difficult.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Grow in full sun in light, sandy, very well-draining soil. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds approximately 0.2–0.5 cm deep or press them lightly onto the soil surface and cover very lightly. Germination can be slow and may take 14–30 days.
• Spacing: Space plants approximately 30–45 cm apart, with 45–60 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist during germination and early growth. After transplanting, water regularly while the seedlings establish, then gradually reduce watering as the plants mature.
• Feeding: Add a small amount of mature compost before transplanting. Avoid excessive fertilizer, as lavender generally performs better in moderately lean soil.
• Pruning: Lightly trim plants after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage healthy new growth. Avoid cutting deeply into old woody stems.
• Flowering: Lavender grown from seed may take longer to flower, with stronger flowering developing as the plants mature.
• Harvesting Tips: Harvest flower stems when the buds are beginning to open for the strongest fragrance. Dry the stems in small bundles in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area.
• Pollinators: The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators