Lavender butterfly planting and care. Fragrant lavender: beneficial properties and recipes for home use

Many people have probably seen landscapes with purple fields shown on television or the Internet. Small flowering plants create a real violet or lilac sea that will take your breath away. This plant is lavender. And immediately with it comes an association with France and perfumery, with a girl running along the fields with this beautiful plant. It is not for nothing that lavender is widely used not only in landscape design, but also used in cooking and in creating perfume aromas. In this article we will look at the most popular type of lavender in our territory - angustifolia or English lavender. Let us characterize its features, the main varieties, and consider the agricultural technology of cultivation.

Features and description of angustifolia lavender

Lavender is a perennial evergreen shrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae family and has about 20 species. The homeland of this plant is considered to be the southern part of Europe, the Canary Islands, North and East Africa, Arabia and India. This is lavender's natural habitat where it grows wild. This plant began to be used in Ancient Rome and Greece. In our time, lavender began to be cultivated in France in the 18th century. Today, cultivated species of lavender are grown all over the world.

Lavender has several main types. The most common plant in Russia is angustifolia lavender, since only this plant has the required level of cold resistance.

Description of lavender angustifolia:

• Lavender angustifolia is also an evergreen perennial shrub.
• It is the most frost-resistant and unpretentious type of lavender, therefore it is widely cultivated in our country. Alternatively, it can even be grown in a tub or pot and taken indoors for the winter. This is a very valuable feature for gardeners, because in the spring it is enough to transplant it into the garden and admire its beauty throughout the season.
• This type of lavender has several names, which are often classified as specific subspecies of angustifolia lavender. This is English lavender, true lavender, spicata lavender (Lavandula officinalis = Lavandula spicata = Lavandula angustifolia).
• Lavender angustifolia does not have a central stem, but consists of numerous shoots, the number of which can reach 400.
• The English lavender shrub can be short, medium or tall. Height varies from 30 cm to 1 meter.
• The root system of the plant is superficial, lying close to the surface. It is dense and woody, very branched.
• The leaves of this type of lavender are bright green, elongated and narrow, their edges are slightly bent. Hence the name “narrow-leaved”.
• The shoots of the plant are slightly pubescent, so the bush itself appears bluish.
• The inflorescence of angustifolia lavender has the shape of a spikelet, which consists of false whorls. The flowers are blue with slight shades of purple and lilac. Thanks to the development of a large number of varieties, other colors are possible.
• Lavender blooms in late summer, from June to August.
• Life expectancy in nature is 20-30 years. In our country, it is found naturally only in Kuban.
• A huge number of varieties have been developed with the possibility of growing throughout the territory. It is also cultivated as an industrial plant for the production of essential oils.

Main varieties of lavender angustifolia

Lavender angustifolia is the most suitable species for growing in Russia. Therefore, many breeders are trying to develop new varieties that would have improved characteristics. There are European varieties of angustifolia lavender and varieties that were bred specifically for central Russia for industrial cultivation and decorating the design of the site.

European varieties of angustifolia lavender

• Variety "Munstead". This variety of lavender is distinguished by compact small bushes that can reach a height of 40 cm. The flowers have a classic rich lavender color and will look great for decorating borders, paths or flower beds. Such bushes are not afraid of winds, so they can be planted in open areas.
• Variety "Hidcote". It is perhaps the most common type of English lavender and includes many different varieties. Most often it is used to create low hedges, since the bushes are small in size and have a spherical crown. A variety of this subgroup is the Hidcote Blue variety, the flowers of which have a bright violet-blue hue. and the size of the bushes reaches only 40 cm. “Hidcote Giant” is a taller representative of this type of angustifolia lavender, reaching 60 cm in height.
• Variety "Ellagance". This type of angustifolia lavender is easy to grow. It can be planted in the garden or in pots and placed indoors. This group includes several varieties. "Ellagance Sky" is excellent for edging lawns and flower beds. prefers hot weather, violet-lilac flowers. 'Ellagance Ice' has white or deep blue flowers and grows well in the garden and in containers. "Ellagance Pink" is an unusual variety whose flowers have a soft pink tint.
• Variety "Rosea". Lavender angustifolia of this variety reaches a height of 40 cm and has lilac-pink inflorescences.
• The Alba variety boasts pure white flowers.

In addition to the listed varieties, which were bred in Europe and correspond to a certain climate, there are also varieties of narrow-leaved lavender of Russian selection. They are special zoned varieties for cultivation in certain territories of Russia.

Varieties of narrow-leaved lavender of Russian selection

• Variety "Record". It is a zoned industrial variety of angustifolia lavender, mid-season and high-yielding. Grown for its high concentration of oils.
• Variety "Stepnaya". Also classified as an industrial variety, it is popular due to its high content of essential oils. Mid-season variety.
• Variety "Border". It is an ornamental variety that was bred in the State Botanical Garden. It can reach a height of 45 cm, which is great for decorating borders and paths. It is highly resistant to local climatic conditions.
• Lavender angustifolia Voznesenskaya 34. Also a zoned variety of lavender, which is perfect for growing in Russia.

This is just a small list of the most popular varieties of angustifolia lavender.

Preparations before landing

Lavender is a fairly heat-loving plant and prefers hot climates. Since we do not have this climate, it is necessary to carefully prepare for planting angustifolia lavender, which is less whimsical and more hardy. It is imperative to choose the right place and pay great attention to preparing the soil.

