English Lavender, Common lavender
It is a temperate plant. It suits dry exposed sunny positions. It needs a well drained alkaline soil. It is a plant that can withstand frost. It does not suit the tropics or very humid areas. It does best in cool or warm climates with a winter rainfall. It grows between 600-1200 m altitude in southern Europe. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.
Also known as:
Espigol, Lavanda, Lavender, True Lavender, Xun yi cao
Synonyms
- Lavandula officinalis Chaix
- Lavandula spicata L.
- Lavandula vera DC
Edible Portion
- Flowers as flavouring, Herb, Spice, Leaves - tea
Where does English Lavender grow?
Found in: Africa, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Congo DR, Crimea, Croatia, Europe, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mediterranean, New Zealand, North America, Pakistan, SE Asia, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Yugoslavia
Notes: There are about 28 Lavandula species.
Growing English Lavender, Common lavender
Cultivation: Seeds often take a long time to germinate. Also seeds do not always breed true to type. Plants are better grown from cuttings. A 4 cm tip cutting with a base of old wood is what is best used for cuttings. If flowers are removed during the first year tougher bushier plants result.
Edible Uses: Fresh or dried flowers and leaves can be used can be used to flavour jellies, ice cream and cheeses. The leaves, petals and flowering tips are added to salads, dressings, soups, stews, jams and jellies. The flowers can be candied and used as garnish in soft drinks. Fresh or dried flowers are used for tea. It yields an essential oil used as flavouring in food manufacture.
Production: The flowers are harvested in the early morning.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
English Lavender, Common lavender Photos
References
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Gard. dict. ed. 8: Lavandula no. 2. 1768
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