wanted: question about lavender

12 years ago

I have never had lavender before but bought a cute little lavender plant grafted on a twig/stalk. I'd never seen this before and thought it would be nice to add some slight height to my little garden bed. I have it in full sun as the tag said but it seems to 'sulk' by sunset each day. Is that normal? It is only the flower head that sulks, the leaves of the plant seem fine. As I've never had lavender before I don't know if maybe it needs a slightly cooler spot or just needs to settle in and get its roots going or what. Also, is lavender an annual in our zone (5b) and will I need to collect seeds and what part of the flower do I look for the seed in. Sorry if that's a dumb question but it's such an unusual looking flower now that I've seen it close up, I'm not sure where the seed will be located when it's ready. Thanks in advance, Barb

Featured Answer

ianna

11 years ago

I disagree. I'm in 5a Ontario and I grow Grossos and also some french lavenders. Also Munsteads. Use Richter Herbs website as a reference for lavenders. My lavenders often re-seed too. I just let it and transfer out the seedlings later. Its a lot easier to do than having to culture them in nurseries. I've also grown them from cuttings easily using propagation hormones.

Having said this, the most common variety being sold in Ontario are the English lavanders (or munstead) and it's likely that this is what you have.

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Comments (6)

ianna
12 years ago
there are many forms of lavenders and while many are hardy, there those that aren't. And usually the grafted types or lavenders, are probably the spanish types and may not be hardy in our zone. The blooms are larger than other types of lavenders. (I'm also in Ontario). I would suggest that you research your plant on the richter herbs website. Richter Herbs is located here in Ontario and they carry a wide variety of lavenders.

Lavenders that are tall would be a French or Grosso type and these are hardy types.

If the leaves wilt- then it's suffering. If not, its doing good. Some of the larger flower varieties can 'sleep' at night. So nothing to worry about. Just don't overwater lavenders.
knottyceltic
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you for the tips, info and website. I think it was just transplant shock that was making the flowers nod at night. It's not really doing it any more. As for the variety I'll look at the website and see if I can id what I have. The tag was very generic stating only that it is lavender so that wasn't any help. Thanks again. Barb
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imagooch zone 6b/7a Chatham ON
11 years ago
I don't know where you are Barb, but down here inChatham-Kent , we have farmers growing it. I grew one for several years, until it got untidy, so they are hardy. The farmer's name is Korpan. They have an open house every year so you can visit, see what they have that you want. I am going to get another one, I cut the flowers off and put them in the linen closet. Mmmmm.

Anne
PRO
Whitelacey
11 years ago
BTW-when a plant is grafted on a trunk, it is called a 'standard'. Roses, lilacs and other common plants are often grown as standards.
Sheryl Gallant
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
It has been my experience while living in 5b Ontario that only the English 'Munstead' lavender is hardy enough to survive that zone. I have tried several other types but no others came back in the spring.

The seeds will be evident when the flowers are dead and dried out. You will see the pods on the flower stem where each little purple blossom was previously located. Let the flowers get very dead, brown and dried out before harvesting. Cut the whole flower stalk to harvest seeds and rub stalk between your hands while holding inside a bag. Store seeds in a paper envelope labelled for a few months until very dry.

Lavender likes it dry without a lot of TLC.

You can always try bringing it in for the winter if you have a south, sunny window. Keep it on the dry side and done feed.