Selecting a location

The choice of location for planting angustifolia lavender depends on the specific variety. First you need to decide where you want to plant lavender: in the garden in the ground or in a pot. Low-growing varieties that look great in this type of planting are perfect for pots. This kind of lavender can be planted in the garden in the summer, and with the onset of cold weather, taken back into the house.

Dwarf varieties of angustifolia lavender are also suitable for forming borders and garden paths. If you want to decorate an alpine hill or highlight some area of ​​the garden, you can use tall varieties of lavender.

Lavender prefers to grow in fertile soils in elevated areas that are reliably protected from gusts of wind. The chosen location must have a lot of sun, since lavender is a heat-loving plant. However, it must be taken into account that lavender does not tolerate close groundwater. She could die from this.

Soil preparation

Lavender angustifolia grows well in loose, freshly dug, moderately nutritious and calcareous soils. Never plant this shrub on acidic or clayey soils; lavender will not grow there. It is in heavy clay soils that water is retained, and this can cause the plant to die.

For planting, it is necessary to prepare a special mixture, which will consist of leaf soil, humus and sand, to which complete mineral fertilizer is added.

Planting lavender angustifolia

Lavender is a demanding plant in its own way and requires careful preparation before planting. But, if you do everything as required, you can end up with a beautiful plant that will become the pearl of your garden.

Before planting angustifolia lavender, it is necessary to dig up the ridges to a depth of 60 cm, and then they are cultivated. The planting pattern depends on how you want to plant your lavender. If you are planning to grow a hedge, then you can leave half the distance between plants than the height of the bush itself. If your climate zone is not entirely warm, then it is preferable to plant lavender in large pots so that you can take them indoors when cold weather sets in.

Planting by cuttings

This is one of the easiest ways to grow lavender angustifolia. The optimal time for this type of planting is June-July. On an adult bush, it is necessary to cut off annual young shoots and cut out the middle parts. Next, they need to be cut into small cuttings 10 cm long. Then the prepared planting material should be rooted in fertile soil in a greenhouse, watered abundantly and covered with film. The cuttings need to be watered and ventilated throughout the rooting period. The roots should appear within a month, so lavender can be planted in a permanent place by the end of August. This is necessary so that the plant gains strength before winter.

Planting by layering

Another way to plant angustifolia lavender is to plant layering. To do this in the spring, you need to select strong and healthy branches on the bush. Then you should dig grooves around the perimeter of the bush and bend the selected shoots to them. The branches are sprinkled with earth or pinched. It is important to constantly water the cuttings. The young plant is separated the following spring.

Sowing lavender angustifolia seeds

Growing angustifolia lavender from seeds is perhaps the longest process of obtaining a young bush. First you need to prepare the seeds. In lavender they are very small, but they all germinate perfectly and do not need stratification. You can start sowing seeds as early as February. To do this, prepare a container with wet peat or sand. Then sow the seeds and cover the containers with film and place them in a cool place with a temperature of no more than 5 degrees. This could be a basement or a refrigerator. The duration of this process is 30-40 days. After this, the container is transferred to a warm room with a temperature of 15-16 degrees for seed germination.

When 3-5 leaves appear on the young seedlings, they can be planted in separate pots. Such bushes are planted in the ground in May.

Alternatively, the seeds can be sown directly into the ground. But then this place will need to be covered before the onset of frost.

Dividing the bush

For this method, you need to trim the bush in the fall, leaving only 8-10 cm and spud it. In the summer, young shoots should appear on it, and in the fall you can start dividing the bush.

The bush is dug up and the root system is soaked in water for 90 minutes. The tops of the shoots can be cut off. Be sure to be careful when dividing so as not to damage the roots.

The process of caring for lavender angustifolia

Caring for angustifolia lavender is quite simple and includes the most basic steps. This includes periodic watering, loosening and mulching the soil, fertilizing and pruning.

Watering

Lavender only needs abundant watering during dry periods, and at other times care should be taken not to overwater the plant. The shrub does not tolerate stagnant moisture; the root system may begin to rot. The optimal watering regime is as the soil dries out.

Loosening and mulching

Lavender angustifolia does not like dense soil; it needs a constant flow of air. Therefore, loosening the soil and removing weeds is considered an obligatory stage of plant care. You need to loosen often, and this must be done carefully. Be careful not to damage the roots.

You can simplify this process by using mulch. Use rotted leaves or special colorful substrates as mulch.

Top dressing

Lavender bushes respond well to fertilization. It would be optimal to use complex mineral fertilizers. At the beginning of plant growth, it is necessary to apply nitrogen fertilizers, and during flowering, complex mineral fertilizers.

Trimming

If you want to create beautiful bushes that will decorate your area, the crown must be trimmed. In this way you can give any shape. Everything will depend on the type of lavender and the height of the plant. This procedure is needed to remove inflorescences after the first flowering. The shoots need to be trimmed a little. The main thing is that it is above the level of the woody shoot.

Preparing for winter

If the lavender will winter in the garden, it is necessary to provide it with reliable shelter from frost and lack of snow. Coniferous branches are perfect for shelter, but not foliage. The shoots must first be trimmed slightly. In winter, you can throw more snow on the bush.

If lavender grows in a tub or pot, then it needs to be taken into the room where it will overwinter.

Pest and disease control

Lavender angustifolia is practically not susceptible to damage from pests and diseases. Sometimes a plant can get gray rot, which can lead to rotting of various parts of the plant. These parts must be removed and burned.

Of the pests, it is worth noting the pennies, which lay larvae on lavender bushes. For protection, they cover them with foam in the form of saliva. This does not harm the plant and you can simply wash off the larvae with water.

