I asked this question on the shrubs forum but didn't get any reply so can anyone here tell when to move 2 large french lavendar plants. They have really gotten big and are taking over the small area I have then in. I don't want to lose them. Thanks Elaine
french lavendar
French lavender is tricky. Actually all the lavenders seem tricky here. You can move it now. It would prefer to be in a similar situation to where it is currently thriving. If you are concerned, pot it in large styrofoam planters for Winter and wait 'til Spring rains are over to plant out. I can only grow it in large pots, despite soil amendment though I grow other Mediterranean herbs well without effort. You should notice two or three levels of branching above the base. Cut it there beforehand. Do not wait as the cuts can heal before weather is too cold. I cut my pot full last week and am drying the cuts for lavender biscotti.
Thank you so much. I will do as you say and move it when the yard man comes. I didn't realize that it would spread so much. It is 3 ft wide and about 3 feet high. I have 2 of them and don't want to lose them. How do you dry the plants? I have never eaten lavender biscotti. Would you share the recipe? Elaine
Elaine, I'd be happy to share the recipe and will DMail you. Since it's an original recipe, that is used in my business, I like to see where it's going.
Laurel
Thank you and I will NOT share it with any one. I will share the end results however. Thank you and that is very kind of you. On the lavendar do I just cut it and hand in a dry place and let it dry. I will have a lot of it and will find some other uses for it. I've never dried any plants. New experience for a 70 year old. Never too old to learn I guess. Elaine
I've sent you the recipe and you are welcome to share it with anyone. I just like to pretend there are six degrees of separation and hang back with public posts. You are adventuresome and that has nothing to do with age.
I've hung herbs in a hot attic. If they've got flower heads, put some newspaper down to catch seeds for spring planting. Tie them, loosely, upside down, or just lay them out on paper towels. I love to cook with lavender. Some think lavender is just for perfumes, sachets, etc. but it's as versatile as rosemary. Lavender roast chicken. Lavender tea. Lavender salmon. Infuse honey or maple syrup for pancakes and waffles. Lavender and lemon vodka. I know I've used it many other ways, but they're not coming to me at the moment. Still, this is a start.
Laurel
mmmmmm, now I have to check and see if my Lavender is the same>> can you post a pic of your lavender, Elaine?
The other Elaine in Lizellla,,lol
I'll take a picture tomorrow and send it. E