Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the scent of Lavender last?

The scent of Lavender will last for years.  Lavender has been found in Egyptian tombs, and is believed to have been used as part of the embalming process.  If the scent of Lavender diminishes squeeze the Lavender buds gently, which will release the volatile oils back to the surface where you can smell them.  Over time as the Lavender comes into contact with the air the oils will dissipate.  Just squeeze gently again!

2. Will Lavender help me sleep better?

Growing evidence suggests that this is true.  Studies have shown that the scent of Lavender has a positive effect on your central nervous system, which helps you sleep.  It sends calming messages to the brain making it sedative and relaxant.  Additionally, the sedative quality of lavender can induce sleep and ease problems of insomnia, restlessness, and agitation.  We have many, many customers that tell us Lavender has worked for them, better than prescription medications.  If  you have difficulty sleeping, Lavender is certainly worth a try.  Just make sure you are using products containing pure Lavender essential oil.  Fragrance oils are synthetic chemicals and will do more harm than good.

3. What are the uses and benefits of Lavender?

Uses for Lavender include insomnia, nightmares, headaches including migraines, burns including sunburn, wounds, insect bites, poison ivy, eczema, psoriasis, acne, stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, reducing high blood pressure, repelling insects, muscular and joint pain, and muscle spasms i.e. menstrual cramps.

Lavender is antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic,   antiviral,   a de-toxifer,   sedative,   a fungicide  and a strong disinfectant.

4. How do I cook with Lavender?

First use a variety of Lavender that is a culinary type due to its soft, sweet, delicate scent and flavor.  Many Lavender varieties are too harsh with strong overtones of camphor.  Lavender can be used fresh or dried.  But, remember dried Lavender is 3 times more potent then fresh.

You can use Lavender buds whole, crushed in a mortar & pestle, or ground in a spice grinder.  Lavender can be infused into a liquid, and then strained out, leaving its essence behind in the liquid.

Lavender adds a unique flavor to meats, vegetables, desserts and more. We find that it enhances the flavor of chocolate. Once you try Lavender brownies you will never bake brownies again without Lavender.

Just experiment and have fun.  Bon Appetit!

5. How do I grow Lavender in the Midwest?

First, select the right variety that will tolerate the cold zone you are living in. Where we live in Eureka, Missouri (St. Louis County) we are a Zone 5-6.

Then, select a location with Full Sun.  If you don’t have full sun your Lavender isn’t likely to bloom.

Second, prepare the soil so that it is loose and fast draining.  Add sand, humus, and pea gravel, mixing in well to a depth of at least 18 inches. You can also plant on raised mounds or in raised beds. The main problems with growing Lavender in the central Midwest is the high summer humidity.  This sets the Lavender up for fungal diseases. So, don’t crowd your plants, give them plenty of air circulation.  We plant 3 feet apart.

Lavender prefers an alkaline soil with a pH between 6-8.  We find most soils in this area are too acidic and we add lime to the soil to adjust the pH.  You can purchase lime at most garden centers.

When planting we add a ½ cup of bone meal, working it into the bottom of the hole and the backfilled dirt.  Lavender does not require and actually does better without heavy fertilizers and manures.

If it doesn’t rain each week you will need to water your plant.  But don’t over water.  Lavender is drought tolerant, once it is mature at 3 years old.

We mulch with a white limestone pea gravel all the way around our Lavender plants.  This provides additional drainage, weed suppression, light reflectivity back up onto the plant (which has been shown to increase oil content), and slowly increases the soil pH as the rain and weather breaks down the limestone, adding more lime to the soil.

Good Luck!