How to Grow and Harvest Lavender

If you have not grown Lavender because you are nervous about how difficult it may be, I’m here to tell you…It’ not and I’m going to share with you just how easy it is and just how to grow and harvest Lavender so you can grow it too! I have a whole post with at least 25 Crafty Reasons You Need to Grow Lavender! Notice I said NEED!?  

I LOVE Lavender and for many years I avoided growing it because I had heard that it is very finicky and hard to grow.  Then one day I just plain decided to buy a Lavender plant and stick it in the ground and see if it would grow. 

Part of my problem was that I was nervous about buying the “RIGHT” kind of Lavender plant.  So I thought I would write this simple little guide:

How to Grow and Harvest Lavender

Because it is just sooo simple!

Lavender is grown all over the world in many different climates. Some varieties are used for their light flavor for culinary uses and others grown for their powerful, yet relaxing scent.

Lavender is so useful

Bath Bomb Making Kit with 100%

You can use Lavender in SO many ways! Since it’s aroma is so very relaxing many people use lavender essential oils dabbed on light bulbs to keep their homes smelling fresh.  Or in homemade bath salts, soaps and crafts.

Know Your Zone

In the US, every region is separated by plant zones that are guidelines as to what grows best in that area. For the Pacific Northwest, you want to plant lavender varieties such as English Lavender or Grosso Lavender. 

Below is a picture of English Lavender ~

Both look so similar that I didn’t put a picture of both..because you can hardly tell the difference.

In the Southwest, you would do best to plant French Lavender or Spanish Lavender.

Below is a picture of Spanish Lavender ~

Most lavender varieties though are good for Zones 5-9 as they are quite hardy and drought-resistant plants. 

I grow both the Spanish AND the English in my zone here in the Pacific Northwest..Zone 8.  English is much more fragrant than the Spanish.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender is a woody-bush type plant that grows two to three feet tall and about two feet wide. You want to plant them at least two feet apart so that they have room to breathe, especially if you are growing in an area with high humidity. Most varieties do not like too soggy roots and do best when you allow them to dry out just a bit in between watering’s.  Even if you do over water..no biggie!

Lavender is a very fast growing herb and you want to plant it where it will receive full sun, it is not a happy camper when planted in shade. Lavender can handle a bit of heat, but doesn’t tolerate the cold very well. Depending on the winters in your area you need to mulch the ground to minimize the freezing of the plant’s roots. Just remember to remove the mulch during the summer months.

Harvesting Lavender

Harvesting lavender is so super easy! You simply cut the flower spikes for sachets and potpourri. Cut the flower stem if you want to dry the whole piece just as the blossoms start to show that beautiful light lavender color.

Hang a few flower stems together using a rubber band upside down in a cool, dry and shaded area.

It typically takes two weeks to dry… this is dependent on the humidity level in your area. You can start harvesting 18-22 weeks from plants started from seed and 10-14 from transplants. Herb Quick Cure Hanging Drying Rack

You definitely do NOT need to have a huge space like the picture above. You can simply use a drying rack that hangs in a small corner in your home or garage. They are super easy to use.

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Lavender is so super easy to grow and harvest.  If you love it…definitely give it a try!

Here are some fun Crafts you can make with all of that Lavender you will harvest ~

25 Crafty Reasons You Need to Grow Lavender

Be Blessed today my friends! 34

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