previous Hutchinson Farm Flower Guide next Lavender Photo: Fernleaf Lavender  David MacTavish, Hutchinson Farm, Greenhouse #6, Burlington, ON, April 7 2013

Grown at Hutchinson Farm since 2012. Available May 2020, in 4½" pots.

• Description
  
  Winter Hardiness: varies with variety
  Light Requirements: full sun - part sun
  Where to plant: Annual varieties in containers or in the ground. Perennial varieties must be planted in the ground to survive. Well drained soil.
  
  
• Growing Guide
  There are many varieties of Lavender. Many are hardy in our climate (Lavance Deep Purple, Grosso), while others must be grown as annuals (Fernleaf and French). Lavender is drought tolerant, and you should grow it on the dry side. If possible, plant lavender in a sheltered area of your garden that has good drainage. Cover in much (ie straw) for the winter, and give a light pruning in the spring. Lavenders take about 3 years to reach maturity.
  
  
• Harvest
  Harvest stems when approximately one-quarter of the flowers are open (aromatic oils are at their peak); remove leaves. Tie stems into small bunches and hang upside down in a cool, dry, dark room for two to three weeks.
  
  
• French Lavender -Lavandula dentata
  Annual. It's almost like a rosemary - lavender cross, with characteristic fine toothed leaf edges, our preferred culinary variety. Not hardy in Ontario.
  Height: 16 - 18"
  Width: 12-14"
  
  
• Grosso -Lavandula X intermedia (Lavandins)
  Perennial. This is one of the best varieties for Southern Ontario. Very hardy. A great all-round plant, with tall dark violet flowers. Excellent for drying. No flowers 1st year. Peak blooming mid July.
  Height: 16 - 18"
  Width: 12 - 14"
  
  
• Lavandula Pinnata -Fernleaf Lavender
  Annual. Our most popular lavender. Finely-divided, fern-like gray-green foliage is topped by tall spikes of small bright lavender-blue flowers. Will not survive our winter.
  Height: 16 - 18"
  Width: 12 - 14"
  
  
• Lavance Deep Purple -Lavandula angustifolia   (English Lavender)
   A favorite because of its ability to bloom the first year.  Additionally, it begins to flower a bit earlier in the season, typically in early summer and lasts into early fall. Tender perennial (occasionally will not survive a harsh winter).
  Height: 12 - 18"
  Width: 12 - 18"

Name	Type	Hardiness	Colour	Height	Width	This and That
French	Dentata	Annual	average	18"	16"	Toothed leaf edge and best for eating
Grosso	Lavandula X intermedia	Perennial		12"	10"	Hardiest and shortest, slow growing, flowers 2nd year
Fernleaf	Lavandula Pinnata	Annual		18"	16"	Tallest flowers and fastest to flower
Lavance Deep Purple	English	Perennial	Deep Purple	12"	10"	Flowers first year