Organic French Lavender seeds (Lavandula Dendata)

Description

1. Appearance: French lavender is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm). It has gray-green, narrow, toothed leaves that are highly aromatic. The leaves have a slightly serrated or toothed edge, which distinguishes it from other lavender varieties.
2. Flowers: The most distinctive feature of French lavender is its fragrant flowers. These flowers grow in spikes at the top of slender stems. The flowers are usually purple or lavender in color, but they can sometimes appear pink or white. The flower spikes have a tufted appearance due to the way the individual flowers cluster together.
3. Fragrance: French lavender has a sweet and slightly fruity fragrance that is milder compared to other lavender varieties like English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
4. Culinary Uses: While French lavender is not as commonly used in cooking as English lavender, it can still be used in culinary applications. The leaves and flowers can be used to flavor baked goods, desserts, and even savory dishes. It’s important to use it sparingly, as the flavor can be quite strong.
5. Aromatherapy and Essential Oil: French lavender is often used in aromatherapy and for producing lavender essential oil. The essential oil is believed to have calming and soothing properties and is used in various products like lotions, candles, and diffusers.
6. Medicinal Uses: Like other lavender varieties, French lavender has been used in traditional herbal medicine for its potential calming and stress-relieving properties. It is sometimes used in herbal remedies and teas for its soothing effects.
7. Drying and Crafting: The dried flowers and stems of French lavender can be used in potpourri, sachets, and crafting projects. They retain their fragrance when dried, making them popular for decorative and aromatic purposes.

French lavender (Lavandula dentata) offers various health benefits, primarily through its aromatic properties and the compounds found in its essential oil. Here are some of the potential health benefits associated with French lavender:

Stress Reduction: The soothing and calming fragrance of French lavender is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy using lavender essential oil or sachets can promote relaxation and improve mood.

Improved Sleep: Lavender’s calming scent may aid in improving sleep quality. Placing a sachet of French lavender flowers under your pillow or using lavender essential oil in a diffuser before bedtime can help you relax and achieve a more restful sleep.

Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil, when diluted and applied topically, may help alleviate minor pains and discomfort, including headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain.

Skin Health: Lavender is often used in skin care products due to its potential anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It may help reduce skin irritation, redness, and minor burns. Diluted lavender oil can be applied to the skin for these purposes.

Respiratory Health: Inhaling the steam from lavender-infused hot water can help ease respiratory issues such as congestion and mild coughs. Lavender’s soothing properties can provide relief from cold and allergy symptoms.

Antioxidant Effects: Lavender contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Regular consumption or topical application may contribute to overall health.

Pain Management: Lavender oil may have analgesic properties that make it useful for managing pain associated with conditions like migraines, menstrual cramps, and sore muscles.

Digestive Aid: Lavender tea, made from French lavender flowers, is sometimes consumed to aid digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating.

WHEN TO START LAVENDER SEEDS

Plant your lavender seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your average last frost date. If you want to direct sow them, you should do that in very early spring, as soon as the ground is workable.

You could also try planting them in your garden in late Autumn, so they will sprout in the spring. Or winter sow them as soon as the outdoor temps stay below freezing in your area.

PREPARING LAVENDER SEEDS FOR PLANTING

Lavender seeds need a period of cool temperatures called “cold stratification” to germinate. If you skip this step, you may still have success. But most likely, you’ll see a very low germination rate.

The easiest way to cold stratify them is to place them in moist soil, then put them into the refrigerator for 3-6 weeks before planting.

LAVENDER GERMINATION TIME

Lavender seeds are extremely slow to germinate, and on average it can take anywhere from 14-21 days. Some are faster (2-3 weeks), but most can take a month or more to sprout, so be patient.

It’s also important to note that germination tends to be very uneven. You’ll probably notice that some will sprout faster than others. This is normal, so don’t give up on the slow pokes too soon.