Lavender — Lavance Deep Purple

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Lavandula angustifolia. Very tight clusters of deep purple flowers sit atop spikes that grow to 25-30cm (10-12") tall. The flowers are highly scented and dry particularly well. Grow this perennial English lavender in full sun, in well drained soil. It is hardy to Zone 5, but blooms the first year, so it can be treated as an annual in cooler gardens. The upright growth of Lavance Deep Purple lavender has a spread of about 30cm (12"), and it blooms from late spring right into autumn. Bees seem intoxicated by its fragrant purple blooms. This variety is drought resistant and can stand high summer temperatures. Plus it is resistant to deer and rabbits, so it's great for coastal gardens.

Perennial

Quick Facts:

Perennial
Hardy to Zone 5
Flowers in the first year
Deer resistant

Size: 10 seeds

Difficulty
Moderately Challenging

Season & Zone
Season: Warm season
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: Hardy to Zone 5

Timing

Lavender germinates most evenly if seeds can be collected in the autumn and sown on the surface of a seed tray with bottom heat maintaining 4-10°C (40-50°F). The seedlings are then overwintered in a cool greenhouse or cold frame with good ventilation. Seedlings can then be potted on as needed.

Another method is to start the seeds indoors in winter, planting a few seeds in a few pots with sterilized seed starting mix. Dampen the mix, press the seeds into the surface, insert the pots into plastic bags, and put them in the freezer for about a week. Let them come to room temperature on their own, and then use bottom heat as indicated above.

Starting

Avoid using a plastic lid or covering, as this will keep the soil more moist than needed. Barely cover the seed, as they germinates in 14-21 days in warm soil. Do not use a plastic lid or covering because this will make the surface of the soil too moist. If watering is necessary, water from below. If germination is low after 3-4 weeks, lower the temperature to 5-10°C (40-50°F) for 2 weeks, then raise it again. Pot up the tiny seedlings and grow them on in a protected greenhouse or windowsill to set into the garden in the spring.

Growing

Lavender prefers full sun and well drained, fertile soil. Trim plants back hard in spring, just as new growth starts – but never prune back into the woody part of the stems. This will give a rush of even growth for the first leaves and bloom. Cut back again in early autumn, but again – never into old wood.

Harvest
Gather the flowers just as they open. Dry on open trays, or by hanging in small bunches. Pick the leaves anytime to use fresh, or if dehydrating lavender leaves, gather before flowering starts.

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 based on 3 reviews from westcoastseeds.com