English Tall Lavender is a classic cultivar of Lavandula angustifolia, the most widely grown lavender species, selected specifically for its generous height of 24 to 36 inches. This herb reaches the skyline compared to dwarf varieties, offering substantial flowers and foliage for cutting, drying, and garden presence. Its aromatic spires of purple-blue flowers are the hallmark of traditional lavender gardens, and this tall form commands attention in borders and herb beds alike.
Full Sun
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5-9
36in H x ?in W
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At two to three feet tall, this cultivar towers above most compact lavender varieties, giving you dramatic flower spikes for cutting and drying. The plant thrives in full sun and demands well-drained soil, rewarding you with prolific blooms throughout the season when conditions are right. Its height makes it exceptional for creating layered garden designs and for harvesting substantial bundles of fragrant flowers without constantly bending.
English Tall Lavender is grown primarily for its flowers, which are dried and used in sachets, culinary applications, teas, and perfumery. The long stems are ideal for fresh or dried arrangements, and the flowers can be stripped from the stems for infusions, baking, honey making, and craft projects. The essential oil within the flowers makes this variety especially valuable for extracting fragrance for personal care products and home remedies.
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Start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your average last frost date. Sow seeds on the surface or press lightly into the soil, covering no more than 1/8 inch deep. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the average last frost date has passed.
Transplant seedlings into the garden after your average last frost date. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to accommodate mature height and width. Handle carefully as lavender develops a deep taproot and does not enjoy root disturbance.
You can sow English Tall Lavender directly outdoors 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, as soon as soil can be worked. Late fall direct sowing also works in any climate.
Harvest lavender flowers when they are just beginning to open, ideally in the morning after dew has dried. The flowers reach peak fragrance and color at this stage. Cut entire flower spikes with 8 to 12 inches of stem using sharp scissors or pruners. Tie bundles loosely and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. Flowers are fully dry within two to three weeks and can then be stripped from stems for storage or use.
Prune English Tall Lavender after flowering ends in late summer or early fall, cutting back stems to remove spent flowers and encourage compact, bushy growth for the following season. Remove no more than one-third of the plant's total foliage in a single pruning to avoid shocking the plant. Avoid cutting into bare woody stems as lavender regenerates slowly from old wood; always leave some green growth on each stem. Do not prune in late fall or winter, as this can expose tender new growth to frost damage.
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