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Lavender is a plant that is prized for its fragrance, medicinal uses, and its ability to attract pollinators to gardens. However, growing lavender can be a challenge for many gardeners. In this article, the key tips for successfully growing lavender will be discussed, including planting and placement, soil and planting conditions, cold climate lavender growing, use of mulch, harvesting lavender, and pruning tips.
By following these tips, gardeners can keep their lavender bushes healthy and happy year-round, whether they live in a warm or cold climate. Keep reading to learn more about how to grow and maintain lavender plants.
Key Takeaways
- Plant lavender in early spring or transplant a slightly larger size lavender if it is not early spring.
- Lavender prefers soil that is not overly rich in nutrients and drains well.
- Grow lavender in a container in colder climates and prune it twice a year to maintain its shape.
Planting and Placement
Choosing Your Lavender
When it comes to planting lavender, it is best to purchase a plant from a local nursery. This will ensure that the plant is healthy and ready to be transplanted. It is recommended to choose a lavender plant that is slightly larger in size if planting later in the year.
Best Time to Plant
The ideal time to plant lavender is in early spring when the ground is workable. This will give the plant enough time to establish its roots before the growing season begins. If planting later in the year, it is best to choose a larger size lavender plant that is more hardy and can withstand colder temperatures.
Spacing and Sunlight Requirements
Lavender plants should be spaced two to three feet apart from each other. It is important to place the plant in an area that receives at least 10 hours of direct sunlight per day. Lavender thrives in a dry soil, so it is important to choose an area with well-draining soil.
Overall, choosing the right lavender plant, planting at the right time, and providing adequate spacing and sunlight will ensure a healthy and thriving lavender plant.
Soil and Planting Conditions
Soil Composition
Lavender is a plant native to the Mediterranean region and prefers a soil that is not overly rich in nutrients. A somewhat poor or unimproved soil is sufficient for the plant, provided that it drains well. Clay or heavy soil can be amended by adding compost to help loosen up the soil.
Amending Heavy Soils
To amend heavy soils for planting lavender, it is recommended to add in organic matter such as compost instead of sand or perlite. This helps to improve soil drainage and loosen up the soil. In a container, it is important to be even more careful about watering, as it is easier to overwater lavender in a container. A pea gravel mulch can be used to give a uniform look to the surface without holding onto too much moisture in the soil.
By following these soil and planting conditions tips, gardeners can successfully grow lavender and enjoy its many benefits.
Cold Climate Lavender Growing
Container Gardening Advantages
For those who live in colder climates, growing lavender in a container provides flexibility and portability. It is essential to be cautious about watering the plant since it is easier to overwater in a container. During extreme weather conditions, such as intense rains or low temperatures, the container affords the ability to take the lavender indoors. Placing the container near a south-facing window with as much sun as possible is ideal. If necessary, supplementing it with a grow light can provide additional light. Storing the container indoors during the fall and winter is another option.
Indoor Care During Extreme Weather
During extreme weather conditions, such as intense rains or low temperatures, taking the lavender indoors is ideal. Placing the container near a south-facing window with as much sun as possible is essential. If necessary, supplementing it with a grow light can provide additional light. It is essential to be cautious about watering the plant since it is easier to overwater in a container.
Use of Mulch
Proper Mulching Techniques
Mulching is an important step in growing lavender. It is recommended to use a light coating of mulch to protect the layers of soil. However, lavender prefers not to have overly moist soil, so it is important to use a light layer of mulch. A heavy layer of mulch can hold onto too much moisture in the soil, which can harm the plant.
A good option for decorative mulch is pea gravel, which has a similar look to perlite but is heavier and more uniform. This will give a nice uniform look to the surface without holding onto too much moisture in the soil, especially in a container.
Proper mulching techniques can help maintain the health and growth of lavender plants.
Harvesting Lavender
Optimal Harvest Time
Lavender is typically harvested when the flowers are about 25% to 50% open. This is the ideal time to start harvesting. To harvest, one must come down and harvest right above the woodiness. The green growth should be taken off right above the woodiness. After harvesting, the lavender can be wrapped in bundles and hung to dry upside down for 10 to 14 days in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Harvesting Technique
To harvest lavender, one must come down and harvest right above the woodiness. The green growth should be taken off right above the woodiness. After harvesting, the lavender can be wrapped in bundles and hung to dry upside down for 10 to 14 days in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Additionally, while harvesting, it is a good time to get into the three bonus tips for pruning. Pruning is essential to keep shaping and maintaining the lavender for many years to come. A single lavender plant can be kept for a minimum of five years with good pruning. Reports suggest that people have been able to keep them for over 20 years with proper pruning.
The first pruning tip is to prune the lavender twice a year. Once after new growth starts to come out to manage and shape the growth for that year, and the second time is either mid-summer into late summer/early fall to cut it back and maintain it for the dormancy period and the season to come.
The second pruning tip is for those who live in a year-round growing climate. Pruning can be done three to four times a year to maintain a healthy and vigorously growing lavender.
The third pruning tip is to locate the woody growth and not prune below it. One should look for woody growth where the woody growth starts and not prune below that. This will manicure the plant without hindering its growth.
With these tips, one should be able to keep a lavender bush alive and looking healthy and happy year-round no matter where they live.
Pruning Tips
Pruning Schedule
To maintain healthy and vigorous growth of lavender, it is recommended to prune it twice a year. The first pruning should be done after new growth starts to come out, to shape and manage the growth for that year. This can be done in conjunction with harvesting. The second pruning should be done in mid-summer to early fall to cut it back and maintain it for the dormancy period and the next growing season.
Pruning in Year-Round Climates
For those living in a year-round growing climate, pruning can be done three to four times a year to manicure and shape a healthy and vigorously growing lavender bush. This will help maintain its shape and promote new growth.
Where to Prune
When pruning lavender, it is important to look for woody growth and avoid pruning below that point. Pruning should be done above the woody section to avoid hindering the growth. It is recommended to locate the offshoots and prune them to manicure the plant without cutting below the woody section.
By following these pruning tips, lavender bushes can be kept alive and looking healthy year-round in any climate.