How to Grow Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' is a popular English lavender variety known for its dense, fragrant spikes and compact growth. Gardeners prize this herb for its enduring blooms, culinary uses, and ability to thrive in dry, sunny spots while repelling pests naturally.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote': indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' is not usually started indoors.
Direct sow seeds outdoors or start indoors starting 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date, then harden off seedlings gradually before moving them permanently.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 before sowing seeds. As a cool-season crop, start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date or direct sow outdoors during this same window. Press seeds gently into the soil surface without covering them deeply, as they require light for germination. Expect sprouts in 14 to 28 days under warm conditions.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and prevent fungal issues. Once established, water only moderately; this drought-tolerant herb prefers the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Apply a light layer of mulch to retain moisture but keep it away from the stems. Feed sparingly with low-nitrogen fertilizer if growth seems sluggish.
Watch for aphids, spittlebugs, and spider mites; treat infestations by spraying water or using insecticidal soap. Prevent root rot and fungal diseases by ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding overhead watering in humid weather. Harvest flower spikes when fully open but before seeds form, typically 90 to 120 days after sowing. Cut stems in the morning for best oil retention.
When to Plant Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
Companion Plants for Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
✓ Good companions
Complements lavender's deer resistance, attracts pollinators while repelling rodents and ants
Both attract beneficial pollinators and butterflies, share preference for well-draining soil
Similar growing conditions, attracts beneficial insects and provides natural pest deterrent properti…
Similar water and sun requirements, both repel insects and complement each other's Mediterranean gro…
Lavender repels aphids and other pests that commonly attack roses, while both prefer well-draining s…
Compatible Mediterranean herb with similar care needs, helps repel cabbage moths and carrot flies
Similar drought tolerance and low water needs, creates attractive textural contrast in garden design
Shares similar drought tolerance and soil preferences, both attract beneficial pollinators
✗ Keep away from
Needs shade and consistent moisture, opposite growing conditions from sun-loving, drought-tolerant l…
Requires frequent watering and rich, moist soil conditions that are detrimental to lavender's health
Aggressive spreading nature can overwhelm lavender, requires much more water than lavender prefers
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
