Tools and Materials
Steps on How to Grow Lavender
Growing lavender can be a rewarding experience. Here are steps on how to do it:
When to Plant Lavender
Lavender should be planted in the spring when the soil has warmed up and the frost has passed. Plant lavender in April or May for optimal growth.
Where to Plant
Lavenders thrive in an open site under complete sunlight. It copes well with many growing conditions but does best with ample sunlight, good air circulation and well-draining soil.
Lavender thrives in U. S. Climate Zones 5 – 9. Ensure that you check the USDA Hardiness Zone map so that it is good to be planted in your region.
How to Plant Lavender
Lavender can be grown from seeds as well as saplings.
How to Grow Lavender from Saplings
- Choose a bright, sunny spot which receives at least six hours of direct sunlight. The soil should be dry and well-drained.
- With the help of a shovel, dig a hole larger than the plant's root ball.
- Place the plant upright in the hole, refill with the displaced soil and tamp gently.
- Add compost and water to the plant till the soil is moist.
Growing Lavender from Seeds
Growing lavender from seeds is more challenging as they have slow and erratic germination.
- In a sunny open area, directly sow lavender seeds into the ground, barely covering them with soil.
- Plant them at a depth of 1/8th inch and two inches apart.
- As the seeds germinate, thin the plants by removing the weaker ones, ensuring that the stronger seedlings are allocated six inches of space for optimal growth.
How to Care for Lavender Plant
Caring for lavender plants is relatively easy. Providing them with ideal conditions will lead the plants to thrive. Here’s how you can care for lavender plants:
Favorable Soil
Avoid planting lavender in clay-like conditions or spots prone to water logging. Lavender prefers dry, well-draining soil that lacks nutrients most other plants would need. Alkaline soil is the best and will help enhance the flower’s fragrance.
Watering Schedule
Lavender is extremely drought tolerant, with adult plants requiring little to no water. Regularly water your plants when they are young and in their growing season. For mature plants, an inch of water after extended dry spells is enough.
Lavender plants need consistent watering during the first few weeks so that the roots can be established. After that, you can reduce the watering to once every couple of weeks so that you do not overwater them. Also, make sure to water the base of the plant and not the foliage, to prevent moisture from sitting on the leaves, which can encourage mold and mildew.
Optimal Sunlight
Lavender plants need direct and full sunlight. Place the plants in a spot which gets at least six hours of direct sunlight for optimum growth and flower production.
Fertilizers
These plants only need fertilizer at the time of planting. Because lavender prefers soil with low nutrients, they do not need to be fertilized. Unnecessary fertilization may hamper flower production and increase only foliage growth.
Climate Conditions
Lavender requires a hot, humid climate for growth and can withstand a range of temperatures. To prevent dampness due to the humidity, ensure you have plenty of space between plants for airflow.
Overwintering
In regions where the temperature dips below zero degrees Fahrenheit, apply a layer of mulch to your plants to prevent them from freezing. To protect lavender from the harsh winter winds, plant it near a wall for added insulation.
Pruning
Regular pruning of lavender helps stimulate flowering and new growth. The best time to prune lavender is in mid to late summer and late spring after the blooms fade.
Use pruning shears to cut the plant back by one-third and give it a dome shape. Be careful not to cut off excessive old wood. Improper pruning may lead to leggy or woody growth.
Do not prune lavender too early in the spring before it even starts to grow; pruning too early can prohibit their full growth. It is better to wait until you see new growth, typically around late spring to early summer.
Wear rubber gloves and exercise caution when using pruning shears.
Common Pests and Problems
Lavender has very few pests and diseases but can develop powdery mildew and root rot. Ensure your lavender is planted in dry and well-draining soil to combat this.
Common pests such as spider mites, leafhoppers and whiteflies may also be attracted to lavender. These can be dealt with by spraying with a water hose or a neem oil spray if the infestation is severe.