Lavender [Lavandula angustifolia]

The perennial lavender is a versatile tea, incense, aromatic and medicinal plant, which was previously used not only for incense but also for washing. Popular as a fragrance in cosmetics. This species is edible and has a calming effect as a tea. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing in spring, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Lavender is an ancient perennial tea, incense, fragrance and medicinal plant that originated in Persia, today's Iran. Thousands of years ago, the herb was used by the ancient Egyptians for their religious ceremonies; today it is mainly used in cosmetics and as a fragrance. It grows wild as a low shrub in rocky coastal regions of the Mediterranean. The Romans used to use the herb of Provence to wash bodies and clothes. This species develops a particularly rich oil and forms beautiful blue-violet flowers that give off the typical lavender scent and are visited by many insects. This species is edible and has a calming effect when taken as a tea.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -15°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich sandy loam soil

pH value: 6.5 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 7-40 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to September is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Germination naturally occurs irregularly over a period of 6 weeks. Cool temperatures produce better germination results, but are not absolutely necessary. Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Lavender prefers a permeable, nutrient-poor, dry and sandy-gravelly loam soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings.

 Plant care 
Regular watering results in faster growth. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Lavandula angustifolia
English names: Lavender
German names: Echter Lavendel, Waschkraut
Portuguese names: Lavanda
Spanish names: Lavanda
French names: Lavande

 Origin 
Country: Portugal