How To Grow Lavender

Written by: Lars Nyman

Growing Lavender

Growing Lavender

Lavender is a flowering shrub in the mint family, with fragrant flowers and foliage. It is a popular aromatic herb used in many forms of traditional medicine, cooking, and cosmetics. The essential oil is said to have calming, healing, and antiseptic properties, and is used in a variety of ways in herbal remedies. The plant has also been used by perfumers since antiquity due to its strong and pleasant aroma. Lavender is found in many parts of the world, with a wide range of plants and cultivars available.

Lavender Growing Cheatsheet

Choose the Right Location

🌞 Full sun exposure

πŸ’§ Well-draining soil

Planting

🌱 Start from seed or transplant

πŸ“ Space plants 12-18 inches apart

Watering

🚿 Water deeply but infrequently

πŸ’§ Once a week in hot weather

Pruning

βœ‚οΈ Trim after flowering

🌿 Prune to 1/3 height

Harvesting

βœ‚οΈ Cut when flowers are in bud

🌸 Harvest early morning

Uses

πŸ’†β€β™€οΈ Essential oils for relaxation

🍡 Culinary ingredient in teas and dishes

🌸 Dried flowers for decorative purposes

Health Benefits

🌑️ Reduces anxiety & stress levels

🀧 Relieves headaches & migraines

πŸ’€ Promotes restful sleep

Sustainability

πŸ’š Attracts pollinators to your garden

🐝 Supports the bee population

🌍 Low water requirements

Growing Lavender: Tips and Tricks from an Experienced Gardener

It’s no secret that lavender is one of the most beloved plants among gardeners. Its beautiful purple flowers, delicate scent, and versatile uses make it a favorite choice for many. But how exactly do you grow lavender successfully? In this blog post, I will share with you the knowledge and insights I have gained as an experienced gardener. So, if you're ready to learn the secrets of growing lavender, let's get started!

Choosing the Right Variety

First things first, when it comes to growing lavender, it's important to choose the right variety for your garden. There are many different types of lavender, each with its own growth habits, preferred climate, and uses. Some popular varieties include English lavender, French lavender, and Spanish lavender. Consider factors such as your climate, soil type, and intended use of the lavender when selecting the variety that's right for you.

Once you have chosen the variety of lavender that suits your needs, it's time to move on to the next step: preparing the soil.

Preparing the Soil

Lavender thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline pH. Before planting, it's important to prepare the soil properly. Start by removing any weeds or grass from the planting area. Lavender prefers soil that is light, sandy, and low in organic matter. To improve drainage, you can add some coarse sand or gravel to the soil. Additionally, if your soil is acidic, you may need to amend it with some agricultural lime to raise the pH level. Remember, lavender doesn't like to have its feet wet, so it's crucial to have well-draining soil for successful growth.

With the soil prepared, it's time to move on to planting the lavender.

Planting Lavender

When it comes to planting lavender, spacing is key. Be sure to give each plant enough room to grow and spread. Generally, lavender plants should be spaced around 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and place the lavender in the hole. Gently backfill the hole with soil, firming it around the plant. Avoid burying the crown of the plant, as this can lead to rotting. Give the lavender a good watering after planting to help settle the soil.

Now that your lavender is in the ground, let's talk about caring for your plants.

Caring for Lavender

Lavender is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it still requires some care to ensure healthy growth. One of the most important things to remember is not to overwater lavender. These plants are drought-tolerant and can suffer if their roots are constantly wet. Water lavender deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Additionally, it's a good idea to mulch around the plants to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning is also essential to keep lavender plants compact and encourage blooming. After the first blooming period, trim off the spent flowers and cut back any woody growth to promote new growth.

Now that you know the basics of growing lavender, let's explore some additional tips to help you succeed.

Additional Tips for Growing Lavender

  1. Choose a sunny location for your lavender plants, as they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and blooming.
  2. If you live in a colder climate, consider growing lavender in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter months.
  3. Harvest lavender flowers when they are in full bloom for the best scent and flavor. Simply cut the stems just above the leaves and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place to dry.
  4. Attract beneficial pollinators and ward off pests by planting lavender alongside other companion plants such as rosemary, thyme, and marigolds.

With these tips and tricks, you are now equipped with the knowledge needed to grow lavender successfully in your garden. Remember, patience is key when it comes to gardening, and don't be afraid to experiment and learn from your experiences. Happy gardening!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I plant lavender?

Plant lavender in the spring after the last frost or in early fall.

2. Where should I plant lavender?

Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.

3. How often should I water lavender?

Water lavender deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry between watering.

4. How do I prune lavender?

Prune lavender in early spring to promote a bushy and compact shape. Trim one-third of the plant.

5. How can I prevent lavender from dying in winter?

Protect lavender from winter moisture by planting it in raised beds or containers. Mulch around the base to insulate roots.

6. Can lavender be grown indoors?

Yes, you can grow lavender indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights. Ensure good air circulation.

7. How often should I fertilize lavender?

Fertilize lavender once a year in early spring with a low-nitrogen, organic fertilizer.

8. Are there any pests or diseases that affect lavender?

Lavender is generally resistant to pests and diseases. Watch out for aphids and root rot in poorly drained soil.

Lavender is a great herb to add to any garden for its numerous health and therapeutic benefits. Lavender has powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which make it helpful in treating skin irritation and wounds. It has also been used to ease anxiety, insomnia, depression and stress. Moreover, lavender is an aesthetically pleasing plant with a pleasant smell that many find pleasant to have around the home. consequently, growing lavender can be a rewarding experience as well as a great natural remedy.

Want to know more about Growing Lavender? Check out these posts:

You might also like:

Your perfect garden awaits!

Launch your garden