English Lavender - out of season

English Lavender - out of season
US$5.49

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

  • Description:

    • Appearance: An evergreen, aromatic shrub with narrow, gray-green leaves and spikes of fragrant, typically purple flowers.  
    • Growth Habit: Grows 1-3 feet tall and wide, forming a compact, bushy mound.

  • Planting:

    • Timing: Spring or fall are ideal.
    • Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil.  
    • Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering.  
    • Spacing: Plant 18-24 inches apart.  
       

  • Growing:

    • Water: Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.  
    • Fertilizing: Light fertilization in spring can be beneficial.
    • Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.  

  • Recipes:

    • Culinary:
      • Use fresh or dried flowers to garnish desserts, like lavender shortbread or ice cream.  
      • Infuse sugar or honey with lavender for baking. 
      • Add a few sprigs to potpourri or sachets.  
         
    • Lavender Lemonade: Combine fresh lemon juice, water, honey, and a few sprigs of lavender.
    • Lavender Shortbread: Incorporate dried lavender buds into shortbread dough for a subtle floral flavor.  
       

  • Uses:

    • Culinary: As mentioned above, used to flavor desserts, teas, and other culinary creations.  
    • Medicinal: Known for its calming and relaxing properties, used in aromatherapy and to promote sleep.
    • Ornamental: Adds beauty and fragrance to gardens, borders, and containers.  
    • Potpourri: Dried flowers are a classic ingredient for potpourri.  
       

  • Cautions:

    • Toxicity: Generally safe for most people, but excessive consumption can cause digestive upset.
    • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Consult with a healthcare professional before using lavender internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
    • Pet Safety: While generally safe for cats and dogs, ingestion in large amounts can cause issues.
    • I do need to clarify that the leaves and young tender stems are the only parts you should eat as the woody stems may cause internal damage.

Note: Always prioritize safety and consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medicinal use of herbs.

I hope this comprehensive overview of English Lavender is helpful!