Horti Tops® True Lavender

True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Beyond Sachets and Soaps

Lavender is best known for its fragrance in sachets and beauty products, but it has a long culinary tradition too. In Provence, lavender is an essential ingredient in the famous herb blend Herbes de Provence. Used correctly, lavender adds a sophisticated floral note to both savory and sweet dishes.

Cooking with Lavender

The golden rule: Use lavender sparingly. Too much and dishes taste like soap. Start with less than you think you need.

Lavender sugar: Bury lavender buds in sugar for 1-2 weeks. Use in shortbread, sugar cookies, or to rim cocktail glasses.

Lavender honey: Gently warm honey with lavender, let steep for an hour, strain. Drizzle on cheese, yogurt, or toast.

Herbes de Provence: Combine dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, savory, and a small amount of lavender. Use on grilled meats and vegetables.

Lavender shortbread: Add 1-2 teaspoons of culinary lavender to your favorite shortbread recipe. The floral note is subtle and sophisticated.

Aromatherapy Benefits

Lavender’s calming effect is well-documented in research. The scent reduces anxiety, lowers heart rate, and promotes restful sleep. Keep a sachet near your pillow, add a few drops of essential oil to a bath, or simply brush against the plant in your garden for an instant mood lift.

Growing Lavender

Lavender needs excellent drainage and full sun. It thrives in poor, alkaline soil – rich soil produces leggy growth with fewer flowers. In humid climates, choose varieties bred for disease resistance. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact shape and prevent woody, bare stems.

Growing True Lavender