Uses of lavender angustifolia

Lavenders are an excellent garden decoration. It can be used to create hedges and to frame garden paths. It looks great in single plantings and in creating compositions for rock gardens and rockeries. Lavender can be planted in tubs and large pots, which also looks impressive on the site.

Lavender attracts a large number of bees, which can pollinate other plants along the way. Bees, landing on lavender, sway it and at the same time the plant emits a wonderful aroma.

Lavender essential oils repel pests. therefore, this plant can be planted along vegetable beds.

Lavender can be used as a spice and also as interior decoration.

Lavender is an unusual and exotic plant that can decorate any area and be of great benefit in the fight against plant pests. And the opportunity to get such a plant costs only a little effort in planting and care.

In the article we discuss lavender - its benefits and harm to the body. You will learn the medicinal properties of the flower and contraindications to the use of products using it. We will tell you why lavender is used in folk medicine, cooking and cosmetology. Following our advice, you will learn how to prepare tea, infusion, decoction of the plant, and use it in masks for the face, body and hair.

Appearance (photo) of lavender

Lavender is a genus of herbaceous plants of the Lamiaceae family. Latin name: Lavandula.

Lavender reaches a height of 75-100 cm. The shoots at the base are highly branched. The stems of the evergreen shrub are covered with grayish pubescence. All parts of the plant have a strong spicy odor.

The leaves are opposite, oblong, curled at the edges. The length of the leaf plate is from 2 to 6 cm.

Whorled flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences. Each spikelet has up to 10 purple flowers. Lavender blooms from June to August.

Flowers and grass are used as medicinal raw materials. In medicine, narrow-leaved lavender (lat. Lavandula angustifolia) or true, spiked, spiked lavender is used. Common names of the plant: bitterbush, Indian spikelets, lavender, spikelet lavender, butterfly, colored grass.

Kinds

The Lavender genus includes 47 plant species. The most famous of them:

• multi-incision;
• narrow-leaved;
• broadleaf;
• petiolate;
• toothed;
• Stehadskaya;
• woolly.

Where does it grow

The homeland of lavender is the Mediterranean. In the wild, it is found in Europe, Africa, Australia, India and Arabia. In Russia it grows in the Caucasus and the Black Sea coast.

Chemical composition

The plant contains:

• esters;
• flavonoids;
• terpene alcohols;
• tannins;
• phytosterols;
• resins;
• organic acids;
• coumarins;
• tannins;
• bitterness.

Beneficial features

The healing qualities of lavender and contraindications lie in the chemical composition of the plant. In folk medicine, flowers and, less commonly, grass are used as medicinal raw materials.

Lavender flowers have a sedative effect and normalize cerebral circulation. The herb is useful for nervous disorders and tachycardia.

Dry lavender is used to scent baths. The smell of the plant is calming and relaxing.

Lavender has anticonvulsant and diuretic effects. These healing properties are useful for disorders of the genitourinary system, for example, cystitis and pyelonephritis.

Lavender has regenerating, bactericidal and antiseptic properties. These beneficial qualities of the herb and its flowers are used to treat skin diseases and wounds. With regular use, it smoothes out rough scars.

The medicinal properties of the herb are used in dentistry. Products based on the plant disinfect the oral cavity and freshen breath. They are used for stomatitis and gingivitis.

Alcohol products with herbs are used to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They are used to rub painful areas. The drugs relieve inflammation and pain in muscles and joints. These properties are effective for neuralgia, paralysis, bruises, and rheumatism.

Oil is obtained from the flowers. The drug is added to solutions for inhalation. The product is used for the prevention and treatment of influenza, laryngitis, and pneumonia.

Lavender oil is used externally in its pure form and as a component of cosmetic compositions for skin and hair care. The oil has nourishing, strengthening and protective properties.

The healing properties are used not only in folk medicine and cosmetology, but also in cooking. Let's talk about this in more detail.

Use in cooking

In cooking, the spice is used in the preparation of soups, salads, fish dishes, sauces, and in brewing tea. The herb is used when smoking meat. The flowers are combined with dill, sage and savory.

Tea

Lavender tea calms the nerves and has a general strengthening effect on the body.. These medicinal properties of tea are used in the prevention and treatment of nervous disorders, stress, depression, and neuroses.

Ingredients:

1. Dried flowers and leaves - 2 teaspoons.
2. Water - 250 ml.

How to cook: Grind the dry raw materials with a rolling pin, pour boiling water over it, cover with a lid and leave for 10-15 minutes.

How to use: Drink warm tea in small sips before bed as a sedative. To normalize digestion, take ⅓ glass. Drink 1 tbsp per day.

Result: The drink normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. If you add a spoonful of honey to tea, you get a general tonic.

Ice cream

This dish has an amazing taste and aroma. It will give your guests real pleasure.

You will need:

• cream 35% - 3 tbsp.;
• flowers - 2 tbsp;
• yolks - 4 pcs.;
• sugar - 1 tbsp;
• flour - 2 tsp.

How to cook:

1. Add flowers to the cream and put on fire.
2. Boil the mixture, then set aside to cool.
3. Beat the yolks with sugar, gradually adding flour.
4. Strain the cream and combine with the egg mixture.
5. Heat over low heat until the mixture thickens.
6. Strain, put in the refrigerator, then in the freezer.

Calorie content: per 100 g of product - 230 kcal.

Application in cosmetology

Dried lavender and essential oil of the plant are used in cosmetology and medicine.

