Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is generally considered edible even when grown in containers.
However, the fact that it's in a container doesn't change its inherent flavor profile, which is the most important factor for culinary use.
Here's the breakdown:
-
Edibility is not affected by being in a container: The plant's chemical composition, including its camphor content, is determined by its species, not whether it's grown in the ground or a pot. So, a Spanish lavender plant in a container will have the same flavor characteristics as one grown in a garden bed.
-
Spanish Lavender's Flavor is Not Ideal for Most Culinary Uses: As discussed previously, Spanish lavender is high in camphor. This gives it a strong, often medicinal, piney, or bitter taste that is generally considered unpleasant for cooking and especially for baking. While it's not toxic, it won't provide the sweet, delicate floral notes that most people desire when cooking with lavender.
-
Container Growing Considerations for Spanish Lavender:
-
Drainage is Crucial: Like all lavenders, Spanish lavender needs excellent drainage, which is especially important in containers to prevent root rot.
-
Sunlight: It requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) to thrive, whether in a container or in the ground.
-
Winter Protection: If you live in a colder climate (below USDA Zone 8), you'll need to bring the container indoors for the winter, as Spanish lavender is not cold-hardy. This practical consideration (can it survive the winter?) is more relevant to container growing than its edibility.
-
In summary:
You can grow Spanish lavender in a container, and the plant itself is edible. However, regardless of being in a container, it is strongly advised against using Spanish lavender for most culinary applications due to its unpleasantly bitter and camphorous flavor.
For any cooking or baking with lavender, your best choice is always English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), regardless of whether it's grown in a container or in the ground. English lavender consistently provides the sweet, pleasant floral flavor that is desired in food.