No, Hidcote Blue lavender is not edible. Lavender is generally safe to handle and use for medicinal purposes, as long as it is grown pesticide-free. However, Hidcote Blue lavender specifically has been toxicologically tested for use and it found to be not suitable for internal use.
This does not mean it cannot be used at all – the flowers are edible and can be used to enhance the look of cakes and desserts, however it is not recommended to be ingested.
What kind of lavender is used for cooking?
Most culinary lavender is derived from the English species of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). This species produces a more subtle, sweet flavor with less of the terpentine-like aroma of other types of lavender, making it better suited for cooking.
When selecting lavender for cooking, choose carefully as some varieties can be quite strong. English lavender is your best bet for using lavender in cooking dishes. It is also referred to as “true” or “sweet” lavender and is believed to be the original species of lavender.
Can I use any lavender for cooking?
No, you cannot use any lavender for cooking. Generally, culinary-grade lavender should be specifically used for cooking. This type of lavender is labeled as “culinary lavender” and can usually be found in gourmet food stores or online.
Lavender sold in craft and hobby stores, or outdoors (as lavender plants) should not be used for culinary purposes, as the flavor and aroma of lavender used in crafts and gardening can be very different than edible lavender.
Additionally, it may not have been grown in a manner that ensures its safety for human ingestion. If you are looking to use lavender in the kitchen, make sure that you are purchasing a culinary-grade variety from a reputable provider.
Is any lavender not edible?
Yes, not all lavender is edible. The edible variety of lavender is known as Lavandula angustifolia and it is characterized by its deep purple color, fragrant aroma and sweet, sometimes lemony flavor.
This type of lavender is generally used to flavor desserts, teas, and other dishes. On the other hand, other varieties of lavender such as Lavandula x intermedia are not considered edible and may cause skin irritation if used for culinary purposes.
In addition, other varieties of lavender can also contain higher levels of camphor, which could potentially cause stomach upset if consumed. For these reasons, it is important to look for the edible variety of lavender before consuming it.
Can you eat lavender from your garden?
Yes, you can eat lavender from your garden. Lavender is a popular edible flower used in recipes for salads, teas, jellies, dressings, and desserts. It has a light, sweet flavor that adds a unique flavor to food.
When consuming lavender from your garden, it is important to make sure that the plant has not been sprayed with any type of pesticide or chemical so as to avoid any potential contamination. Furthermore, you should only pick the flowers and leaves, as the stems can be slightly bitter in taste.
It’s best to use the flowers within a day of picking. If you do have to store them, keep them in a cool, dark place. Lastly, you should always consult a professional herbalist or other source to make sure the lavender you use is safe to consume.
Whats the difference between English and French lavender?
The main differences between English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) are their appearance, aroma, and the best use for their oils.
English lavender, which is also known as true lavender, is a shrub-like flowering plant with small, thin leaves and long, slender stemmed flowers. It has a strong, sweet scent which averagely lasts up to 10 years, and its essential oil is most often used for therapeutic, medicinal, and skincare purposes.
French lavender, also known as Spanish or topped lavender, is a shrub-like flowering plant with small, ferny leaves and large, heavily scented clusters of purple flowers. It has a pungent, candy-like aroma that lasts up to 7 years, and its essential oil is chiefly used in perfumery and to treat headaches.
Overall, English lavender is the more recognizable of the two and the most widely used in aromatherapy, but French lavender has a unique, pleasant scent that is often used in perfumery and cosmetics.
Is there a poisonous lavender?
No, lavender is not poisonous and is generally considered safe for humans and animals. Lavender has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries and is an excellent source of essential oils and antioxidants.
The oils of lavender have been used to treat headaches, insomnia, depression, stress, and to improve mood and relaxation. Lavender is also known for its skin-healing properties, and its aroma is said to relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep.
While lavender is not toxic or poisonous, it is important to note that ingesting high doses of lavender oil can be dangerous and should be avoided. Additionally, some people may be allergic to lavender and should take appropriate precautions when using lavender as a home remedy.
What species of lavender is edible?
There are several species of lavender that are considered edible, including:
• Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender): This is one of the most common and popular species of lavender, and its sweet scent and flavor make it very desirable in the kitchen.
• Lavandula stoechas (French lavender): This is a unique species of lavender with a more distinct flavor and aroma. It is commonly used for teas and savory dishes such as soups and meats.
• Lavandula latifolia (Spike lavender): This species of lavender has a somewhat bitter flavor, but it is still edible and is often used to flavor syrups, sauces, and stews.
• Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin): This is a hybrid species of lavender that was developed to be more resistant to cold temperatures. It has a very strong scent and flavor and is commonly used in sachets and potpourri.
• Lavandula multifida (Fern lavender): This species of lavender has a mild flavor and is often used to make herbal teas and desserts.
In addition to the five species listed above, there are many more varieties of edible lavender, including Spanish lavender, sweet lavender, and butterfly lavender. All of these have their own unique flavors and aromas, so experiment with them until you find something you like!.
How do I know what kind of lavender I have?
Identifying the type of lavender you have can be tricky, as there are a variety of species and hybrids that all look very similar. The best way to determine the type of lavender you have is by looking at its flower shape, size, and color, as well as its foliage.
If you are able to observe the flowers up close, take a look at the petal shape. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has pale purple to bluish-purple flowers with large, lightly-ruffled petals.
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) has dense flowers with distinct petal shapes and purple, yellow, or white color. French lavender (Lavandula dentata) has larger, loosely-arranged petals with a pinkish-purple hue.
The flowers and foliage of French lavender are larger than that of both English and Spanish lavender. English lavender has thin and narrow foliage while Spanish lavender has broader, fuzzy, and fragrant foliage.
