We are happy to answer any questions you might have about lavender. Call or text Peggy at 207-992-3070 or email us at mooremanorlavender@gmail.com
Here are some answers to questions we frequently get asked:
Is lavender hard to grow?
Lavender is one of the easiest plants to grow because you can basically ignore it! It loves full sun and doesn’t like to be watered and it doesn’t require special soil. It likes it dry and hot. Most people have trouble growing lavender because they over water. If you put your lavender plant in your flower garden with other plants and then water the garden, the lavender will die every time.
To grow a lavender plant, how much sun does it need? How much Water?
Two picky things to know about lavender – it likes full sun (at least 6 hours a day) and does not like to be watered. Usually the rain is enough to water lavender. The only exception is when a new plant is put in the ground – you should check it every few days and water it if it’s dry to enable the roots to get established. After the first year you can basically ignore your lavender plant and only water it if it’s an unusually dry season. The plant will droop if it’s too dry and really needs water.
What kind of soil do you plant lavender in?
Sandy gravelly soil, no compost or fertilizer, it does not require a rich soil. Ph neutral soil. We sometimes mix in about a third cup of “bone meal” to each hole before we put in the plant because it adds a slow release of phosphorus to aid in flowering. The soil should be well drained, hill if necessary. Lavender’s biggest enemy is root rot!
What variety of lavender should I buy?
The most important thing about growing lavender is purchasing a plant that is zoned for your area. If it doesn’t specify the zone – don’t buy the plant. Lots of stores sell lavender plants not zoned for the area you live in and they will not come back the next year. Most local greenhouses know what they’re doing and will sell lavender zoned for your area. Here in Maine, we have had the best success with the English Lavenders – Hidcote and Munstead. We also grow an intermedia lavender called Phenomenal but it is sensitive to wet seasons and won’t do as well.
Where should I purchase a lavender plant?
Your local greenhouse or Moore Manor Lavender – we start selling plants in May.
Do I have to do anything to my plant for the winter?
Yes, we cover our lavender plants with a white lightweight row cover called “Agribon 50″ which we purchase online at Greenhouse Megastore to add a layer of protection from the elements. We cover around late October. We lay the cover directly on top of the lavender and pin down with 6” long metal staples.
When do I remove the cover in the spring?
Ours typically starts blowing off at the beginning of April so we remove it all. It’s best to wait until the weather is mild – anytime in April is usually fine – it’s not a picky thing.
HELP – it’s spring and my plant looks dead!
Lavender looks dead for quite awhile in the spring! Just wait, it needs warmth and sunshine. You can test it by scraping the bark down low on one of the branches to see if it is green.
Should I prune my lavender plant?
Yes, we prune our plants in the fall, we cut about 2″ above the woody part of the plant and shape it into a bush shape. We also cut away any branches that are hanging low and on the ground to enable air to get in and around the plant to help dry it out. If lavender is not pruned it will sprawl and become quite woody and not as healthy. NOTE: The first year you won’t need to prune your plant, just cut back any tall spikes.
I just planted a new lavender plant, what should I do with the lavender sprigs that grow up?
The first summer you put your lavender plant in the ground, it may shoot up some lavender sprigs. We recommend snipping them off so all the energy goes to getting the roots established. Next summer you will have lavender to enjoy.
When does lavender bloom?
Lavender typically starts blooming mid to end of June is usually at its peak about two weeks after blooming but each year is a little different depending on the weather.
How will I know when to cut my lavender sprigs?
You will know it’s time when you look at a sprig of lavender and a couple of the buds have opened up and flowered, then you will know that the buds on that stem are as mature as they’re going to get before they all open up and flower. We want to catch the lavender in the bud stage because the lavender oil is locked inside each bud, all of it’s fragrance and flavor. We don’t want all the buds to open up and flower because it means we have lost the oil.
How do I cut and dry my lavender from the plant?
We cut each stem about an inch above the woody part of the plant. We put an elastic around about 50 stems and hang upside down to dry. Lavender will fade if the sun can get to it. It should be dry enough in approximately two weeks to flip upright and put in vase. To take the buds off the stems to use for crafts or culinary, wait longer, until completely dry.
Can I cut my fresh lavender, put it in a vase to enjoy and then dry it?
Yes, you can enjoy it fresh for a week or two and then pull it out of the water, bundle it and hang upside down to dry. The only down side to this is the stems might not look as nice and you might have to put in a vase that doesn’t show the stems.
What can I do if I’ve never pruned my lavender plant and it is all sprawled out and woody?
Cut each branch back, leaving new growth below where you cut (cut just above the new growth). Shape into a bush. Cut low all dead branches.
How do I take the buds off the stems to use for crafts or culinary?
