Lavender, a fragrant perennial, is cherished for its aromatic blooms and ability to attract pollinators. With varieties like English, French, and Spanish lavender, each offers unique traits and colors. While it thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, lavender can be challenging to grow from seed. Proper care includes minimal watering and regular pruning to maintain its beauty.
- Common Names: English Lavender, Narrow-Leaved Lavender
- Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
- Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial, Shrub
- Plant Height: 1-3 feet
- Growing Difficulty: Medium
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9 (Find your hardiness zone here)
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Soil pH: Neutral to Alkaline
- Watering Frequency: Water once or twice a week
- Plant Spacing: 2-3 feet apart
Different Methods to Grow Lavender
Planting Young Plants or Cuttings
Purchase small starter plants or take softwood cuttings from existing lavender plants. This method is ideal for those who want quicker results and less hassle.
- Pros: Easier and faster to establish.
- Cons: May be more expensive than seeds.
Growing from Seeds
Start seeds indoors in late winter. Germination can take up to three months, and seedlings need to be overwintered indoors in cooler climates.
- Pros: Cost-effective.
- Cons: Difficult to germinate, requires a long time, and needs indoor overwintering.
Using Mulch
Apply rock or pea gravel mulch around the base of the plants to control weeds and retain moisture. Ensure the mulch is kept away from the plant's crown to prevent root rot.
- Pros: Helps with weed control and moisture management.
- Cons: Must be kept away from the crown to prevent root rot.
Ideal Soil and Location Requirements
Lavender thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. It requires full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure good air circulation to prevent humidity-related issues.
When to Plant Lavender
Plant lavender in spring after the soil has warmed to at least 60°F and the threat of frost has passed. Alternatively, plant in fall using larger, established plants to ensure winter survival. Avoid planting during frost periods to prevent damage to young plants.
Growing Lavender Outdoors
For home gardeners, the best method to grow lavender outdoors is by planting young plants or cuttings. This approach is easier and more reliable than growing from seeds, which can be challenging and time-consuming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grow lavender in your garden:
- Choose the right time. Plant lavender in the spring after the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C) and the threat of frost has passed.
- Select a sunny spot. Lavender needs full sun, so pick a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Prepare the soil. Ensure the soil is well-draining. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or aged manure to improve drainage.
- Space the plants. Plant lavender 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
- Plant the lavender. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of your young plant or cutting. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently firm it around the base.
- Water appropriately. Water the plants once or twice a week until they are established. After that, water mature plants every 2 to 3 weeks until buds form, then once or twice weekly until harvest.
- Mulch carefully. Apply rock or pea gravel mulch around the base of the plants to control weeds and retain moisture. Keep the mulch away from the plant's crown to prevent root rot.
- Prune regularly. In cooler climates, prune in spring when green leaves start to emerge. In warmer climates, prune in autumn. Remove about one-third of the top growth to keep the plant from becoming leggy.
Growing Lavender Indoors
Growing lavender indoors is possible and can be quite successful if done correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grow lavender indoors:
- Choose the right pot. Use a clay or terracotta pot with plenty of drainage holes to help wick moisture away from the soil.
- Use well-draining soil. Fill the pot with well-draining potting soil, preferably mixed with sand to improve drainage.
- Plant the lavender. Place the lavender plant in the pot, ensuring the root ball is just below the soil surface. Backfill with soil and gently firm it around the base.
- Place in a sunny spot. Position the pot in a south-facing window where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water sparingly. Water the plant regularly but sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the indoor dormant period, reduce watering frequency.
- Ensure good air circulation. Keep the plant in a well-ventilated area to prevent humidity-related issues.
- Repot when necessary. When roots grow out of the drainage holes or the soil level, repot the lavender into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
Lavender's fragrance is enhanced by alkaline or chalky soil, making it an excellent choice for gardens with these soil types. Additionally, its presence can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding both beauty and ecological benefits to your garden.
Caring for Lavender
- Watering: Once your lavender is established, water it sparingly. Mature plants should be watered every 2 to 3 weeks until buds form, then once or twice weekly until harvest. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil dries out between waterings.
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to keep your lavender healthy and prevent it from becoming leggy. In cooler climates, prune in spring when new growth appears. In warmer climates, prune in autumn. Remove about one-third of the top growth to maintain a compact shape.
- Pest Management: Lavender is generally pest-resistant, but it can occasionally be affected by aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. For aphids, a strong water spray or insecticidal soap can help. Whiteflies can be managed with yellow sticky traps, and spider mites can be controlled with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Harvesting: Harvest lavender in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated. Snip off stems when about half of the flower buds have opened. Gather the stems into bundles, secure them with rubber bands, and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place with good air circulation to dry.
- Fertilizing: Lavender thrives in poor soils and generally does not require fertilization. However, if you are growing new plants from cuttings, you can feed them with a 1/4-strength liquid plant fertilizer once a week. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can reduce the potency of the lavender's fragrance.
Common Challenges With Lavender
Lavender is a fairly easy plant to grow, especially if you provide the right conditions. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a resilient choice for many gardens. Once established, lavender is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance. In my experience, it's a joy to see how quickly it can fill a garden with its fragrant blooms and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
However, growing lavender does come with its challenges. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Ensuring good drainage is crucial. Additionally, lavender can struggle in high humidity and hot climates, which can cause the plant to wilt or develop leaf spot. Despite these challenges, with proper care and attention, lavender can be a rewarding addition to any garden.
Safety of Lavender for Pets
Lavender is toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested lavender, contact the ASPCA 24-hour hotline immediately for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lavender come back every year?
Yes, lavender is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back every year. With proper care, including pruning and protection from harsh winter conditions, lavender can thrive and bloom annually, providing beautiful and fragrant flowers season after season.
Can lavender stay out in the winter?
Lavender can stay out in the winter if you live in hardiness zones 5-9. In colder climates, provide winter protection by mulching around the base of the plant or bringing potted lavender indoors to prevent frost damage.
Do lavender plants repel insects?
Yes, lavender plants are known to repel insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and moths. The essential oils in lavender act as a natural insect repellent, making it a great addition to gardens and outdoor spaces where pest control is desired.
What should I do if my lavender plant's leaves turn yellow?
Yellow leaves on a lavender plant often indicate overwatering. Ensure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out between waterings. If the problem persists, consider repotting the plant in fresh, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
