Gros Bleu

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

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Breathe in the first rush of cool, resinous fragrance—Gros Bleu blooms with a bold, lavender-blue presence that feels almost velvety in the air.

Its aromatic flower spikes rise on sturdy, upright stems, offering a richly textured harvest of deep-toned blossoms that dry beautifully for long-lasting scent. Grow Gros Bleu for a perennial showpiece that perfumes the garden year after year, ideal for sachets, potpourri, and fragrant bundles.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 365 DaysHabit: Shrub

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Gros Bleu Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Apr 20th	Aug 10th	Aug 10th – Jul 15th
Zone 1b	Apr 6th	Jul 27th	Jul 27th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Mar 30th	Jul 20th	Jul 20th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Mar 20th	Jul 10th	Jul 10th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Mar 20th	Jul 10th	Jul 10th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Mar 24th	Jul 14th	Jul 14th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Mar 20th	Jul 10th	Jul 10th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Mar 18th	Jul 8th	Jul 8th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 13th	Jul 3rd	Jul 3rd – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 9th	Jun 29th	Jun 29th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 6th	Jun 26th	Jun 26th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Feb 28th	Jun 20th	Jun 20th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Feb 23rd	Jun 15th	Jun 15th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 13th	Jun 5th	Jun 5th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 4th	May 27th	May 27th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Jan 26th	May 18th	May 18th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 9th	May 1st	May 1st – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 15th	Apr 6th	Apr 6th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Feb 28th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Feb 28th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Feb 28th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Feb 28th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Feb 28th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Feb 28th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Feb 28th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Feb 28th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	365
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Edible lavender like Gros Bleu brings a cool, resinous floral perfume—use it like a spice, with a quick steep and restrained dosing so the camphor edge doesn’t take over. Best when dried and handled gently, it perfumes dairy, fruit, and chocolate with a delicate, aromatic lift rather than a sugary flavor punch.

Best Uses

dried-bloom infusions for custards and creams
lavender syrup or honey for spoonable desserts
short steeping in tea for a perfumed, brisk cup
ground dried buds in baked goods for a floral accent

Flavor Profile

cool resinous aroma soft floral sweetness camphor-like herbal edge slightly peppery finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon honey vanilla dark chocolate strawberry almond

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem most often affects Lavandula × intermedia (Gros Bleu), and how can I control it?

Lavender commonly suffers from root/crown rot when the soil stays wet—symptoms include sudden wilting and blackening at the base. Plant Gros Bleu in fast-draining soil, avoid overhead watering, and water only when the top 1–2 inches are dry; in severe cases, remove the affected plant parts and replant in fresh, well-drained mix. If you see a persistent issue, also thin crowded growth for better airflow to reduce fungal problems.

How often should I water Lavandula × intermedia during its main growing season?

During the main growing phase, water deeply only when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, then let it dry out again before the next watering. In hot summer conditions this may be roughly 1–2 times per week, but the key is soil dryness rather than a fixed schedule; avoid frequent light watering that keeps roots wet. Mulch sparingly and keep mulch pulled back from the crown to prevent moisture buildup.

How do I tell when Lavandula × intermedia (Gros Bleu) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the flower spikes are mostly formed and the buds are just starting to open—about 30–50% of the florets should be open for the best fragrance and color. Cut stems in the morning after dew dries, before the hottest part of the day, and avoid harvesting after the flowers fully turn brown. For long color, you can do a second light harvest after regrowth if plants stay healthy.