Vera Lavender, Heirloom Herb Seeds

Vera Lavender, Heirloom Herb Seeds — The Original English Lavender Species, Hardy to Zone 5, Intensely Fragrant, Versatile for Culinary, Medicinal, and Aromatic Use

Vera Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the original species of English lavender — the variety from which nearly all modern lavender cultivars are derived. Growing wild in the mountains of the Mediterranean for millennia, Vera is prized for its intensely fragrant violet-purple flower wands, silver-gray aromatic foliage, and exceptional hardiness among lavenders. One of the most versatile herbs in existence: used across thousands of years of human history for culinary, medicinal, cosmetic, aromatherapy, and decorative purposes. Flowers through mid-summer, attracting butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees, and hummingbirds in abundance. Hardy perennial in Zones 5–10. 100+ seeds per packet.

Why Grow Vera Lavender?

• The original English lavender species — fragrant, neat, and one of the hardiest lavenders available
• Intensely fragrant violet-purple flower wands — dry beautifully for sachets, arrangements, and gifts
• Thousands of years of culinary and medicinal use — one of the most versatile herbs in the garden
• Pollinator magnet — attracts butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees, and hummingbirds
• Drought tolerant once established — thrives in poor, well-drained soils
• Hardy perennial to Zone 5 — comes back year after year with minimal care
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

In the Kitchen

Use dried Vera Lavender flowers in baking — lavender shortbread, scones, and pound cakes are classic. Add to Herbes de Provence spice blends for roasted meats and vegetables. Infuse honey, cream, or simple syrup with dried flowers for cocktails, lemonade, and desserts. Brew as a calming herbal tea. Use sparingly — lavender is potent and a little goes a long way. Culinary use calls for Lavandula angustifolia specifically — Vera is the correct species for cooking.

Medicinal & Aromatic Uses

Lavender has been used medicinally for centuries to promote calm and relaxation, ease headaches, support sleep, and soothe minor skin irritations. Dried flowers fill sachets for drawers, pillows, and closets. Use fresh or dried in floral arrangements and wreaths. Distill for essential oil. The intense fragrance of Vera is considered among the finest of all lavenders for aromatherapy and cosmetic use.

Growing Notes

Surface sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost — seeds need light to germinate; do not cover. Cold stratify seeds in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for 2–4 weeks before sowing to significantly improve germination rates. Germination: 14–28 days at 65–70°F. Transplant outdoors after last frost in full sun and very well-drained soil — lavender hates wet roots. Space 12–18 inches apart. Drought tolerant once established — water sparingly. Prune lightly by one-third after flowering each year to maintain bushy, compact shape and prevent woodiness. Avoid cutting into old woody stems.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.