Organic Herbs - Lovely Lavender

In our series of Organic Herbs grown in the home, we come to Lavender. Lavender is too large to grow on a kitchen windowsill, but is worth the effort of container growing.

Lavender, from the genus Lavandula, is known as a fragrant Organic Herb. Lavender is useful in the bedroom as an aid to sleep and a sweet fragrance for linens and clothing. Lavender oil is said to provide relief for several physical complaints, including headaches and even migraine headaches.

Lavender is an Organic Herb that is thought to be less than hardy, however it is grown in climates ranging from the Mediterranean to chilly, damp British Isles, from Pacific Coast climes to dry Rocky Mountain areas.

This Organic Herb is most often grown from plant cuttings. Start it indoors in early spring, using fluorescent or HID plant grow lights.

Planting Lavender

Plant this Organic Herb in a lean, not rich, soil to encourage production of oils. Alkaline, chalky soil will enhance the Organic Herb’s fragrance. Lavender will grow in many conditions, but it favors warm, well-drained soil and full sunlight. Dampness is more to blame for the death of Lavender plants than is cold. Avoid letting the roots stand in water.

Indoor Organic Herb Garden

Use large containers to grow this Organic Herb indoors. Set containers near a south-facing (northern hemisphere) or north-facing (southern hemisphere) windowsill. Avoid drafts, and be sure your Lavender plants have plenty of natural light or fluorescent/HID grow lights. Water Lavender regularly, but be sure the soil drains well. Lavender grown in a container will require more water than plants grown in a garden. However, root rot can be a problem for this Organic Herb. Keep water from collecting in your container by placing approximately one inch of loose gravel on the bottom. Top this with a soil-less, loose mix in which you plant the Lavender. This Organic Herb prefers growing in confined quarters, so be sure your container is no more than 2 to 3 inches larger than the root ball.

Flowering

Lavender grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches, and although it may flower the first year, all buds should be trimmed to allow full strength for development of your Organic Herb. Lavender’s peak bloom is in its third year, when it will flower in early summer and possibly again in the autumn. Cut stems when the bottom flowers begin to open. At this point, your Lavender gives its best color and fragrance. Cut stems clear down to the leaves.

Drying Lovely Lavender

When drying this Organic Herb, use a hot, dry, dark location in your home. It could be an attic, closet, or storage area. The hotter and darker it is, the better color and fragrance your Organic Herb will give you. Gather 90 to 100 stems, tie them together, and hang them upside down from a nail or wire. Let your Lavender hang undisturbed for at least two weeks, depending on conditions.

Buying Lavender

If you would like to get Lavender products without the work of growing the Organic Herb yourself, Lavender Love is a good source. We review that company on this website: http://www.migrainereliefblog.com/. To read our review of Lavender Love, click here. To go directly to the Lavender Love website, click here.