Flowers and essential oils from them are widely used in cosmetology. The plant extract is used to flavor cosmetic products: shampoos, balms, creams. It is used to prepare masks for skin care at home. A decoction of the plant is used to rinse hair. Let's take a closer look at how lavender is useful in cosmetology.

Mask for the face

The herb has antiseptic and regenerating properties. Essential oil is added to face masks. In its pure form, the oil is used spot-on to cauterize acne. Lavender masks are suitable for problematic and oily skin.

Ingredients:

1. Blue clay - 1 tbsp.
2. Lavender oil - 1 tsp.
3. Water - 1 tsp.

How to cook: Dilute the clay with water, stir until smooth. Heat the oil to a temperature of 37 degrees, mix with clay.

How to use: Apply the mask to your face for half an hour. When the clay dries, rinse off with warm water.

Result: The mask relieves skin inflammation, eliminates acne, heals and smoothes scars.

Body Oil

Lavender oil is used to nourish the skin. The product is used for massage and added to cosmetic mixtures for the body - creams, lotions.

Ingredients:

1. Lavender flowers - 20 gr.
2. Olive oil - 100 ml.

How to cook: Chop the flowers, pour in olive oil, cover the container with gauze and leave in a dark place for 1 month. Strain the finished product through a double layer of gauze.

How to use: Apply the oil directly to damaged areas of the skin or use it as a component of ready-made body cosmetics.

Result: Oil heals and disinfects damaged skin. Cosmetics based on it soften and nourish the epidermis.

Decoction for hair

Lavender is used to prepare hair strengthening products. The plant oil is combined with castor or burdock oil and nourishing masks are prepared based on them. A decoction is made from dried flowers to rinse hair. Consider the recipe for this remedy.

Ingredients:

1. Dried flowers - 50 gr.
2. Water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Pour water over the flowers, place in a water bath, bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the product from the heat, cool and strain through a strainer.

How to use: Wash your hair with shampoo, then rinse it with lavender infusion.

Result: The product eliminates oily hair and strengthens hair follicles.

Folk recipes

Lavender-based products are widely used in the treatment of diseases. They normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems.

The healing properties of lavender help in the treatment of vascular diseases and diseases of the nervous system. Products based on it relieve vascular spasms, eliminate headaches and normalize sleep.

Lavender herb is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system. Medicinal infusions and decoctions of the plant have anti-inflammatory, healing, diuretic and antispasmodic effects.

Oil is used to treat various skin diseases: eczema, trophic ulcers, lice. The product has antiseptic and regenerating effects.

Infusion for sleep

For insomnia and nervous disorders, an infusion is used. When taken regularly, the product normalizes sleep, calms the nervous system, eliminates neuroses, depression, and stress.

Ingredients:

1. Dry lavender herb - 3 tsp.
2. Valerian - 1 tsp.
3. Water - 400 ml.

How to cook: Pour the herb into a thermos, pour boiling water over it, close the lid and leave for 30 minutes.

How to use: Take ¼ cup of the product. Daily dosage - 1 glass.

Result: The infusion helps against migraines, calms and has a sedative effect.

Foot tincture

Lavender is used in medicine in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Rubbing with an alcohol tincture of the plant has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ingredients:

1. Lavender herb - 10 gr.
2. Vodka - 50 gr.

How to cook: Pour vodka over the grass, close the lid tightly, leave for a week, shaking daily.

How to use: Rub the tincture on sore areas 3 times a day.

Result: The product eliminates pain in muscles and joints, increases their motor activity and relieves inflammation.

You learned what lavender helps with and how to use it to prepare medicinal products. Despite the many valuable properties, the plant has a number of contraindications, which must be familiarized with before starting treatment.

At home

The plant has found wide application in everyday life:

• Plant grass in a flower bed or along a border: it will highlight the contours of the landscape design and will stand out thanks to its bright shade.
• Place the bushes between potato bushes: Colorado potato beetles do not like the smell of flowers.
• Aromatization of the room.
• Protection against moths and other household pests that do not like the aroma of the plant.

Contraindications

Lavender interferes with the absorption of iron and iodine. Therefore, you should use medicines with this herb carefully, especially if there is a lack of these elements.

If you buy ready-made products at a pharmacy, read the methods of use and contraindications indicated on the packaging. If you plan to make medicine from lavender that you have prepared yourself, consult your doctor before use. The specialist will select the appropriate dosage and course of administration.

Contraindications:

• individual intolerance;
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• hormonal imbalances;
• oncology.

You have learned the beneficial properties of lavender and contraindications for using products with it. Now we’ll tell you where to buy a medicinal plant.

For more information about lavender, watch the video:

Where can I buy

Dry herbs or plant oil can be purchased at any pharmacy or ordered online. Price 50 gr. dried flowers is about 100 rubles. Oil with a volume of 10 ml costs 120-150 rubles, depending on the manufacturer.

How to prepare it yourself

If the grass grows in your area near your house, collect the flowers a week after the start of flowering. It is best to collect in the morning. Tie the spikelets into bunches and hang them in dark, ventilated areas. Do not allow the sun to hit the workpiece.

Collect leaves before flowering begins. Dry the raw materials in a dark room. When ready, grind to a powder consistency.

What to remember

1. Lavender is used in folk recipes, cooking, and cosmetology.
2. The beneficial properties of tea are used to treat and prevent nervous disorders, stress, depression, and neuroses.
3. The oil is used for external use as a component of cosmetic products for skin and hair.
4. The spice interferes with the absorption of iron and iodine, so the drug should be used carefully.

