Lavender isn’t just a pretty plant; it’s a fragrant powerhouse. It has grey-green foliage and upright flower spikes that grow up to three feet tall. Its signature scent is a mix of spicy and calming notes, making it a garden favourite.
Plant lavender in spring once the frost is gone and the soil warms up. It grows at a steady pace, adding a few inches each year. But be careful, as this beauty can be toxic to pets.
How to Plant Lavender
Lavender grows slowly from seed, much like other herbs in the mint family. Buy plants from a local nursery or propagate them from cuttings for the best results. Once you know how to grow lavender, you can enjoy its fragrance for years.
When to Plant
Plant lavender in April or May when the soil warms up and frost is no longer a threat. This gives it the best start for steady growth and vibrant blooms.
Where to Plant
Plant lavender in your sunniest spot for the best results. Lavender plants adapt to different conditions but grow well in warm, well-draining soil and in full sun.
How To Plant
First, you need to prepare the soil. Start with well-draining soil. Dig over the planting area and remove weeds. If your soil is heavy, create a 20-30 cm (8 in-1 ft) mound, ridge, or raised bed to prevent waterlogging.
Planting lavender is easy and takes just a few minutes:
- Plant the lavender as soon as possible after purchase.
- Space plants 90 cm (3 ft) apart when growing in groups.
- For hedges, space plants 30 cm (1 ft) apart or 45 cm (18 in) for larger varieties.
- After planting, water regularly, especially during the first season and in dry weather.
Planting in Containers
Do you know how to grow lavender in containers? Yes, it’s possible! You can plant lavender in large containers (30-40 cm / 1 ft-16 in diameter). It’s a great option for patios and balconies.
- Choose a pot with large drainage holes.
- Use a multipurpose or loam-based compost.
- Mix coarse grit or perlite (25% by volume) for better drainage.
- Plant at the same depth as in its previous pot.
- Water well after planting, then once or twice a week in summer if the soil dries out.
How To Grow Lavender And Care For Them
Wondering how to grow lavender successfully? Start by planting it in a sunny spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight. Choose well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Water young plants until they establish, but once mature, lavender thrives with minimal watering since it’s drought-tolerant. Avoid fertilizing because lavender grows best in poor soils without extra nutrients.
Light
For successful growth, plant lavender in full sunlight. It will surely produce lots of buds and full bushes.
Soil
Start with well-draining soil. These plants prefer drier conditions, so if you use a traditional potting mix, add sand to improve drainage. An alkaline or chalky soil will support healthy growth and enhance lavender’s natural fragrance.
Water
Once mature, lavender requires little to no watering. This resilient plant is highly drought-tolerant and can thrive during dry spells. However, when you’re first starting lavender plants, make sure to water them regularly throughout their first growing season. After that, they can handle extended periods of drought. Overwatering can be harmful and lead to fungal diseases and root rot, so it’s best to let the soil dry out between waterings.
Temperature and Humidity
The key to successful lavender growth is protecting them from excess moisture from humidity. High humidity can lead to dampness, which is often more harmful than cold temperatures. Lavender is hardy in zones 5 through 9, and it can withstand various temperatures but struggles with damp conditions.
Also, ensure your lavender has plenty of space between plants for proper airflow, and always plant them in a sunny location.
Fertilizer
When planting lavender, add a handful of compost into the hole to give them a good start. However, beyond that, feeding is unnecessary and can detract from the natural potency of your lavender.
Propagating
It’s quite easy to propagate lavender plants. You can take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings from young plants in early to mid-summer. Another method is taking hardwood cuttings after flowering in late autumn, preferably from fresh new growth. By preparing the cuttings correctly and planting them in the right conditions, they will produce roots and eventually grow into independent plants.
Lavender grown from cuttings will be genetically identical to the parent plant. It ensures consistent quality and fragrance in your new lavender bushes.
