Q. What can you tell me about growing lavender in Redding?
A. There are many, many varieties of lavender. All are well-adapted to a Mediterranean climate and most do well in Redding.
The types that do best here are the Spanish lavender (lavandula stoechas), the English lavender (lavandula angustifolia) and some of the crosses or hybrids.
Spanish lavender blooms profusely in the spring and does not have the same strong fragrance as English lavender. English lavender blooms in late spring/early summer and in some cases, may repeat bloom if cut back.
English lavender and some of the crosses are used for essential oils, cooking and fragrance of the flowers. The rule of thumb is the darker the color of the flower, the more intense the perfume.
Lavenders will thrive if you water them, and are drought tolerant if you don't. They like full sun and well drained soil. If you have heavy clay, consider growing them on raised mounds. They make attractive borders for pathways and sidewalks. Bees love them.
Prune flowering stems down to their newest leaves to shape the plant and encourage a second bloom. You can dry and freeze them for potpourri or wands, as a spice for meat or chicken, a clothes freshener or to soothe frazzled nerves.
Send questions for University of California/Shasta College Master Gardeners to email@example.com or call 242-2219. Find previous questions and answers at homegarden.redding.com.