Lavender is a perennial herb that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. The leaves are harvested before flowering begins.
Lavender plants should be planted in spring after the last frost date. They will bloom in late summer through fall. You can plant them in pots or directly into the ground. If you plan to use lavender in cooking, make sure you buy fresh herbs rather than dried ones. Fresh herbs retain more flavor and nutrients than dried herbs.
Lavender is available at nurseries and garden centers throughout the United States. You can also find it online at Amazon.com.
Lavender plants need full sun and well-drained soil with good air circulation. They prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.8) and should not be planted near trees or shrubs because they will compete for water and nutrients.
Lavender oil is known for its calming properties. It helps relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia. In fact, lavender essential oils are often added to bath products and massage oils to help relax muscles and ease tension.
You can harvest lavender at any time during the year. However, harvesting when the plant is flowering will yield more fragrance than harvesting after the blooms have faded. If you live in a warm climate, you might consider planting lavender indoors in pots or window boxes. This allows you to enjoy the scent throughout the winter months.