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The many uses for lavender include traditional floral arrangements, dried lavender wreaths and making lavender oil, which has a host of applications from homekeeping to germ-fighting. Lavender uses don’t stop there. This perennial herb also holds its own in the kitchen—in desserts, grilled entrees and beverages.
What part of the lavender plant is used?
Lavender is a unique herb in that every part of the plant—bud, stem, and leaf—can be used in cooking. While the lavender flowers and leaves can be used fresh, the buds and stems can be used dried. Since the lavender flavor intensifies when the herb is dried, the dried buds should be used sparingly.
What do you do with a potted lavender plant?
Place your container grown lavender plants somewhere they receive full sun (at least eight hours per day) and water them sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, but don’t let it get so dry that the plant wilts. Lavender likes heat, and many varieties won’t survive a cold winter.
What to do with lavender after it blooms?
Give them a trim after the first flush of flowers has faded. Do not cut them back hard as with other kinds of lavenders (it can kill them). Deadhead for the rest of the season. In late summer shape foliage into a mounded form.
What is lavender plant good for?
Lavender is an amazing medicinal plant. It’s lovely scent is calming and relaxing for the mind. It is also anti-septic and anti-inflammatory, making it a great addition to an herbal salve. It is known for helping to heal burn and bug bites.
Can you eat lavender leaves?
Lavender basics Both the flowers and leaves can be eaten and have a pleasant yet slightly bitter flavor. Lavender grows throughout southern Europe, Australia and the United States.
Can you harvest lavender leaves?
To harvest lavender leaves, you can either cut small springs, or pinch off individual leaves as you need them. Just be sure to use the tender new growth, and avoid any dry or brown leaves. What is this? If you don’t want to sacrifice the flowers, then make sure to gather the sprigs after the stem is done blooming.
Can lavender stay in pots?
Any lavender variety will grow in a container, but some are better suited than others. Dwarf Blue, Munstead, Hidcote, Sweet, Sharon Roberts, and Lavender Lady produce flowers fast and stay a manageable size in pots. – Cut lavender stems when the lowest blossom opens.
Can lavender be an indoor plant?
With the right light and care, it is possible to grow lavender indoors. In most situations, lavender should be grown outdoors. Even in coldest regions where lavender isn’t hardy, it’s best to keep growing lavender indoors as a fall-back position, something you do in winter when plants can’t be outdoors.
Is lavender best in pots?
Half-hardy and tender lavenders, such as Lavandula stoechas, are best grown in pots so that they can be moved to a light, airy frost-free spot for winter.
When should you cut back lavender?
The best time to prune lavender is in the spring or late summer, but most experts advise two pruning sessions a year – a trim post flowering in the summer and a second, harder pruning in the spring. Monty Don even suggests a third trim in the fall, to help it ‘hold a tight pebble shape’.
When should I pick lavender?
When to Harvest Lavender The best time to harvest lavender is: early, on many levels! Early spring, early bloom, early morning. Harvesting lavender flowers in the early spring will give the plant ample time to produce another flush of blooms to enjoy again in the late summer to fall.
How many times a year does lavender bloom?
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is most common and hardy to Zone 5. There are hundreds of varieties available in many colors and sizes. It often blooms twice in one season.
Is lavender good to have in the garden?
Lavender provides good germ-fighting properties and also promotes healing. In the garden, take advantage of the benefits of lavender flowers in beckoning pollinators. Place lavender bushes strategically near a vegetable garden to lure bees and other pollinators.
Where should I put lavender in my garden?
When & Where to Plant Lavender Light: Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil to grow best. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade may help them thrive. Soil: Lavender grows best in low to moderately-fertile soils, so don’t amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
Are lavender plants good for the garden?
Lavender also fends off pests: The smell of lavender may be pleasant to human noses but a lot of insects avoid it, making it an organic, natural repellant. Deer tend to stay away from lavender bushes as well. However you look at (or smell!) lavender, it’s a great addition to your garden.
Can I eat fresh lavender?
Though most lavender is technically safe to eat, culinary lavender is typically cultivated from Lavandula angustifolia plants (commonly known as English or “true” lavender) and has a lot less oil than the aromatic lavender used in perfumes or soaps.
How do you cook with lavender plant?
Grind the lavender in a herb or coffee grinder or mash it with mortar and pestle. The spikes and leaves of culinary lavender can be used in most dishes in place of rosemary in most recipes. Use the spikes or stems for making fruit or shrimp kabobs. Just place your favorite fruit on the stems and grill.
How do you make lavender tea?
Making your own lavender tea is fairly easy: Boil 8 oz. of water. Place 4 tsp. of fresh lavender buds into a tea ball or sachet. Place the tea ball and water into a teacup. Let steep for 10 minutes. Enjoy!.
