[ormondsview]

In the lavender patch today cutting the flowers down to a tidy bunch and bringing in the stems indoors for drying. I think the ones for sale in stores must have the florets painted purple because mine are greying out. It's about the only thing left that gives the bees some food so hate to cut it as not quite spent yet. Who knows though when the weather will turn.

Any ideas about where I might touch up with color and where would I buy it? Florists?


Uses in Fall
Apparently, lavender has to be chopped back to the wood at this time of year as it's a woody shrub and I want to shape it nicely. There are so many seeds that what I don't give away after filling all my own use, will put into attic for drying and seeds in the spring. Am making sachets for drawers. Anyone know who sells those tiny packets with a drawstring or make my own?

Augusta flora is the kind I have but want to go for the Spanish type. Will it do ok or is it touchy?[/b]

[Organicgrowingpains]

Hi, July is the time to cut your lavender when it is at its best colour.It should be cut on a dry and sunny day so mildew does not become a problem while drying
You can still leave some for the bees but pick the biggest and best for drying, cutting back now but not into the woody stems.
3 to 4 years are the best for lavender plants then replace.
You can buy those little sachets on ebay in bulk, and have a look in discount stores I have seen them for sale there also for wedding favours!

[member11809]

That is wrong. The fall or early spring is best time

[Sive]

I have always assumed that if I wanted to cut lavender to use in sachets etc, I would have to do that when it is frshly blooming, full of colour and perfume ( ie around July )....not when it has gone over, member11809. If you pick it in the autumn, most of the perfume has gone.
However if you are talking about pruning ( another topic entirely ) then obviously you prune in autumn or spring....I prefer to prune in the autumn.

[member11809]