Tools and Materials
Key Takeaways
- Plant lavender in the spring after the last frost in a sunny location with well-draining soil to establish a strong root system.
- Lavender thrives in full sun and dry conditions and grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9.
- It’s easier to grow lavender from transplants; however, you can grow them from seeds, but they germinate slowly and are more difficult to start.
- Water young plants regularly until established, then water mature plants only when the top two or three inches of soil are dry.
What is Lavender?
Lavender is known for its foliage and beautiful blooms. It's a drought-resilient evergreen perennial and it can thrive in various conditions. Lavender is a versatile plant and its fresh or dried uses include fragrances, making bath products like scrubs or salts, baking into desserts, harvested bouquets, making simple syrups, brewing for tea, designing decorative wreaths or other crafting projects, as a sleep aid and more.
Lavender comes in four different shades: purple, violet, white and pink. There are 23 species of lavender plants. Of those 23, here are the 5 most important types and their characteristics:
English Lavender: This is the best all-around lavender. It has a sweet, classic fragrance and is excellent for culinary use, oils and sachets. It’s cold-hardy and reliable in a wide range of climates. If you plan to plant only one lavender, this is the safest, most versatile choice.
French Lavender: This lavender has a long blooming season for extended periods in warm climates and thrives in warmer regions. It has distinctive serrated leaves with a mild fragrance compared to English lavender. It’s great for ornamental use. It can also be used for cooking.
Spanish Lavender: Spanish lavender has eye-catching flowers and butterfly-like bracts on top of blooms. It makes a strong visual impact in containers and borders. It tolerates heat well. This flower is more ornamental than aromatic and it’s the best choice for decorative curb appeal. It’s generally not recommended for culinary uses.
Lavandin: This English and spike lavender hybrid has a strong scent and produces more flowers and essential oil than most species. It's ideal for hedges, large plantings and harvesting. It’s generally not recommended for culinary uses.
Portuguese Lavender: The high camphor content gives this lavender a sharper, more medicinal scent. It’s often used in essential oil blending. It thrives in hot, dry climates. It’s generally not recommended for culinary uses.
Lavender plants are toxic to cats, dogs and horses.
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. In warmer climates, lavender can be planted in the fall, as long as the ground is warm. Lavender thrives in U.S. Climate Zones 5 – 9. Ensure that you check the USDA Hardiness Zone map to confirm that lavender can be planted in your region.
How to Plant Lavender
Lavender can be grown from nursery plants or seeds.
Growing Lavender From Nursery Plants
Step 1: Plant the Root Ball in the Ground
Dig a hole for the plant. The soil should be sandy, dry and well-drained. Plant the root ball. The root ball should be level with the top of the hole. Mix several inches of organic compost or other rich organic matter with the displaced soil and backfill the hole. Add water to the plant until the soil is moist.
If your soil is heavy, it’ll hold water, which can lead to root rot. It’s best to plant it in a container where you’re able to control the drainage. Use a fast-draining mix of about 50 to 70 percent potting soil and 30 to 50 percent sand/grit/perlite. Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Terracotta pots are ideal because they wick moisture. Water only when the soil is dry. The best lavender varieties for pots are Hidcote, Munstead and Little Lady, all three compact English Lavenders.
Once the lavender is planted, you don’t need to add fertilizer again as it will make the soil too nitrogen-rich and lead to overfeeding.
Step 2: Add Additional Plants
As you add additional plants, ensure that you space the plants far enough apart to allow for air circulation and growth. Depending on the variety of lavender, this could be anywhere from 12 to 48 inches:
- English lavender: 18 to 30 inches apart
- French lavender: 24 to 36 inches apart
- Spanish lavender: 12 to 18 inches apart
- Lavandin lavender: 36 to 48 inches apart
- Portuguese lavender: 24 to 36 inches apart
Step 3: Watering Lavender
Water lavender every two to four days for their first growing season (from spring to fall). However, always check to ensure the soil the soil is dry before watering to prevent root rot. Once roots have established (after two to three months), water during prolonged dry spells (once every few weeks). Avoid overhead watering and only water at the base.
Always do a soil check of the first two to three inches to see if the soil is damp or dry. If it’s completely dry, only then should it be watered.
Growing Lavender from Seeds
Growing lavender from seeds is more challenging and requires patience; however, it can be done.
Step 1: Begin With Cold Stratification
Place lavender seeds on a damp (ensure it’s just damp; not too wet) paper towel, insert into a plastic bag and seal. Refrigerate plastic bag for three to four weeks. If you notice mold beginning to form, the towel is too wet; throw it away and start over.
