Lavender

Woodpecker · #1 08/11/12, 04:59 PM

I would like to plant some Lavender at my new place. It's really humid here, which is proabably why the last one I planted years ago died. What variety would you recommend for medicinal uses? Also when is the best time to plant, any tips on planting and location ect? TYIA

Danaus29 · #2 08/11/12, 05:12 PM

What zone? Lavender is not hardy in colder zones and some that do well in one zone may not do well in another.

Also, soil type and ph make a big difference in lavender survival.

I lost a really lovely plant because of a cold snap with no snow cover one winter. Also there is a variety which is supposed to do well in this zone but it really needs a warmer location.

Woodpecker · #3 08/11/12, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danaus29

What zone? Lavender is not hardy in colder zones and some that do well in one zone may not do well in another.

Also, soil type and ph make a big difference in lavender survival.

I lost a really lovely plant because of a cold snap with no snow cover one winter. Also there is a variety which is supposed to do well in this zone but it really needs a warmer location.

I'm in zone 7A and have alkaline clay soil. I was thinking about incorporating this into my herb spiral. I'm just not sure of the right kind. Thanks!

willow_girl · #4 08/11/12, 08:22 PM

Lavender seeds are tiny, slow to germinate and slow-growing. I have had good luck starting it indoors. It seemed to do well in Michigan's sandy soil, but I haven't grown any since I've been here in SWPA. I'm not sure how well it would fare in clay -- if I were to grow it here, I think I'd use it as a container plant, and cut the potting mix or compost with a healthy amount of sand.

Danaus29 · #5 08/11/12, 08:49 PM

You can add sand to the soil where you want the lavender.
Good run down of the most common varieties:
Lavender - Plant Encyclopedia - BHG.com
More good info:
Everything-Lavender - LAVENDER VARIETIES - About the Different Lavender Plant Characteristics
Check out the "tips for planting lavender successfully" at the bottom of the page.
Oyster shell mulch, never thought of that.

Woodpecker · #6 08/12/12, 07:20 AM

Wow good info, thank you both! I was going to add the sand in the spiral I mentioned above. I am still in the planning stages of that. I am assuming this needs to be planted in the spring?

ETA: It appears you can grow French Lavender as a house plant. From further googling it seems this isn't a good option.

janetn · #7 08/12/12, 08:09 AM

I have loved lavender for decades. Tried to grow it more times than I care to count. Then I planted some in a sandy and poor soil. I kinda forgot about it and quess what it thrived. I even dug it up when we moved and where I choose to transplant it is right where the cement truck had to drive when we built the house, yep it got squashed! I cried over that plant! Quess what it thrived again. With lavender less is definatly more. BTW that plant is still going after 25 years! I dont do a thing to it, and I live in Michigan winters are pretty nasty.

Woodpecker · #8 08/12/12, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janetn

I have loved lavender for decades. Tried to grow it more times than I care to count. Then I planted some in a sandy and poor soil. I kinda forgot about it and quess what it thrived. I even dug it up when we moved and where I choose to transplant it is right where the cement truck had to drive when we built the house, yep it got squashed! I cried over that plant! Quess what it thrived again. With lavender less is definatly more. BTW that plant is still going after 25 years! I dont do a thing to it, and I live in Michigan winters are pretty nasty.

What kind do you have?

chickenista · #9 08/12/12, 08:44 AM

I would suggest finding a place to plant it against your south facing foundation wall.
Or, even better, against a south facing chimney.

If you can plant it against the south facing wall, it will have a much better chance of making it through the winter.

Big Dave · #10 08/12/12, 08:45 AM

Hey woodpecker. Lavender does not like good soil. You should invest in the Lavender bible. The Genus Lavendula by Tim Upson & Susan Andrews. I started 64 this May. I now have a dozen. Summer heat did these in. Do not water your plants from the top as this will kill them. I have had some that I have had for around six years.They can survive snow and ice. At least mine have. Mixed the sand and potting soil very well drained soil. Sara Bader or Victor Gonzales in my opinion are the two best to get your starts from. They are both on the internet. Miss Sara has you tube video's to help you learn things. Iam growing for eating so my variety is Royal Velvet. The Still to extract the oil can be expensive, but I have one I can tell you how to make for about $20. As you may already know it is a medaterranian plant so keep that in mind. I raised the six plants I have do make sure I knew what I was doing befroe investing in more plants. I went to the Texas Lavende association confrence a couple of years back and also learned to try and plant in the fall. The root system on the bad boys goes down three feet. Impressive huh? Best wishes on you venture. If I can be of any help PM .

Woodpecker · #11 08/12/12, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chickenista

I would suggest finding a place to plant it against your south facing foundation wall.
Or, even better, against a south facing chimney.

If you can plant it against the south facing wall, it will have a much better chance of making it through the winter.

I think I am going to put my herb spiral right under my kitchen window on the south wall of the house. Thanks for the idea!