How To Grow Lavender
March 23, 2023
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.
Planting and Caring for Lavender
Planting
Lavender thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil. You should aim to plant it between 12 and 18 inches apart to allow it enough room to grow. It is best to plant lavender in the spring, after any danger of frost has passed.
Watering
Lavender is a very drought-tolerant plant and prefers sandy soil and minimal watering. Once it is fully established, it requires very little water, so only water it during prolonged dry spells.
Pruning
Pruning can encourage plenty of new growth and should be done after the lavender has bloomed and during the summer months. Prune away any dead stems, flower heads and foliage, and you can even prune away a third of the plant if it is looking too lanky or uneven.
Mulching
Mulching is beneficial to lavender, as it will help to reduce weeds, conserve soil moisture and improve soil structure. Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, taking care not to cover the stem so that the stem is allowed to properly dry off between waterings.
Lavender is an incredibly versatile and fragrant herb that is as beautiful to look at as it is calming to smell. Growing lavender is relatively easy once you know the basics of planting and care, and can provide you years of enjoyment in the garden.
Climate Requirements
Lavender thrives in warm, dry climates with lots of sun. If you live in a cooler climate, it is important to select a variety that is hardy enough to survive the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Lavender requires well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with a pH of about 7-8. Poor drainage can cause the roots to rot, so it is important to test the pH level before planting. Additionally, lavender prefers a light, sandy soil that is low in nutrients.
Watering & Fertilizing
Lavener needs very little water. Too much can lead to excess growth and disease. Water when soil is dry to the touch or when foliage begins to wilt. Avoid overwatering or over fertilizing as both will increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Pruning & Maintenance
Prune regularly to keep your lavender bush from becoming overgrown. Cut away dead and damaged branches, as well as branches that are growing too close together. Additionally, cut back all shoots four to five inches from the base of the plant each spring.
Harvesting & Drying
Lavener can be harvested for its aromatic flowers and foliage once it starts to bloom. Cut flower stalks before the plants start to set seed. Tie the stalks into bundles or hang them upside down in a dry, dark area. The harvested material is ready to be used when the leaves and stems are completely dry.
Growing Lavender is an incredibly rewarding endeavor that can provide you years of beauty, fragrance and calm. By understanding the climate and soil requirements, as well as regular watering, fertilizing, pruning, and harvesting, you can enjoy this lovely herb in your garden for years to come.
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.