Step 2: Surface-Planting the Lavender Seeds
Sprinkle seeds on top of seed-starting mix. Plant (lightly press them) in the soil, just barely covering them. Don’t bury the seeds as they need sunlight.
Step 3: Provide Sunlight, Wait for Germination and Be Patient
Make sure the seeds get plenty of full, direct sunlight with temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil lightly moist but not wet. Now be patient. Germination can take 14 to 28 days.
Step 4: Transplant Lavendar Plants
Once the seeds have germinated, and the seedlings have at least two sets of leaves, transfer them into individual pots with well-drained, sandy or seed-starting potting mix. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide six to eight hours of sunlight.
Step 5: Introducing Your Plant to the Outdoors
Once the danger of frost has passed, gradually acclimate your lavender plant to the outdoors over the next week, a process called hardening off. Start with a few hours each day. At weeks’ end, transplant the lavender in the garden in full sun. Each plant should be appropriately spaced, depending on the variety.
Step 6: Thin the Seedlings
As the seedlings grow, thin the plants by removing the smaller, weaker ones, ensuring that the stronger seedlings have about six inches of space between them for optimal growth.
Always use scissors to snip the plants being thinned out at soil level; never pull them out. Pulling can disturb the delicate roots of the plants you want to keep.
How to Care for Lavender Plants
Caring for lavender plants is relatively easy once established. Provide them with their ideal conditions to keep them thriving. Here’s how to care for your lavender plants.
Pruning Lavender
Regular pruning of lavender helps stimulate flowering and new growth and should be done at least once a year. The best time to prune lavender is in late spring (once you see new growth) after the blooms fade or mid-to-late summer. This, however, depends on the type of lavender you’re growing. Don’t prune lavender too early in the spring. Early pruning can prohibit growth.
When pruning, always make your cut into the new growth and not the woody section. Use pruning shears or hedge shears to cut the plant back about two to three inches above the woody growth (or by about one-third the length of the plant). Improper pruning may lead to leggy or woody growth.
Overwintering Lavender
Overwintering is usually done after the first hard frost. It protects plants from freezing temperatures during winter and is essential in regions where temps drop well below freezing.
- To overwinter lavender, apply a layer of well-draining mulch (pine needles, straw or small gravel is best) around the base of the plants.
- Ensure that the plant has excellent drainage.
- Cover plants, if necessary. Don’t use plastic as it creates moisture.
- If you have container plants, move them indoors to an unheated, sheltered area.
Wear gardening gloves and exercise caution when using pruning shears or hedge shears.
Common Pests and Problems
Lavender is generally resistant to most pests and diseases but can develop powdery mildew and root rot, especially in poorly drained or humid conditions. Plant lavender in full sun with dry, well-draining soil and good air circulation to minimize these issues.
Occasional pests such as spider mites, leafhoppers and whiteflies may also be attracted to lavender. These can be dealt with by spraying with a strong spray from a hose or contact-based controls like neem oil spray or insecticidal soap.
Follow manufacturer’s directions on neem oil spray to avoid leaf burn or other mishap.
Lavender: The Perennial That Keeps on Giving
With plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and a bit of routine care, lavender returns the favor with soothing scents and beautiful blooms. With the right tools and supplies, you can enjoy fragrant blooms that add beauty and color to your garden year after year. Find everything you need, from lavender plants and seeds to pruning shears, online or at your local Lowe’s. If you need help, ask a friendly Lowe’s Red Vest associate to help you find everything you need to make your yard the envy of the neighborhood.
How to Grow Lavender FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions and answers about growing lavender that may help you as you learn to grow lavender.
How Long Does It Take Lavender to Grow?
Lavender grows from two different starting methods. Lavender grown from nursery plants typically begin flowering in its first growing season. However, when grown from seed, it can take several weeks to germinate after it’s gone through cold stratification, and it may take a full growing season or longer before it begins producing strong blooms.
Does Lavender Come Back Every Year?
Yes. Lavender is a perennial plant, meaning it returns year after year when it’s properly cared for and grown in the right conditions.
How Much Sunlight Does Lavender Need?
Lavendar needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to grow well and produce abundant blooms.
How Often Should I Water My Lavender?
Young lavender plants should be watered regularly until established, up to about once every other day. Once they’re mature, they become drought-tolerant and then they should only be watered when the top two to three inches of the soil is dry.