Gros Bleu

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

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

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 6b has only 174 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 365-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Milestone	Date
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Growing Approach	Protected Environment Only

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.

Gros Bleu

Planting Schedule

Crop Dates

Crop Details

Culinary Notes

Frequently Asked Questions