In principle, lavender, which originally comes from the Mediterranean region, is a very easy-care plant - it does not need to be watered or fertilized regularly. However, the plant makes special demands on its location.
Lavender needs a spot in full sun
This includes placing your lavender in as sunny a spot as possible. In the garden, the location should be in full sun and sheltered from the wind, but it can also be dry and even rocky. A sunny rock garden or planting in a gravel bed is therefore ideal. With appropriate soil, white lavender in particular also thrives in partially shaded locations, although it does not have to be in full sun, but it must still be bright. A place in the shade - for example in north-facing gardens or balconies - is not recommended. Such a location causes the plant to languish and sooner or later die.
Essential oils only develop when there is enough sun
Lavender has a very high proportion of essential oils, which is why the flowers of the plant spread an unmistakable, intense smell. In particular, if you want to harvest lavender (and use the dried flowers, for example), you need a sunny location. Lavender only develops its high proportion of essential oils when it is sufficiently bright and warm.
Dry lavender in the sun
Speaking of harvesting lavender blossoms: You can use the intensively scented blossoms in many different ways, for example in scented sachets to repel moths, in home-made creams and perfumes or as tea. Harvest the flowers as soon as they are fully open. Spread them out on a towel or similar and let them dry in a warm, dry and sunny place for a few days. Alternatively, you can leave the flowers on the stem and proceed as follows:
- Tie the harvested lavender stalks into small bouquets with string.
- Hang the bouquets upside down in a dry and warm place (e.g. attic or garden shed), preferably in the warm summer sun.
- Let them dry well there.
- Lavender is dry enough when the leaves and flowers crumble when touched.
- Crumble the required parts of the plant and pack them in an airtight container.
tips and tricks
Water the lavender as little as possible during the flowering period, otherwise too high concentrations of the essential oils will develop. Lavender planted in the garden only needs additional water in very hot summers, because thanks to its very deep taproots, it draws moisture from the soil itself.
IJA