Lavender is an unusual and quite rare guest in the gardens of the middle zone and Russia in general. Its homeland is considered to be the Mediterranean coast, the climate of which is somewhat different from the Russian one. A real decoration of the garden will be lavender grown independently from seeds - accustomed to the harsh Russian climate, the plant will delight the gardener with lush flowering and an exciting clean aroma for many years.

Lavender is common in the highlands of the Alps. There, as in most Russian regions, there are cold winters and dry summers. This is what gave reason to believe that this modest fragrant flower may well take root not only in the Crimea and the Caucasus, but even in the Moscow region, Siberia and the Urals.

To grow lavender from seeds on your site, you should choose varieties that are resistant to frosty winters. These include plants belonging to the subgroup

• Munstrread;
• Voznesenskaya 34;
• Lublinskaya Semko;
• Royal Blue;
• Felice;
• Crimean;
• Isis

If these varieties are grown from seeds, the fragrant flowers grow without shelter for many years, and they are not afraid of long winters. Moreover, sowing lavender seeds is considered the most productive method of plant propagation.

The best conditions for growing lavender

Next, you should pay attention to studying the question of how to plant lavender seeds and care for seedlings. Any non-compliance with the plant’s requirements for light, humidity and temperature can lead to the death of the plants even before planting in the ground. Strict adherence to the rules described below will help you avoid such mistakes.

Where to start - preparing seeds for sowing

In nature, lavender seeds undergo special preparation by humidity and temperature. They form and ripen in late August or early September, and then fall to the soil surface. Autumn rains “draw” them to a shallow depth, where they remain throughout the winter. Low temperatures contribute to the destruction of the dense shell of the seed and the awakening of vitality in it.

It is this principle that should be used when preparing lavender seeds for sowing. Gardeners call it “stratification.” You need to start preparing in the fall, immediately after collecting or purchasing the variety you like. To do this, the seeds are mixed with slightly moistened sand, poured into convenient containers with a tight lid and placed in the vegetable section of the refrigerator. Stratification of lavender seeds lasts for at least 2 months.

During this time, the seed shell will become thinner, and the tiny sprout of the future lavender will gain strength and harden inside another whole seed. This will strengthen the plant’s natural immunity - it will easily tolerate short-term cold snaps after germination.

During stratification, the container with seeds must be periodically removed from the refrigerator and ventilated - open the lid, periodically moisten the sand.

Video “Lavender from seeds - secrets of growing”

Sowing seeds - timing and methodology

In order to obtain quality lavender seedlings from seeds at home, it is important to sow them on time. If you do this too late, the young plants will not have time to grow stronger and will freeze. If you sow early, the lavender will outgrow, and after planting in the beds it will “sore” for a long time, which can also lead to its freezing in the first winter.

Lavender seeds

In order not to make a mistake and choose the right time for sowing seeds, you need to check the calendar or remember when warm weather sets in in the region where lavender will be grown. Then 8-12 weeks are taken away from this period - this is how long it takes for the seeds to germinate and the formation of real leaves in lavender.

Example: if warmth sets in at the beginning of May, seeds should be sown in mid-February.

The container in which the seeds will germinate must be wide and shallow. Moisture will accumulate in bowls that are too deep, which is detrimental to lavender. It is advisable to equip the bottom with drainage holes. The soil selected is loose, with a high content of sand and peat. Such soil retains enough moisture for seed germination, but does not retain water and does not turn sour.

The treated seeds are laid out on the soil surface, sprayed with water from a fine spray bottle, and then sprinkled with a thin layer of sifted soil. It is important not to compact the top layer of soil, since lavender can only be grown from seeds if they receive light.

Until the seedlings emerge, the tray with seedlings should be kept in a bright place with a temperature of at least 21 degrees.

The soil needs to be moistened from time to time using a sprayer in the morning. In this case, you need to make sure that the soil does not get wet. Only the top layer of soil should be slightly damp! The first seedlings appear relatively late, about 4 weeks after sowing.

Direct planting of seeds in open ground in northern latitudes is not carried out. Seeds often do not germinate or die immediately after sprouting. Experienced gardeners recommend planting lavender before winter only in southern regions with mild winters.

Video “Lavender from seeds - growing seedlings”

Seedling care

Young lavender seedlings from seeds should be in a warm and very bright place. The temperature should be at 19-23 degrees. Natural or artificial light (special phytolamps should be used) should illuminate young seedlings for at least 8 hours daily. Under such conditions, the stem will not stretch, and the plant will form stronger.

Until the real leaves appear, lavender seedlings should be kept in bright light at a temperature of 18-22 degrees. It should be watered carefully so as not to create favorable conditions for the development of fungi. Seedlings do not need shading, since in the absence of sun, fungi and mold may appear. Lavender itself tolerates bright sunlight well.

When 2-3 true leaves appear, the seedlings need to be transplanted into individual pots with a diameter of about 5-7 cm. The soil for plants should be made up of equal parts of turf and leaf soil, peat, and coarse sand. If necessary, you can add perlite granules and coconut fiber.

You need to replant plants like this:

• Fill the new container 2/3 full with soil and make a hole in the middle.
• Carefully remove the lavender sprout from the tray with a lump of soil.
• Place the plant in the pot so that the roots take a vertical position. There should be no bends!
• Gently pour water over the roots to completely straighten them.
• Cover the roots of the plant and part of the stem with soil. It is important to ensure that the central bud remains on the surface.

The soil must be compacted carefully, without excessive pressure. Next, the plant is watered with a small amount of water, exposed to light, and the temperature is maintained at 15-20 degrees.

