Vera English Lavender is a timeless heirloom herb renowned for its soothing fragrance, medicinal properties, and culinary versatility. This perennial plant produces elegant spikes of purple blooms and silvery-green foliage, bringing beauty and calm to any garden. Vera Lavender is an essential addition to a home apothecary. Its flowers are a favorite of pollinators, making it both practical and ornamental.
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All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
- Heirloom
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Open Pollinated
- Untreated
- US Grown
- Growing instructions included
- Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
- NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
- All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
- Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
- FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
Common Names: English Lavender, Vera Lavender
Latin Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Type: Herb
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 5 - 9
Stratification: Strongly Recommended for Better Germination
Germination Ease: Moderate to Difficult
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Low to Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Height: 18-24 inches
Spread: 12-18 inches
Color: Lavender-purple flowers with silvery-green foliage
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Summer
Companion Plants: Echinacea, Yarrow, Bee Balm
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in dry, sunny climates
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Direct sow in early spring after frost, or in late fall to allow seeds to naturally stratify over winter.
When to Start Inside:
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Lavender seeds germinate slowly and benefit greatly from cold stratification before sowing.
**Stratification Instructions:**
1. Place seeds in a small bag or container with moist (not wet) sand, vermiculite, or a paper towel.
2. Seal the container or bag and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. Check periodically to ensure the medium remains moist but not waterlogged.
3. After stratification, sow seeds indoors or outdoors as described below.
**Sowing Indoors:**
1. Fill seed trays or small pots with a well-draining seed starting mix. A sandy or gritty mix is ideal.
2. Lightly press seeds into the surface of the soil, barely covering them with a fine layer of sand or mix. Lavender seeds require light to germinate.
3. Mist the soil to ensure it is evenly moist but not soggy.
4. Place the trays in a warm location with temperatures between 65-75°F. Use a heating mat if necessary to maintain consistent warmth.
5. Cover with a clear lid or plastic wrap to retain humidity but ensure airflow to prevent mold.
6. Provide bright light, ideally from a sunny window or grow light.
Days to Emerge:
14-28 days, but germination may take up to 30 days. Patience is key when growing lavender from seed.
**Seed Spacing:**
Space seeds 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to one per pot or planting location once established.
**Hardiness:**
Lavender is frost-tolerant once established. Protect young seedlings from severe freezes.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Lavender thrives in well-drained, nutrient-poor soil. Amend heavy soils with sand or grit to improve drainage. Avoid overly rich soils, which can lead to reduced fragrance and weak plants.
Watering:
Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as lavender is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Light and Temperature:
Requires full sun for best growth and fragrance. Prefers temperatures between 60°F and 80°F.
Maintenance:
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain compact growth and encourage a second bloom. Avoid heavy pruning, which can damage the plant.
Container Friendly:
Excellent for containers with good drainage. Use a potting mix specifically designed for Mediterranean herbs or mix sand into regular potting soil.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest flowers just as buds begin to open for maximum fragrance and oil concentration.
How to Harvest:
Cut flower spikes at the base, leaving foliage intact to encourage further growth.
Drying and Storing:
Hang bundles of flowers upside down in a dark, dry place to preserve color and fragrance. Store dried flowers in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.
Edible Use:
Lavender flowers can be used in teas, infused into syrups, or added as a unique culinary garnish.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow flowers to dry and form seed heads on the plant. Harvest seeds when heads are brown and dry.
Seed Cleaning:
Gently remove seeds from dried heads and clean off any remaining debris.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 2-3 years.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
Lavender’s fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an eco-friendly choice for gardens.
Origin:
Native to the Mediterranean region, Vera Lavender is a classic herb cultivated for centuries.
History:
Lavender has been treasured throughout history for its calming scent and medicinal uses. A favorite of Victorian apothecaries.
Climate Adaptability:
Ideal for hot, dry climates, Vera Lavender thrives in sunny, low-maintenance gardens.
