Lavender oil imported from France and New Zealand is used in the cosmetics and fragrance industry. The main prerequisites for growing Mediterranean herbs are an abundance of sunshine and protection from frost damage. There are also preferred soil types. Lavender, a small evergreen shrubby perennial, must be propagated from cuttings for commercial production. Many cultivars are not winter hardy, and some exhibit poor rooting ability, limiting vegetative propagation and thus economic development.
Essential oil is distilled from the flowers for the highest quality products.
Flower buds are harvested on dry, warm, sunny days when flowers are about 50 percent in bloom. This cultivar is ideal for California production. For example, 'Hidcote' is L. angustifolia , while 'Giant Hidcote' is L. x intermedia . Cultivars used for landscaping usually differ from those appropriate for industrial applications. Lavender blossoms may be used as garnishes or added to salads, dressings, jellies, wine, and soft drinks.