Successful lavender cultivation

Yet another beautiful , aromatic and melliferous medicinal plant that should be included in every garden, especially in the vegetable garden. And if the four previous adjectives were not enough to convince, Hildegarde de Bingen, a holy abbess of the 12th century and considered the first modern phytotherapist, concluded about wine cooked with lavender or, in the absence of wine, a mixture of water and honey that, thanks to this preparation, "one also obtains pure knowledge and a pure mind." There is reason to be tempted...

Lavender, the fragrant emblem of the Mediterranean basin, has a rich and fascinating history spanning civilizations. Its use dates back to ancient times, when it was already prized for its medicinal, aromatic, and symbolic properties.

The earliest records of lavender's use date back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians incorporated it into mummification rituals and used it as a precious perfume. Its oil was used in funeral ointments, intended to preserve bodies and honor the deceased.

The Greeks and Romans later adopted this plant for its medicinal properties and delicate fragrance. The Romans, in particular, used lavender to perfume their baths, clothing, and homes. In fact, the word "lavender" comes from the Latin lavare , meaning "to wash," referring to its use in public and domestic baths. It was also used to treat wounds and soothe pain.

In the Middle Ages, lavender was considered an essential medicinal plant. Monks in monasteries grew it in their herb gardens and used it to treat infections, repel insects, and purify the air. During times of plague, it was used to fill sachets to ward off disease and mask unpleasant odors.

In the 20th century, lavender was rediscovered by modern science. In 1910, chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé discovered its antiseptic properties after accidentally dipping his burned hand into lavender essential oil, thus accelerating its healing. This was one of the founding events of modern aromatherapy.

Today, lavender is still widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, and herbal medicine. It is renowned for its relaxing, antiseptic, and healing properties, and remains a symbol of Provence and natural well-being.

The word "lavender" comes from the Latin lavare , which means "to wash." This etymology refers to the traditional use of the plant in ancient Rome, where it was used to perfume bath water, linens, and homes.

The Latin term lavandula , which gave rise to the scientific name of the genus ( Lavandula ), is a diminutive derived from lavare , thus reinforcing the idea of ​​purification and hygiene. Since the Middle Ages, the word "lavender" has spread in Old French to designate the plant with fragrant and antiseptic properties.

Thus, the etymology of lavender is directly linked to its traditional uses, notably its role in cleanliness and well-being.

The taste of lavender is floral, slightly sweet, with a herbaceous and camphoric touch . It is reminiscent of a subtle blend of rosemary and thyme, with a slightly bitter and lemony note in the aftertaste.

Lavender is not consumed in large quantities, but it has interesting nutritional values , particularly in the form of infusion, essential oil or dried flowers used in cooking.

Louis XIV, nicknamed the "Sun King," adored lavender and had his linens and baths scented with its essence. His love for this plant contributed to its rise in French perfumery, particularly in Grasse, the perfume capital.

In the Middle Ages, doctors wore masks filled with aromatic herbs, including lavender, to protect themselves from epidemics. It was believed to purify the air and ward off disease. The famous "vinegar of the four thieves," believed to protect against the plague, contained lavender.

Lavender comes in several species and varieties with distinct characteristics. Lavandula angustifolia (true or fine lavender) is the most prized in perfumery and aromatherapy for its sweet, floral scent, with varieties such as 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead'. Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender), more camphor-like, is valued for its medicinal properties. Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin), a hybrid between L. angustifolia and L. latifolia , is very productive and used industrially, with famous varieties such as 'Grosso' and 'Super'. Lavandula stoechas (butterfly lavender) is distinguished by its decorative bracts and powerful fragrance, while Lavandula dentata (toothed lavender) is recognizable by its finely serrated leaves and milder aroma. Finally, Lavandula multifida (Egyptian lavender) has deeply cut foliage and a resinous fragrance. Each of these varieties finds its use in perfumery, natural medicine, and gardening, contributing to the richness of this iconic plant.

• Difficulty level : 2/3
• Density : 3 to 5 plants/m²
• Life cycle : Perennial.
• Pollination type : Entomophile (pollinated by insects, especially bees and butterflies)
• Weight per 1000 seeds : Approximately 1 to 1.2 g

• Climate zone and hardiness : Mediterranean, temperate and continental climate.
• Soil Type : Light, well-drained, sandy or stony, poor to moderately fertile.
• pH : Neutral to alkaline.
• Moisture : Well-drained, dry soil.
• Exposure : Sunny
• Temperature : Between 15 and 30°C, tolerates heat and drought well.
• Frost resistance : Varies depending on the species, Lavandula angustifolia is resistant to -15°C, while Lavandula dentata and Lavandula stoechas are more sensitive to cold.

• Soil Preparation : Lavender prefers well-drained soil. If the soil is clayey or too compact, add sand or gravel to improve drainage.
  
• Transplanting : Transplanting is done when the young plants are strong enough, generally after 3 to 4 months of sowing or when the roots begin to appear at the bottom of the pot.
• Watering :
  • Frequency: Occasional watering.
  • Quantity: Moderate watering.
  • Period: Always water at the base of the plant, without wetting the leaves to avoid fungal diseases.
• Tools : A small rake for hoeing, a fine-spout watering can for watering, scissors or pruning shears for pruning the plant.
• Hoeing / weeding / earthing up / mulching : Hoeing involves regularly weeding around the lavender to prevent weeds from suffocating the young plants.
• Winter Protection : If you live in an area with harsh winters, protect your plants by mulching the soil around the base of the plants. Use fallen leaves or compost to keep the soil warm.
• Harvest time : Harvesting takes place between late June and early August, depending on the region and the weather. The best time is when the flowers are in full bloom, but before they begin to fade.
• Plant Part : The flowers are primarily harvested for essential oil extraction, fragrance, and use in cooking or infusions. They are cut when fully open , but not yet wilted.
• Stage : Harvesting should take place when the flowers are still closed , just before they are fully open, as this is when the flowers contain the greatest amount of essential oil.

To prevent lavender from becoming woody and losing its shape, prune it annually after flowering. Remove about 2/3 of the stems without cutting too close to the wood to allow the plant to regenerate. This also improves the production of new shoots and flowers.

• Method: Lavender can be preserved in a variety of ways, depending on its intended use (flowers, essential oil, etc.). After harvesting the flowers, allow them to dry in a dry, ventilated, and shaded area for 1 to 2 weeks. Hang them in small bunches, upside down, to allow even drying.
• Duration: Dried lavender bouquets can be stored for several months or even up to 1 year , but it is recommended not to expose them to direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading.

• Culinary : Dried lavender flowers can be used to make herbal teas . For one cup, simply add 1 to 2 teaspoons of flowers to hot water for about 5 minutes. Lavender can be combined with other herbs such as mint, thyme, or chamomile to create fragrant herbal tea blends.
• Other : Lavender can be added to cakes , cookies , or pancakes to give a sweet, floral flavor. Use it in small amounts (a few dried flowers or a teaspoon of finely ground dried lavender).

To encourage abundant blooms, prune your lavender after flowering to remove spent flowers and woody stems. This stimulates the growth of new shoots and flowers. You can also prune lightly in early spring to keep the plant compact and prevent it from becoming too woody.