Best Lavenders for Drying, Cooking, and Essential Oil

We all need to stop and smell the Lavender sometimes! In addition to their ornamental use in waterwise landscapes, Lavender plants can be harvested to take advantage of their amazing aromatherapeutic properties. Lavender's innumerable uses range from culinary to crafts. Imagine making flavored vinegars, jellies, baked goods and beverages. Craft fragrant and relaxing sachets, potpourri, candles, soaps, and cleaning supplies. Or, create a spa-like experience at home with essential oils of Lavender. Dried Lavender flowers can be used for sachets, wreaths, and wands. The possibilies are endless!

Records show Lavender has been in use for over 2,500 years, for bathing, medicine, cleansing, and even romance charms. Interested in the story of lovely Lavender's use over time? Learn More: A History Of Lavender

Best Lavender Cultivars For Lavender Oil

These recommendations are based on the weight yield of flowers per plant, fragrance, and oil content of flowers.

Best English Lavender for Essential Oil:

Best French Hybrid Lavender for Essential Oil:

Best Lavender Cultivars For Drying

Best English Lavender for Dried Flowers:

Best French Hybrid Lavender for Dried Flowers:

High Country Gardens customer Lenda F. harvesting Lavender!

Best Lavender Cultivars For Cooking

This is a very subjective recommendation as different cooks will have different opinions as to what tastes best. Many French hybrids have an overabundance of camphor-like scent to their oil which can be overpowering in a recipe. English varieties are typically favored for culinary use.

Best English Lavenders For Cooking:

Best French Hybrid cultivars:

'Gros Bleu' (the most like English, with a sweet, low-camphor component)

English Lavender is often the favorite for chefs or casual cooks, but taste preference is highly subjective.

Resources For Growing Lavender

Curious about choosing English, French Hybrid, and Spanish Lavender varieties? Learn More: Lavender Bliss - Exploring Lavender Varieties

Excited to plant your own Lavender plants? Watch and learn from our chief horticulturist, David Salman, in our helpful guide to growing Lavender. Learn More: How To Grow & Care For Lavender Plants