Lavender seeds come in a remarkable array of varieties, each offering its own unique combination of fragrance, color, and growth habit. Whether you're seeking the classic scent of English lavender, the striking appearance of French lavender, or the hybrid vigor of lavandins, there's a lavender variety to suit every preference and purpose. By carefully selecting the right lavender seeds, gardeners can cultivate thriving plants that not only enhance their surroundings but also provide an abundance of aromatic delights.
Lavender, with its delicate fragrance and myriad of uses, is a beloved herb that has been cherished for centuries. From aromatherapy to culinary delights, lavender offers a range of benefits. However, when it comes to cultivating lavender, the choice of seeds plays a significant role in determining the plant's characteristics, including scent, color, and growth habit. Let's delve into the diverse world of lavender seeds varieties and discover the wonders they offer.
1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
- True Lavender: Often considered the quintessential lavender, Lavandula angustifolia boasts a sweet, floral aroma. It's prized for its calming properties, making it a popular choice for sachets, potpourris, and essential oils.
- Varieties: Within the English lavender category, there are numerous cultivars, including 'Hidcote,' 'Munstead,' and 'Royal Velvet,' each with subtle differences in scent, color, and growth habit. 'Hidcote' is known for its compact size and deep purple flowers, while 'Munstead' is prized for its strong fragrance and adaptability to various climates.
2. French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas):
- Distinctive Features: Lavandula stoechas, or French lavender, is characterized by its unique "butterfly" bracts atop the flower spikes. Unlike English lavender, French lavender tends to have a more resinous aroma with hints of camphor.
- Varieties: Varieties such as 'Anouk' and 'Silver Anouk' are prized for their striking appearance, featuring vibrant purple flowers topped with silvery-gray foliage. 'Madrid Blue' is another notable cultivar, known for its intense fragrance and compact growth habit.
3. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula dentata):
- Dentata Characteristics: Lavandula dentata, or Spanish lavender, is distinguished by its toothed or serrated leaves, adding an intriguing texture to gardens and landscapes. Its fragrance is often described as mildly sweet with herbaceous undertones.
- Varieties: 'Royal Crown' is a popular Spanish lavender cultivar, prized for its large, showy flower heads and strong scent. 'French Lace' is another sought-after variety, featuring delicate, lacy bracts atop deep purple flowers.
4. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia):
- Hybrid Vigor: Lavandula x intermedia, commonly known as lavandin, is a hybrid between English lavender (L. angustifolia) and spike lavender (L. latifolia). It exhibits traits of both parents, often featuring larger flower spikes and a more camphoraceous aroma.
- Varieties: 'Grosso' is one of the most widely cultivated lavandin varieties, prized for its high oil content and robust fragrance, making it a favorite for lavender oil production. 'Provence' is another popular cultivar, known for its stunning purple blooms and versatility in both ornamental and commercial applications.
5. Lavender for Specific Purposes:
- Lavender for Culinary Use: When selecting lavender for culinary purposes, it's crucial to choose varieties specifically labeled as edible, such as Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' or 'Hidcote.' These cultivars offer a sweeter, more delicate flavor profile ideal for adding to baked goods, teas, and savory dishes.
- Lavender for Aromatherapy: For aromatherapy and relaxation purposes, Lavandula angustifolia cultivars are typically preferred due to their gentle, floral scent and soothing properties.
- Lavender for Ornamental Gardens: Lavenders with striking visual appeal, such as French lavenders with their unique bracts or lavandins with larger flower spikes, are excellent choices for ornamental gardens and landscaping projects.