I am quite new to the gardening scene. So new in fact, I have yet to plant a seed with my own two hands in the garden. So any advice would be greatly appreciated. This garden is located in Northern California in the Bay Area. The seeds I wish to plant are Lavandula Angustifolia. From what little I have read this plant is fragrant, deer resistant, and repels mosquitoes. The last part about repelling mosquitoes is the main reason I bought the seeds in the first place.

From what I have read, unfortunately, this plant needs a lot of sun, which I am not sure where I want to plant them will provide. My first question is how much sun is required, during the Summer months for this plant to survive? For mosquito repelling purposes, would one potted plant be enough to keep a 10' radius free of mosquitoes? Lastly, what advice would you give to get a seed to become a Lavandula Angustifolia plant?

Thank you for reading this comment. I very much look forward to reading your responses.

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In high heat and humidity summers and/or cold and wet winters (Z5b MA, US).

Excellent drainage is a must. A gravel compost will help keep the crown dry. Organic mulches should be avoided. Full Sun location is best. Alkaline soil preferred so we add lime in the fall. With our often heavy winter snows (by heavy I mean wet) I've found that longer branches often fall to the ground and retain that position come Spring. This leads to a rangy open shape. I've trimmed to about 8" in the Spring to "reshape". This Fall I trimmed some back to 12" in hopes the branches will retain their upright position. "Harvesting" blooms promotes additional bloom. This year we had bloom from late June through late August.

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One of the best lavenders for my zone. A reliable perennial here. Not fussy and relatively care-free if it has good drainage.

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English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or in Bulgariam just Лавандула is one of the favorite Bulgarian herbs.

It is grown as an essential oil plant mainly in the sub-Balkan fields, Northeastern and Eastern Bulgaria and in places in Western Bulgaria. It is widely cultivated in southern Europe.

Usable parts (herb); Lavender color (Flores Lavandulae); Lavender oil (Oleum lavandulae). Content: The fresh colors contain 0.5-1% essential oil, and freshly dried ~ 3%, 12% tanning substances, sugars, anthocyanins, waxes, organic acids, mineral salts, etc.

Lavender is used to stimulate digestion and as a spasmolytic agent. It can be used against moths in connection with its insecticidal action. The essential oil is used to alleviate neuralgic pain.

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Valuable source of nectar and pollen for honey bees.

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In the summer this bushy plant is covered in blossom and each flower stalk has multiple bees and butterflies.

If you love butterflies and honey then plant English lavender! It is easy to grow, drought tolerant and not picky about its soils. My soil is very light and stony and retains virtually no moisture but my lavender is abundant.

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