Provence

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Aromas first—Provence Lavender rises with a calm, silvery perfume that feels like sun-warmed linen.

Its slender, upright flower spikes carry a refined, deep violet tone and a crisp, aromatic texture that holds beautifully when dried, making it a standout for fragrant bundles and sachets. Grow Provence for a long season of elegant blooms that lend unmistakable character to the garden and a lingering, floral-camphor essence to your home’s atmosphere.

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)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Lavender (Provence) is a high-aroma spice—use it like saffron, with restrained dosing, so it reads as sun-perfumed and not medicinal. Dried buds give the cleanest, most stable floral-camphor note, especially in dairy and sugar where it blooms instead of fading.

Best Uses

infuse milk or cream for custards and crème brûlée (strain well)
brew a gentle lavender tea and syrup for lemony desserts
season shortbread, honey cakes, and glacé fruit with tiny measured pinches
add dried buds to sugar for fragrant rim-sprinkles and whipped cream

Flavor Profile

concentrated floral aroma slender, slightly camphor-citrus edge dry, herbal finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon honey vanilla dark chocolate almond butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lavandula × intermedia (Provence), and how can I treat it?

Lavender (Lavandula × intermedia) is prone to root rot when soils stay wet, often first showing as wilting, gray-brown stems, and a rapid decline despite adequate sun. Improve drainage immediately (use a gritty mix and avoid standing water), cut back any dead stems, and water only after the soil surface dries; for heavy rot, remove affected plants to protect the rest of your lavender bed. Keep airflow high and don’t over-fertilize, since overly lush growth increases disease pressure.

How often should I water Provence lavender during the main growing phase?

During active growth, water deeply only when the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil has dried out, then let it dry again before the next watering. Provence lavender is drought-tolerant once established, so frequent “light” watering keeps roots too wet and raises root-rot risk. If you’re in containers, check more often—drying can be faster, but the goal is still the same: dry surface first, then soak, then dry.

How do I know when Provence lavender is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the flower spikes are mostly budded and just beginning to open—aim for about 30–60% of florets showing color, not fully open blooms. If you wait until all flowers are open, the stems lose fragrance sooner and the best quality for drying can drop. For best regrowth, cut the spikes with a small portion of green stem, leaving healthy foliage below (don’t cut into old woody parts).

Provence

Planting Schedule

Crop Dates

Crop Details

Culinary Notes

Frequently Asked Questions