Growing lavender seedlings require care in the form of periodic feeding. It is advisable to periodically water it with a weak solution of mineral fertilizers for flowers. This should be done after watering. A good option is to fertilize the soil directly with slow-soluble granular fertilizers. However, you need to be extremely careful with them. If there is an excess of nutrients, lavender roots run the risk of severe burns.

You need to water lavender seedlings after the clod of soil has dried out!

Transplantation to a permanent place

A place to plant lavender must be chosen in advance. It should be elevated, open to the sun and wind. In spring, autumn and during rain, water should not stand on the site - it is destructive for lavender. It is recommended to grow the plant on slightly acidified soils, so it is worth fertilizing the bed with compost, peat, a small amount of lime (for high pH levels) or pine needles (for low acidity levels).

Advice! Before planting lavender seedlings outdoors, it is worth taking them out into the air for hardening for two weeks in a row.

The planting bed should be as loose as possible. You can loosen it in the fall, and then repeat the digging in the spring. For each plant you need to dig a separate hole. Its depth should be the same as the height of the pot with seedlings. The distance between them should be 26-35 cm.

Lavender needs to be removed from the pot with a lump of earth. To prevent it from collapsing, you should not water the seedlings the day before. The seedlings are placed in a garden bed and covered with soil. Then the plant is watered from a watering can with a fine mesh so that the water does not erode the soil.

Young plants should not be allowed to bloom. It is recommended to cut off flower stalks with buds. Closer to autumn, cut off all the stems, leaving a third of their height. Only in the second year after planting, when the lavender has finally become stronger, can it be given complete freedom. Until autumn, you need to keep the garden bed clean, remove weeds, and water the plants during dry periods.

If the soil has been filled with compost, the plants do not need fertilizing for the first year.

With the onset of the first frost, the lavender is cut off and covered with spruce branches and oak leaves. It is not recommended to use film and other airtight materials, as the bushes can get in the way under them. In the spring, after the snow melts, the shelter is removed. It is important to remember that lavender germinates later than other plants. If leaves do not appear on the surface of the earth after it thaws, you just need to wait.

Charming and fragrant lavender, the cultivation of which many gardeners consider too difficult, may well become a decoration for flower beds in the middle zone. With due diligence, this flower will grow in one place for at least 15 years. Growing lavender from seeds is no more difficult than other flowering crops. To do this, you just need to follow a few rules: plant it in a bright and dry place, do not feed it with fertilizers.

A beautiful shrub that pleases the eye and enchants with the aroma of fragrant flowers is lavender. This is not only an ornamental plant, but also a medicinal one. Essential oils obtained from lavender are used in medicine. Aromatherapy performed with them helps get rid of headaches and insomnia. It’s not for nothing that this plant is considered the queen of aromatherapy. The decoction is used for washing and bathing. Lavender, which requires certain skills to plant and care for, grows well at home. Let's look at this issue in more detail.

Some facts

What are lavenders? Planting and caring for this plant are carried out with special care. But first of all, you need to know some of its features. Lavender is a perennial ornamental evergreen plant that has medicinal properties. It can be called short-growing, since the height of the stem does not exceed 60-80 centimeters. Therefore, the plant is often used to organize garden borders. Lavender has narrow leaves and small flowers that form in inflorescences. The photo below demonstrates the charming appearance of the area near the house, landscaped with the help of the “queen of aromatherapy.” As you know, lavender is famous for its lilac-violet flowers. More precisely, their color is called lavender, by analogy with the plant itself. One cannot help but mention the aroma that flowers exude. Lavender, which is not easy to plant and care for, is widely used in perfumery and cosmetology.

Types of lavender

Like every plant, lavender has several varieties that are adapted for growing in different climatic zones. The most striking representatives of this subshrub can be called three species. English lavender (planting and caring for which is not much different from those of other representatives of the culture) is the most popular. It is successfully cultivated in many regions. French lavender has the most beautiful flowers, but does not have a very pronounced aroma. It is often bred for the purpose of decorating areas. Spanish lavender is a species that is widely used in perfumery, as the plant has a persistent fragrant aroma. Each of these representatives has its own subspecies, so it is simply impossible to list everything. Let’s better talk about what features the lavender flower has. Planting and caring for all types is almost identical.

Two main types of plant

There are two main types of plants: broad-leaved and narrow-leaved lavender. The first species is classified as a heat-loving subshrub. It is common in France and other areas of the planet with warm climates. This is a very fragrant plant. Therefore, broad-leaved lavender is used in perfumery, cosmetology, and medicine. In addition, a special varnish is made from it, used for painting porcelain. Lavender angustifolia is a cold-resistant species. Planting and caring for it are carried out in colder regions. This type is less aromatic, but more healing. It is widely used in medicine. Even in the temperate zone, angustifolia lavender grows. Planting and caring for it is carried out in order to obtain essential oil, which is used for the production of soap and shampoos. Its tinctures are a good antiseptic. The healing properties of lavender have been used for a very long time. This feature was originally the main one. Then people began to use it as a means to improve the aroma, and subsequently to decorate the garden.

Narrow-leaved lavender

This is the most popular type of plant and the one most often grown. Narrow-leaved lavender flowers have a pleasant aroma. They are collected in beautiful inflorescences in the form of long ears. Lavender angustifolia blooms profusely from July to August. This plant is winter-hardy. Its seeds remain viable for several seasons, provided they are stored in a hermetically sealed container. Garden lavender, the planting and care of which has been well studied in England, where the main varieties were bred, is used to create natural hedges of small height. There are species that have white, lilac-pink, bright blue and purple inflorescences.