We wait until the lavender is completely dry – test by seeing if the buds drop off the stem easily. Then take a bunch of lavender and hold it between your hands and rub together until all the buds have dropped off.
Can I cook and bake with lavender?
Yes, fresh or dried lavender is an amazing addition to your culinary arsenal. Be sure to use lavender that is pesticide-free. English lavenders like Munstead and Hidcote are the sweetest varieties for culinary use. Lavender has a sweet, floral flavor with a hint of citrus. Use lavender lightly because a little bit goes a long way and too much will leave your dish tasting bitter.
Learn more about cooking with lavender here.
Will my dried lavender bunches lose their color over time? How long will dried lavender last?
Lavender will keep its gorgeous color for years unless it is in the sun, the sun will fade the color out. Dried lavender will stay beautiful for years and years.
Why can’t I smell my dried lavender bunch?
Lavender whether fresh or dried does not smell very strong because the fragrance is locked inside each bud. In order to smell the lavender you need to squeeze the buds.
How can I make my vase of dried lavender smell nice?
I drop lavender essential oil on my dried arrangements to make the whole room smell fresh and summery. It only takes a few drops every once in awhile. Don’t spray with ” lavender mist” because it contains water which is not the best thing for dried flowers.
Wedding Bouquets – How long can I keep fresh cut lavender in water prior to use in a wedding?
About one week. Cut lavender a week before the wedding, place in water in a cool, dark space (sun could fade the lavender) and it will stay fresh until you need to make bouquets, boutonnieres and use as decorative pieces.
Bridal Bouquet – How many stems of lavender do I need?
Approximately 200 stems.
Can I grow lavender in colder climates?
Yes, the English Lavenders (like Hidcote and Munstead) do well for us and we are in Maine. They are hardy and zoned for our area (we are zone 4b in Newport, Maine). With the right conditions lavender is easy to grow…learn more details here.
What is the lifespan of a lavender plant?
5-15 years
Does lavender have health benefits?
Yes….Historically, lavender has been used for healing, relaxation and as an antiseptic. It has been used for centuries to scent baths, hair and clothes, and for its medicinal properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center says, “Research has confirmed that lavender produces slight calming, soothing, and sedative effects when its scent is inhaled. Lavender essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, and postoperative pain.” Learn more about health and wellness with lavender here.
Does lavender repel insects and moths?
Yes, and how wonderful this news is…..no more horrible moth balls or chemicals! Moths hate the smell of lavender. As far as repelling insects, I think a lavender mist combined with other essential oils make specifically for insect repellent is probably best because just lavender mist by itself doesn’t really work.
Will planting a bunch of lavender plants around my deck keep the insects and bugs away?
No, lavender is not that strong. I can stand in the middle of my lavender field and still get attacked by bugs.
Will lavender promote a better nights sleep?
We have had so many people tell us that lavender does help them sleep better! They either place a sachet under their pillow or spray their pillow with lavender mist. Lavender has very calming qualities…use a warmed lavender flax seed eye mask to relax you at the end of the day!
Are there any precautions, side effects or warnings associated with the use of lavender essential oil?
Yes, some people are allergic to lavender so test the oil on a small area of skin.
It is best to avoid essential oil use while pregnant or nursing.
Some research suggests that lavender oil could possibly be unsafe for young boys who have not yet reached puberty because it could disrupt their hormones.
Do not take essential oils internally.
Can I put lavender essential oil directly on my skin?
No, lavender oil should be diluted with a carrier oil such as olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil or water (lavender mist). Essential oil dilution is important to avoid skin reactions and systemic toxicity. To dilute use 2 drops of oil per 1 teaspoon carrier oil (2 percent dilution). For children under 6 years old use 1 drop per 4 teaspoons carrier oil (.25 percent dilution).
How can I deodorize my house with lavender?
My favorite way to make everything smell better is with lavender mist! The soft elegant fragrance of lavender is amazing sprayed in the air, on furniture, rugs (use as a carpet cleaner) and linens. I give instructions on how to make lavender mist here.
And, as mentioned above, drop lavender essential oil on your dried lavender bouquets.
Does lavender help ease the pain of arthritis?
Research has shown that smelling soothing scents like lavender increases the feel-good hormone dopamine in the brain and will actually decrease pain. Here is more info on arthritis. Warming a lavender flax seed pillow is one of my favorite ways to get relief from arthritis pain. The heat from the pillow and the soothing fragrance are so comforting and therapeutic. The pillow can also be frozen and used as a soft, flexible ice pack.
Will lavender help me relax while practicing yoga?
Yes, lavender has a calming effect, the soothing fragrance of lavender will help you surrender tension and stress. During Savasana place your head on a lavender flax seed yoga pillow and our lavender flax seed eye mask on your eyes and experience a wonderful calm.