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Lavender (Lavandula).—Universally
known and valued for its perfume. Although the plant is
generally propagated from cuttings, it can easily be grown
from seed sown in April or May. The plants attain a height
of one or two feet, and the stems should not be cut until
the flowers are expanded. Description
Lavender can be grown from seed.
Sow the seeds when the soil is warm and danger of frost is over. Lavender
is a many-branched, somewhat woody, perennial plant growing
1
˝ to 3 feet tall. The narrow leaves are about 2
inches long and have a pleasing gray-green color. The small
lavender flowers are borne on long-stemmed, slender spikes.
Cuttings can be grown in boxes of sand in summer ready for planting out next
spring. Small shrub which grows up to 90cm high. Very |
fragrant blue, pink or white
flowers grow up the flower stems in spikes.
Culture
Lavender grows best in rocky, dry, sunny places
with an abundant amount of lime in the soil. It can be
propagated by seed or cuttings. If winters are severe, the
plant needs protected.
Harvesting
Cut whole flower spikes when the first flowers begin to
open, and dry.
Use
Lavender is one of the most famous of all herbs for the
fragrance of its dried flowers and the oil distilled from them. It is used most
often in sachets and perfumes.
Used in rubbing oils for sore
joints. An infusion can be used as a cold compress for headaches. Added to many
cosmetics lavender has always been valued for its perfume. Lavender bags are
used for linen and Lavender is again being used in cooking, for example in ice
cream and biscuits.
All types of lavender are used to scent soaps, creams, detergents, and
perfumes. Lavender and French Lavender are preferred for most perfumes, but are
often mixed with the less expensive hybrids. Spike is used for soaps,
detergents, and cheaper perfumes. Recent research has indicated that coating
dentures with wax containing a mixture of lavender, rose and sage produces
anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
Essential oil is extracted from the fresh flowers of the
lavender plant and used for medicinal purposes.
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