Blanco Lavender Festival - June 14 & 15, 2008 + 9 AM - 6 PM
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The History of Lavender in Blanco
The Lure of Lavender
Lavender Growing
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing, Planting, and Caring for Lavender
  • Look for plants in nurseries in 4" to 1-gallon containers
  • Most L. plants are started from cuttings taken from Mother plants
  • Plant lavender in a sunny place in well-drained soil (it is not too happy if it's too wet or humid)
  • Before planting, clear ground of weeds (small lavender plants cannot compete with aggressive weeds, and weeding after they are planted can be a huge hassle)
  • Set plants 24" - 36" apart (trust us, they will grow as big as 3' x 3', if they are happy)
  • Plants should be pruned every year, after blooming. Cut back not only the flower stem, but also about a third of the gray-leaved stems as well
  • After established, lavender rarely needs watering, unless in drought conditions
  • Water well until the soil is completely moist
  • Give it space for air circulation

Growing Lavender in Containers
  • Important considerations are size of container, adequate light, drainage, water, pruning and feeding
  • The container should be proportional to the size of the plant and rootball (equal or greater that top of plant)
  • Locate lavender containers in a sunny location (about 8 hr. a day)
  • Make sure there are adequate drainage holes in the container you select
  • Add an inch or two of gravel to the bottom of the container for adequate drainage, water and drying of soil between waterings
  • Water when the soil is dry (not daily watering) — not too wet, but not dried out either
  • Lavender likes to be repotted yearly, and this is a good time to mix a time-release fertilizer into the potting mix
  • Start your container with plants, not seeds

Harvesting Lavender Blooms
  • It takes about three years for a lavender to reach full size
  • Harvest when the bottom third of the flower spike is in bloom
  • Cut the flower stems during the cool of the morning
  • Keep harvested blooms out of the direct sun when drying, and again, make sure they are dry and warm, not humid (an attic, closet or shed
  • can work well)
  • When dry, rub the flower heads over a bowl to loosen them from the stem
  • Store buds in a glass container in a darkened place to keep them fresh

Using Lavender Essential Oils to Scent Your World
  • Add a few drops of lavender oil to oil lamps or lamp bulb ring.
  • Refresh sachets, lavender buds, potpourii with a drop of oil
  • Lavender oil may be used on burns, insect bites, nettle stings and cuts for relief and speedy healing
  • Add to vaporizer to battle colds, coughs and infections
  • Add a few drops to a hot bath, close the door and inhale the vapor for the ultimate relaxation experience
  • Lavender oil is wonderful for crafting, soaps, candles and lotions and colognes. However, use lavender flowers, rather than essential oil in food or drink
  • Calming, refreshing and relaxing
  • Repels moths

Blanco, Texas - The Lavender Capital of Texas
Presented by The Blanco Chamber of Commerce • 830-833-5101
Hosted and designed by Charles Willgren • www.willgren.com