Grosso

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Breathe in the unmistakable, cool-sweet perfume of Grosso Lavender—an aromatic standout with long, richly colored flower spikes that hold their fragrance as they dry.

Expect a dense, upright habit with silvery foliage that feels softly velvety to the eye, and blossoms that deliver a concentrated, floral-lavender character. Grow Grosso for its showy, long-lasting blooms in the garden and for fragrant potpourri and sachets, or to scent your favorite homemade aromatic blends.

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)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Grosso’s strength is in its perfume—cool-sweet, floral, and stubbornly aromatic—so treat it like a spice rather than a herb and dose carefully. When you want lavender to read clearly (not muddied), it shines alongside honey, lemon, vanilla, and chocolate where sweetness and acidity keep it clean.

Best Uses

lightly flavoring custards and crème brûlée (use sparingly; the perfume can dominate)
stirring into honey or simple syrup for tea service and cake soaking
infusing whipped cream or butter for shortbread and scones
drying the flower spikes for small-batch sachet-style dessert infusions

Flavor Profile

cool, sweet lavender aroma concentrated floral-lavender character silky, slightly soapy floral finish

Kitchen Pairings

honey lemon dark chocolate vanilla almond baking cream

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Lavandula × intermedia (Grosso), and how do I manage it?

The most common problem is root rot from poorly drained soil, which shows up as sudden wilting, yellowing, and blackened roots. Water only when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, plant in fast-draining ground or raised beds, and avoid wet foliage. If plants decline despite good drainage, remove the affected stems/plant and replant in fresh, well-drained soil to prevent spreading.

How often should I water Grosso lavender during the main growing season?

During active growth, water deeply about once every 7–14 days, but only when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Grosso (Lavandula × intermedia) tolerates drought once established, so frequent light watering can keep roots too wet and increase rot risk. In hot, windy weather you may need the shorter end of that range; in cool or rainy periods, pause watering entirely.

How can I tell when Grosso lavender is ready to harvest?

Harvest when most flower spikes are in color but the lower florets haven’t opened fully—about when the buds on the spike start to swell and the first flowers begin to show. Use a gentle touch: the spikes should feel firm, not papery or dried out. For best fragrance, cut on a dry morning and harvest before full bloom for the most consistent oil-quality.

Grosso

Planting Schedule

Crop Dates

Crop Details

Culinary Notes

Frequently Asked Questions