Lavandula dentata (French Lavender) is a flowering plant that is native to the dry, warmer climates of southern Europe, northern Africa and much of the Middle East. French Lavender is grown for its ornamental pale violet blooms and strong aromas. The plant is highly attractive to bees, is used in herbal teas and to create an essential oil.
Suitable for Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Lavandula dentata is also called Fringed Lavender and is a better choice for gardeners in warmer climates than its cousin, Lavandula angustifolia or English Lavender.
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Growth
Lavandula dentata is a flowering perennial that grows to a maximum height of 60cm (24 inches) by a width of 50cm (20 inches). French Lavender prefers a slightly warmer climate than English Lavender although it still tolerates an occasional light frost and temperatures down to -5°C/ 23°F.
As it is native to warmer climates, French Lavender can tolerate more direct sunlight and will grow quickly during Spring and Summer. In good conditions, plants can reach a flowering stage in around 12 months from sowing, although the second season is much more prolific.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5-30°C / 23-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm (20 inches)
pH:
7.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
11-12 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
55-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 20-25°C / 68-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Moderate.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 3000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT LAVANDULA DENTATA (French Lavender)
Lavandula dentata is native to most of the Mediterranean Basin which includes countries such as Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain and Croatia as well as northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula.
Along with Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender), French Lavender is one of several species that is used to produce the Lavender essential oil.
Aloomba Lavender Farm near Liston in Northern New South Wales grows eleven different varieties of Lavender as the farm effectively borders between both temperate and Sub-Tropical climates. As mentioned on the Aloomba Farm website, French Lavender is grown for its ability to flower for longer periods throughout the year.
Germination Instructions
HOW TO GROW LAVANDULA DENTATA (French Lavender)
Lavender is notoriously tricky to germinate because they have a deep dormancy which can result in lower germination rates. However, through our research and testing we hope that these instructions along with a little patience will assist you in getting the best results.
Step 1
Lavender seeds will often germinate without cold stratification, however; we have found that cold stratification can change alter germination rates from around 20% to as high as 60%. The length of time of the cold stratification seems to be key.
Mix the seeds with a small handful of moist propagating sand enough for them to be separated. The sand should be moist, if you can squeeze the water out of it, it is too wet. Place the seeds mixed with sand into a small airtight container and place into the crisper section of your fridge for 6 weeks. Much less or much more time seems to lower germination rates, so put a date on your calendar for 6 weeks. Check occasionally to be sure sand is staying moist.
Step 2
Sow the seeds onto the surface of a well-draining seed raising and propagating sand mix. Lavender seeds need light to germinate, so there is no need to cover them, but they will need gently pressing into the surface to obtain good contact with the medium.
If you feel the need to cover, you can use vermiculite as this will allow light penetration, however, still only use a very thin layer/sprinkle.
Moisten the soil mix with a spray bottle. We have found that germination results can be slightly better if the first watering is done with an organic Seaweed solution at a mix of 2ml per 1 litre of water. (The difference is around 5-8% so don’t panic if this is not possible)
Place seeds into a well-lit location that is out of direct harsh sun that will dry the medium out too quickly. Keep moist but NEVER wet during germination by using a mist spray bottle – remember that these plants are native to dry hot regions.
Ideal temperatures for germination are 20-24°C/68-75°F, if these temperatures cannot be provided in your climate or season a heat mat may be necessary.
Germination can begin as early as 2 weeks, but most will begin around the 3-4 week mark; continuing on for up to 3 months!
Step 3
Once seedlings are around 1 cm tall you can start to move them into a morning sun position for an hour to harden them off. Gradually increase the sunlight by an hour every few days over the next few weeks until they are coping well in a full sun that they prefer.
Step 4
Seedlings can be transplanted into their own small pot when they have 2-4 true leaves and are strong enough to handle. Be sure that the soil mixture has very good drainage.
During their first summer, while young seedlings you may need to move them back into a position of morning sun only or put them in a shaded structure of some type to protect their young leaves from hot Australian days.
French Lavender takes up to 12 months to flower depending on growth, growing time and climate. In some climates it may be 18 months or so before many blooms are present.
Feed with either a slow-release fertiliser or compost as flowering season begins.
