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Lavender — Lavandula angustifolia

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Lavender — Lavandula angustifolia

layout: base.njk title: Lavender description: Growing Lavender in West Virginia (Zone 6b/7a) category: herb

Type: Perennial
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low (drought-tolerant once established)
Soil pH: 6.5-7.5
Hardiness: Zones 5-9

Quick Reference: See detailed growing information below

🌱 Expected Yield

  • Per plant: ¼-½ lb dried flowers per season (Year 3+)
  • Per patch (10'x10'): 3-5 lbs dried (25-35 plants)
  • Lifespan: 10-15 years with division every 5-7 years

🏺 Heirloom Varieties

'Hidcote' Lavender

  • Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds, Burpee
  • Notes: English lavender. Deep purple flowers. Compact (12-18"). Intense fragrance. Cold-hardy. Best for hedges.

'Munstead' Lavender

  • Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds, Baker Creek
  • Notes: English lavender. Purple-blue flowers. Larger than Hidcote. Very cold-hardy. Reliable.

'Vera' Lavender (True English)

  • Source: Specialty nurseries, herb specialists
  • Notes: True L. angustifolia. Highest essential oil content. Traditional variety. Best for medicine.

'Royal Velvet' Lavender

  • Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds
  • Notes: Deep purple flower spikes. Vigorous. Excellent fragrance. Good cut flower.

'Provence' Lavender (Lavandin)

  • Source: Herb gardens, specialty nurseries
  • Notes: L. × intermedia hybrid. Larger plant. Higher yield. Good for sachets, cooking.

'Grosso' Lavender

  • Source: Herb specialists
  • Notes: Lavandin hybrid. Most fragrant. Commercial variety. Large flower spikes.

'Jean Davis' Lavender

  • Source: Rare collections
  • Notes: Pale pink flowers. Unusual. English lavender type. Ornamental.

'Melissa' Lavender

  • Source: European collections
  • Notes: White flowers. Cold-hardy. Mild fragrance.

📜 Cultural History

Domesticated: Ancient Mediterranean, 2,500+ years ago

Historical Record: - Ancient Egypt: Lavender in mummification (2500 BCE). Perfume, incense. - Ancient Rome: Romans named it "lavandula" from "lavare" = to wash. Used in baths. Spread lavender across Europe. - Medieval Europe: Lavender for laundry, bathing. "Lavender bags" in linens. - Victorian England: Lavender water famous perfume. Queen Victoria requested lavender at all public events. - 1920s: French lavender industry boomed (Grasse, France).

Cultural Significance: - Roman symbol: Purification, freshness - Medieval belief: Lavender wards off evil, protects against plague - Victorian language: Lavender = devotion, luck - Traditional medicine: Calming, sleep aid, antiseptic - Modern aromatherapy: Stress relief, sleep promotion - Symbol: Purity, silence, devotion, calm

🌾 Seed Saving / Propagation

  • Seed method: Small seeds in calyxes. Harvest when dry. Germination erratic.
  • Isolation: 2+ miles (insect-pollinated)
  • Viability: 3-5 years
  • Division: Every 5-7 years in spring.
  • Cuttings: Softwood cuttings root easily (primary method). Take 3-4" cuttings.
  • Special notes: Germination slow (14-30 days). Needs light. Cold stratification helps. Cuttings preserve variety characteristics.