Lavender hybrid, Dutch

This species is popular among gardeners. A large hybrid with narrow silvery leaves and long peduncles with large flowers. They very often bend under their own weight and bend towards the ground. This species blooms a little later than English lavender, around July. The flowers are white, dark and light purple. The plant is suitable for cultivation in regions with temperate climates.

Broadleaf French Lavender

This lavender, which is planted and cared for in the same way as in the case of other representatives of the species, differs from its relatives in its heat-loving nature and the presence of wide leaves. The plant is suitable for cultivation exclusively in regions with warm climates. This species is famous for its beautiful flowers of different shades. Unlike English hybrids, French lavender does not have a pronounced aroma. Its flowering begins in April or May and continues until July. However, at the end of summer this process may repeat. The most beautiful representative of the species is lavender with butterfly-shaped flowers.

Jagged Lavender

This beautiful plant loves warmth very much. Its homeland is the Mediterranean. Lavender got its name from its unusual silvery leaves, beautifully cut. It has large, magnificent flowers that exude a pleasant aroma. Flowering begins in July. The most popular variety has purple flowers. In our country, jagged lavender is quite difficult to grow due to the cold climate. However, you can plant it in pots.

Lavender "Normandy"

There is also annual lavender. Planting and caring for it consist of providing a sufficient amount of sunlight, loosening the soil, necessary watering and pruning dried inflorescences. There are no particular differences in the breeding of this species. The plant is characterized by rapid growth and the appearance of inflorescences within two months after sowing. Beautiful, silver-green stems and slightly dissected leaves are Lavender 'Normandy'. Planting and caring for this plant makes sense (if only because of the amazing fresh aroma of its flowers), so gardeners often choose this beauty as a decoration for paths.

Features of cultivation

Although lavender is an unpretentious plant, its cultivation requires certain skills. There is no need to create special soil conditions, since the flower can grow even in the poorest soil. However, the ground should be light. Dry areas where steppe crops grow are best suited for growing lavender. This plant is very suitable for decorating slopes and rock gardens. An English-style landscape is unthinkable without lavender. Plants with yellow inflorescences are perfect for its flowers. The combination of roses and lavender is generally considered a classic.

Propagation by seeds

One way to propagate lavender is to use seeds. It is better to purchase them from trusted sellers. Seeds require hardening before planting. To do this, they are mixed with wet sand and placed in a cold place, perhaps in a refrigerator, where the temperature is no more than 5 degrees. The hardening period is about 30-40 days. This process is desirable, but not required. Many gardeners do not practice it and still grow excellent seedlings. After hardening, it is necessary to plant the seeds in the soil to obtain sprouts (to a depth of 5 centimeters). Then the seedlings are planted in a flowerbed.

The ideal time for planting in open ground is early spring, as soon as the snow melts and the frosts end. Where does lavender like to grow? Planting and caring for it (whether you propagate the plant with seeds or in some other way is not important) are similar to the procedures described above. The plant loves sunny areas where there is excellent soil drainage and water does not stagnate. The distance between rows, if the goal is to collect medicinal raw materials, must be at least 40 centimeters, and between plants - at least 20 centimeters. If conditions are favorable, the lavender will grow into a lush mass. You can plant the plant both in pots and in flower beds.

Reproduction by stem layering

Another method of propagation is stem layering. It is simpler and does not require special skills. To do this, one of the branches is bent and covered with earth. You must put a weight on top that will press the branch and prevent it from rising. If conditions favorable for growth are met, the shoot will take root within a few months. Then it can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted to the right place. In order for the cuttings to take root, a humid and cool climate is necessary. You can also root woody cuttings and branches that sometimes break off from the plant. In the fall, you can simply plant them in the ground, and in the spring, under favorable conditions, a lavender bush will appear in its place, which will bloom in the summer. This method of reproduction is more preferable, but it all depends on the region of breeding. Sometimes English lavender varieties propagate by self-sowing. In autumn, the seeds fall to the ground and overwinter safely, and in the spring a young bush of the plant appears. It can be transplanted into a pot, and then, when it is firmly rooted, transferred to open ground in a flower bed.

Care

What conditions does lavender require? Planting and caring for this plant are activities that even a novice gardener can do. The most important thing is to choose the right variety and meet some requirements. You must remember that lavender only loves sunny areas. In the shade, the plant may slow down its growth and development. Lavender loves her haircut very much. In the fall you need to prune it, forming a bush. Be sure to remove inflorescences that have dried out. This way you can make a great border. It is necessary to periodically loosen the soil around the flowers. Hilling will also be useful, thanks to which new shoots will begin to form. Lavender does not like high humidity, so watering should be moderate. The plant is very resistant to diseases and pests. This makes it easier to care for. In winter, lavender is covered with spruce branches or other material that allows air to pass through well.

Afterword

Lavender is used not only for beautifying gardens and personal plots. Its extraordinary aroma can be preserved and used at home. In France, lavender sprigs are a mandatory component of bouquets that decorate the dining table. The plant can be dried and the aromatic mixture can be applied to woolen items. This is not only a pleasant smell, but also fights moths. Dried lavender is used to make herbal pads (sachets) and mixtures for aromatic baths. To collect raw materials, you must wait until the flowers are completely open. Then they are picked and dried in a dark and well-ventilated place.