The scent of lavender can also be an indicator of its type — English lavender has a sweet, floral scent while Spanish lavender has a strong, camphor-like scent.
It can also be helpful to compare your lavender to photos online, as well as consult a knowledgeable nursery or garden center.
Can you smoke lavender?
No, you cannot smoke lavender. Lavender is an herb that is typically used in teas, oils and soaps. Some people like to use lavender as a natural remedy for certain ailments, but it is not known to be safe to smoke.
Lavender also has a very strong scent, which can be unpleasant when smoked. Smoking lavender could also lead to side effects, such as a sore throat and irritation of the respiratory tract, so it is best to avoid smoking it.
Can we drink lavender tea?
Yes, you can drink lavender tea. Lavender is available in a variety of forms, including as an herbal tea. Lavender has a naturally pleasant taste and aroma, making it a popular choice for herbal teas.
Drinking lavender tea has been shown to have several health benefits, including calming anxiety and promoting sleep. It is also said to help reduce inflammation and ease digestive issues. However, it is important to note that consuming lavender can interact with other medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before drinking lavender tea, especially if you are taking other medications.
Additionally, it is best to avoid medicinal herbs if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
How do you take care of a Hidcote lavender plant?
Taking care of a Hidcote Lavender plant begins with providing the right location and soil composition. The plant thrives in full sun and requires well-draining soil and low levels of humidity. If possible, try to provide your plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the soil is kept evenly moist and never allowed to dry out.
When growing in areas with high humidity, it’s important to provide adequate ventilation and airflow to the area. Hidcote Lavender is quite adaptable when it comes to soil type, however, it’s important to provide a soil base that is rich in organic matter and has a pH of 6.5-7.
5. To help promote healthy plants, you should fertilize your lavender plants in the early spring and again in summer. Use a liquid fertilizer that is specifically formulated for flowers, such as a 10-5-5 or a 5-10-10 mixture.
When it comes time to prune your Hidcote Lavender, do so with care. The plant may be lightly trimmed throughout the season to help shape and control its growth. Heavy pruning is best done during the winter months when the plant is in a dormant phase.
Additionally, be sure to remove any dead or diseased growth.
In summary, taking care of a Hidcote Lavender plant involves selecting the right location and soil composition, providing the plant with adequate sunlight, making sure the soil stays evenly moist, providing adequate ventilation and airflow, fertilizing regularly, and properly pruning.
With the right care, your Hidcote Lavender plant will reward you with beautiful blooms for many years to come.
When should I prune my Hidcote lavender?
Pruning your Hidcote Lavender should be done in late winter or early spring. Ideally, pruning should be done just before new growth begins and is expected to occur around the same time as when your last frost of the season passes.
Depending on the climate you live in and the current season, this should typically occur somewhere between late February and early April.
When pruning your lavender, it’s important to make sure you use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid any potential damage. Be sure to prune your lavender plants back by about a third of their height in order to encourage new, healthy growth.
Try to avoid cutting back too much, as this can be detrimental to the health of your plants. Additionally, as you’re pruning your lavender, pay attention to any dead or damaged branches should be removed.
Once you’ve finished pruning, dispose of any trimmings away from the immediate area of the plants.
What happens if you don’t prune lavender?
If you do not prune your lavender, the plant can become overgrown and the blooms may become much less vibrant. Without pruning, the plant will not able to generate new growth, leading to a leggy, disordered, and unattractive look.
Additionally, an unpruned lavender plant may suffer from diseases, rot, and insect infestations due to lack of air circulation and inadequate stalks. The largest harm done by not pruning your lavender is that it can become less productive, resulting in fewer blooms that are of lower quality.
In order to ensure your lavender is healthy and looks its best, it is essential to prune it regularly.
Should I cut off dead lavender?
It depends on your goal. If you want more flowers, then yes, you should cut off dead lavender. Pruning dead flowers will help to encourage new growth and flowers in the future. By removing dead blooms, you are encouraging the lavender to put its energy into making more flowers.
Additionally, this will keep the plant looking healthy and attractive.
When pruning, be sure to cut at the base of the stems, near the plant’s crown. Cut down the stems to just above the first leaf bud that appears below the dead flower. And, be sure your pruning shears are clean and sharp and make your cut at a 45-degree angle.
This will help the plant to heal quickly and avoid potential diseases.
Overall, pruning dead lavender can be beneficial for encouraging new growth, but if your goal isn’t to have more flowers, then it might not be necessary.
Can lavender survive winter outside?
Yes, lavender can survive winter outdoors in many locations, although some species may need winter protection. Most lavender varieties are cold hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -20°F when mature.
However, young lavender plants may need protection from extreme cold and windy conditions, especially if grown in a container. Mulching lavender plants in cold climates can help insulate the soil and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
Avoiding heavy pruning of lavender plants in late summer and early fall can also help the plant survive the winter, as this encourages the plant to form woody stems and leaves that provide winter protection.
In areas with extremely cold winter temperatures, it may be advisable to bring potted lavender indoors or to use a cold frame or row cover to protect the plant during freezing temperatures.
How long does it take for Hidcote lavender to mature?
Hidcote lavender is a relatively slow growing plant, so it can take several years for it to reach maturity. Most varieties will reach maturity after approximately 3 years, although some may take longer.
When planting Hidcote lavender, it is best to give it plenty of time to establish itself in the soil. This includes providing plenty of shelter, water, and sunlight, as well as applying proper fertilizer during the summer months.
Once the lavender has become established, it will typically flower in its third year, and reach full maturity by five to six years old.