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English Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'

A compact, hardy lavender variety that's perfect for beginners and produces fragrant purple flower spikes beloved by bees and butterflies. This drought-tolerant perennial offers the classic lavender fragrance that's perfect for sachets, cooking, and aromatherapy while forming neat, silvery-green mounds in the garden. Munstead is one of the most cold-hardy lavender varieties, making it suitable for northern climates.

Harvest

90-120d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

5–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-24 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for English Lavender in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 herb →

Zone Map

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English Lavender · Zones 5–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-drained, sandy or gravelly soil, poor to moderately fertile

pH6.5-7.5

WaterLow water needs once established, drought tolerant

SeasonPerennial, cool season planting

FlavorFloral, sweet, and slightly camphor-like with classic lavender aroma

ColorPurple flower spikes with silvery-green foliage

Size4-6 inch flower spikes

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
Zone 7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	—	May – December
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	—	April – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Fruits are non-ornamental nutlets.

Type: Capsule.

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh English Lavender stems can be stored in a cool, dry place for 3-5 days before processing. For immediate use, place cut stems in water like fresh flowers, though this reduces their drying potential. The most popular preservation method is air-drying: bundle 8-10 stems together with rubber bands and hang upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks until stems snap cleanly.

Once dried, strip flowers from stems by running your fingers against the grain. Store dried buds in airtight glass containers away from light, where they'll maintain potency for up to two years. For culinary use, freeze fresh flowers in ice cube trays with water for cocktails, or infuse fresh buds in honey or sugar for baking. Properly dried lavender can also be ground into powder for spice blends or sewn into sachets for natural pest deterrence in closets and drawers.

History & Origin

Origin: Mediterranean region France, Italy, Spain

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Drought, Dry Soil
+Attracts: Butterflies, Pollinators
+Low maintenance

Considerations

-Toxic (Flowers, Leaves, Stems): Low severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Rosemary

Similar growing conditions, both repel pests and attract beneficial insects

Thyme

Compatible Mediterranean herbs that deter cabbage worms and enhance each other's fragrance

Sage

Shared preference for well-drained soil and mutual pest deterrent properties

Oregano

Similar water and sunlight needs, both attract pollinators and repel ants

Cabbage

Lavender repels cabbage moths, flea beetles, and other brassica pests

Roses

Lavender deters aphids and ants while attracting beneficial insects to protect roses

Tomatoes

Lavender may repel whiteflies and improve tomato flavor while deterring mice

Marigolds

Both plants repel harmful insects and attract beneficial pollinators

Keep Apart

Mint

Aggressive spreader that can overwhelm lavender and prefers more moisture

Impatiens

Requires consistent moisture and shade, opposite of lavender's dry, sunny preferences

Hostas

Needs moist, shaded conditions that conflict with lavender's Mediterranean requirements

Nutrition Facts

Calories

23kcal(1%)

Protein

3.15g(6%)

Fiber

1.6g(6%)

Carbs

2.65g(1%)

Fat

0.64g(1%)

Vitamin C

18mg(20%)

Vitamin A

264mcg(29%)

Vitamin K

415mcg(346%)

Iron

3.17mg(18%)

Calcium

177mg(14%)

Potassium

295mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally disease resistant when grown in proper conditions with good drainage

Common Pests

Spittlebug, aphids, whiteflies (rarely problematic)

Diseases

Root rot in poorly drained soils, fungal issues in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does English lavender take to grow from seed?▼

English lavender takes 90-120 days from seed to small transplant, but won't produce significant flowers until the second year. Seeds need 3-4 weeks of cold stratification and germinate slowly. Most gardeners start with nursery plants or cuttings for faster results, as established plants will flower the same season when planted in spring.

Can you grow English lavender in pots?▼

Yes, English lavender thrives in containers with excellent drainage. Use a pot at least 12 inches wide with drainage holes, and fill with well-draining potting mix amended with sand or perlite. Terra cotta pots work best as they allow soil to dry between waterings. In cold climates, move containers to protected areas or wrap them for winter protection.

When should I plant English lavender?▼

Plant English lavender in spring after the last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 60°F. This gives plants a full growing season to establish before winter. In mild climates (zones 7-8), fall planting 6-8 weeks before first frost is also successful, allowing roots to establish during cool, moist weather.

Is English lavender good for beginners?▼

English lavender is excellent for beginners once you understand its basic needs: full sun, well-draining soil, and minimal water. The key is avoiding overwatering and heavy soils. Start with nursery plants rather than seeds for quicker success, and remember that less care (especially less water and fertilizer) often produces better results with lavender.

What does English lavender taste like?▼

English lavender has a sweet, floral flavor with subtle camphor notes and a slightly bitter finish. It's the mildest and most culinary-friendly of all lavender varieties. The taste is intensely aromatic and a little goes a long way - use sparingly in baking, teas, and seasoning blends as too much can make dishes taste soapy or medicinal.

English lavender vs French lavender - what's the difference?▼

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is more cold-hardy (zones 5-8), has better culinary quality, and produces more essential oils. French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) has distinctive pineapple-shaped flowers with colorful bracts but is less cold-tolerant (zones 8-10), has a more camphor-like scent, and isn't recommended for cooking. English lavender is better for northern climates and culinary use.