Astrakhan tomatoes ripen remarkably well lying on the ground, but this experience should not be repeated in the Moscow region. Our tomatoes need support, support, garter. My neighbors use all sorts of stakes, tie-downs, loops, ready-made plant supports and mesh fencing. Each method of fixing a plant in a vertical position has its own advantages and “side effects”. I'll tell you how I place tomato bushes on trellises and what comes out of it.

Flies are a sign of unsanitary conditions and carriers of infectious diseases that are dangerous to both people and animals. People are constantly looking for ways to get rid of unpleasant insects. In this article we will talk about the Zlobny TED brand, which specializes in fly repellents and knows a lot about them. The manufacturer has developed a specialized line of products to get rid of flying insects anywhere quickly, safely and at no extra cost.

The summer months are the time for hydrangeas to bloom. This beautiful deciduous shrub produces luxuriously fragrant flowers from June to September. Florists readily use large inflorescences for wedding decorations and bouquets. To admire the beauty of a flowering hydrangea bush in your garden, you should take care of the proper conditions for it. Unfortunately, some hydrangeas do not bloom year after year, despite the care and efforts of gardeners. We will explain why this happens in the article.

Every summer resident knows that plants need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for full development. These are three main macronutrients, the deficiency of which significantly affects the appearance and yield of plants, and in advanced cases can lead to their death. But not everyone understands the importance of other macro- and microelements for plant health. And they are important not only in themselves, but also for the effective absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Garden strawberries, or strawberries, as we used to call them, are one of the early aromatic berries that summer generously gifts us with. How happy we are about this harvest! In order for the “berry boom” to repeat every year, we need to take care of the berry bushes in the summer (after the end of fruiting). The laying of flower buds, from which ovaries will form in the spring and berries in the summer, begins approximately 30 days after the end of fruiting.

Spicy pickled watermelon is a savory appetizer for fatty meat. Watermelons and watermelon rinds have been pickled since time immemorial, but this process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. According to my recipe, you can simply prepare pickled watermelon in 10 minutes, and by the evening the spicy appetizer will be ready. Watermelon marinated with spices and chili can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Be sure to keep the jar in the refrigerator, not only for the sake of safety - when chilled, this snack is simply licking your fingers!

Among the variety of species and hybrids of philodendrons, there are many plants, both gigantic and compact. But not a single species competes in unpretentiousness with the main modest one - the blushing philodendron. True, his modesty does not concern the appearance of the plant. Blushing stems and cuttings, huge leaves, long shoots, forming, although very large, but also a strikingly elegant silhouette, look very elegant. Philodendron blushing requires only one thing - at least minimal care.

Thick chickpea soup with vegetables and egg is a simple recipe for a hearty first course, inspired by oriental cuisine. Similar thick soups are prepared in India, Morocco, and Southeast Asian countries. The tone is set by spices and seasonings - garlic, chili, ginger and a bouquet of spicy spices, which can be assembled to your taste. It is better to fry vegetables and spices in clarified butter (ghee) or mix olive and butter in a pan; this, of course, is not the same, but it tastes similar.

Plum - well, who isn’t familiar with it?! She is loved by many gardeners. And all because it has an impressive list of varieties, surprises with excellent yields, pleases with its diversity in terms of ripening and a huge selection of color, shape and taste of fruits. Yes, in some places it feels better, in others it feels worse, but almost no summer resident gives up the pleasure of growing it on his plot. Today it can be found not only in the south, in the middle zone, but also in the Urals and Siberia.

Many ornamental and fruit crops, except drought-resistant ones, suffer from the scorching sun, and conifers in the winter-spring period suffer from sunlight, enhanced by reflection from the snow. In this article we will tell you about a unique product for protecting plants from sunburn and drought - Sunshet Agrosuccess. The problem is relevant for most regions of Russia. In February and early March, the sun's rays become more active, and the plants are not yet ready for new conditions.

“Every vegetable has its own time,” and every plant has its own optimal time for planting. Anyone who has dealt with planting is well aware that the hot season for planting is spring and autumn. This is due to several factors: in the spring the plants have not yet begun to grow rapidly, there is no sweltering heat and precipitation often falls. However, no matter how hard we try, circumstances often develop such that planting has to be carried out in the midst of summer.

Chili con carne translated from Spanish means chili with meat. This is a Texas and Mexican dish whose main ingredients are chili peppers and shredded beef. In addition to the main products there are onions, carrots, tomatoes, and beans. This red lentil chili recipe is delicious! The dish is fiery, scalding, very filling and amazingly tasty! You can make a big pot, put it in containers and freeze - you'll have a delicious dinner for a whole week.

Cucumber is one of the most favorite garden crops of our summer residents. However, not all and not always gardeners manage to get a really good harvest. And although growing cucumbers requires regular attention and care, there is a little secret that will significantly increase their yield. We are talking about pinching cucumbers. Why, how and when to pinch cucumbers, we will tell you in the article. An important point in the agricultural technology of cucumbers is their formation, or type of growth.

Now every gardener has the opportunity to grow absolutely environmentally friendly, healthy fruits and vegetables in their own garden. Atlant microbiological fertilizer will help with this. It contains helper bacteria that settle in the root system area and begin to work for the benefit of the plant, allowing it to actively grow, remain healthy and produce high yields. Typically, many microorganisms coexist around the root system of plants.

Summer is associated with beautiful flowers. Both in the garden and in the rooms you want to admire the luxurious inflorescences and touching flowers. And for this it is not at all necessary to use cut bouquets. The assortment of the best indoor plants includes many beautifully flowering species. In the summer, when they receive the brightest lighting and optimal daylight hours, they can outshine any bouquet. Short-lived or just annual crops also look like living bouquets.