How to Grow Lavender and Fun Ways to Use It

Lavender (Lavendula spp.) is a gorgeous plant in the Lamiaceae family. There are many varieties of lavender, but all come with that familiar and intoxicating aroma. It is a very pretty plant that is very popular with pollinators.

One of the wonderful things about lavender is that it is so versatile. It can be used purely for its ornamental qualities in the garden, or you can get a little more adventurous and enjoy it for its culinary, medicinal, and crafting properties.

Thankfully, it is easy to grow, fun to harvest, and will keep you in projects all summer.

How to Grow Lavender

Source: Epic Gardening/YouTube

The easiest way to get yourself started with lavender is to buy a plant at a local nursery in early spring and transplant it to your garden or pot after the last frost.

Alternately, you can find a friend who already has a lavender plant and take a cutting. This is a great way to propagate lavender, but you will only have a tiny sprig for most of the summer. If you want to get started with lavender projects, it’s best to get yourself an already established plant.

Most types of lavender are hardy to zones 5-9, but it can be a bit untrustworthy if you have extra cold winters. Choose a spot in your garden that gets a lot of sun as this will promote lots of blooms. Lavender does not enjoy the shade at all, so keep it away from looming trees or afternoon shade.

Your lavender plants will not do well, either, if you have a particularly wet summer, so make sure that you plant your plants in a place that won’t get waterlogged. Lavender needs well-draining soil and is actually pretty drought tolerant once it’s established.

Make sure that your plants have enough space so that air can circulate around them. This will help them to breathe in particularly humid areas. If you have harsh winters, give your plants the best chance of survival but mulching around the roots heavily.

For established plants that have overwintered, give them a good prune in early spring, just as you start to see new growth coming from the base of the plant. This will stop the plant from becoming too woody. The woody stems don’t produce foliage. You can prune up to the top third of your plant back or just a couple of inches for smaller plants.

Medicinal Uses for Lavender

Source: TriGardening/YouTube

Medicinally, lavender is mostly used for its gentle, soothing, and calming qualities. It is used as a sleep aid for anxiety and has a number of benefits for the skin.

• Sleepytime Tea– Lavender flowers can be harvested and dried and used to make a calming tea. Some research shows that lavender tea can help improve one’s overall quality of sleep. It is also thought to have a calming effect for those experiencing anxiety.
• Lavender oil– Whether you are using lavender essential oil with a carrier or you have made your own lavender oil infusion, there are lots of uses for this preparation. When used topically, lavender is said to help relieve inflammation and redness of the skin. It acts as a gentle antibacterial and can help with symptoms of acne.

Culinary Uses For Lavender

Lavender adds a floral but subtle flavor to many desserts. It often adds a gorgeous lilac coloring to cakes and ice creams, making them all the more heavenly to behold.

• Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream-Blackberries are in season just as lavender is blooming. You can combine the two to make this dreamy summer treat. The color is stunning, and the flavors compliment each other beautifully.
• Lavender-Infused Cocoa-Dusted Truffles– These little truffles are made with sweet and simple ingredients and would make the perfect gift or romantic treat.

Crafty Uses For Lavender

Source: Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm/YouTube

• Lavender wand– The only magic coming from these wands is the heady aroma of dried lavender. They are great for keeping underwear drawers smelling fresh or for hanging on coat pegs or bed posts. They would make lovely gifts or party favors, too.
• Lavender wreath– If you want to make a long-lasting decoration for your home, then this is a great craft. Making this wreath from fresh lavender will give that pop of color. As it dries, your wreath can be used for a more shabby-chic, vintage farmhouse look.

This is for informational purposes only. Check with a medical professional before using herbs medicinally. 

Related Content:

• 15 Plant-Based Lavender Dessert Recipes to Promote Natural Calm
• Things to Do with Dried Flowers
• 5 Best Flowers To Grow for Preserving or Drying
• Gentle Herbs for Better Sleep

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