Share
No other flower has garnered so much attention as the elegantlavender plant.
you’ve got the option to grow this beauty indoors or outdoors, wherever you prefer.
However, growing and caring for lavender isnt as easy as planting a seed.
To grow a healthy and beautifullavender flower,you must consider a few essential things.
While all of them are beautiful, each punch in has different characteristics, allowing them to stand out.
English lavender has a pleasant aroma and effortlessly adds beauty to your surroundings.
The English variety has a few different cultivars.
The lavender tends to bloom all year round if grown in a warmer climate.
Depending on the climate, cultivars can develop interesting colors.
A shrub-like plant, this variety provides visual and practical benefits (more on that later).
Cultivars offer a colorful selection.
Due to its natural camphor production, Lavandin can repel moths and other pests.
Its cultivars are as beautiful as they are useful.
Well, now you have to plant it.
However, you shouldnt plant it whenever or wherever you want.
You should carefully consider where, when, and how to plant lavender.
This will ensure you start yourlavender plantin the best conditions.
Location-wise, most lavender varieties grow best in sunny locations.
Choose a location that receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.
Depending on whether youre growing lavender in groups or hedges, you will want to distance the plants differently.
When it comes to your typical lavender, you do have a large timeframe to work with.
However, its best to plant it when the soil is warming up, usually around April and May.
Planting in mid-spring gives the roots plenty of time to develop before the upcoming colder seasons.
Now its time to cover the how part.
Heres an easy step-by-step guide on how to plant your lavender plantoutside.
So go grab your shovel, and lets get started!
Dig out a hole the size of the rootball.
(Tip: Mix some sand or gravel into the soil to improve drainage)
Share icon
Step 2.
Unpot your pre-bought starter plant and plant it.
Fill in the empty space and add some mulch to keep weeds at bay.
(Tip: rock or pea gravel works great)
Step 4.
Immediately after planting, water the plant thoroughly.
you’re able to grow your lavender in anindoor/containersetting, too.
Heres a step-by-step guide to growing your lavender indoors.
Ensure it fits the rootball and provides just an inch of extra space.
double-check it has one or two drainage holes at the bottom.
(Tip: Take time to prepare the right soil mix.
Fill the new pot about one-third to half full with the potting mix.
Gently remove the lavender plant from its nursery container.
If its hot or the compost dries outwater more.
A rule of thumb: water your plant once a week, if needed, twice.
Remember, even with the best care, this plant usually lives for ten years on average.
Light
The morethe better.
One of the Mediterranean plants, lavenders grow best in full sunlight.
The more sunlight it gets, the healthier and the more fragrant the flowers will be.
Soil
Lavender likes lean or low-fertility soil.
Lavender prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH ranging between 6.5 and 8.
Its also important to regularly check the soil moisture levels.
Overwatering is a big no-no.
Water
Once planted, ensure the soil is consistently moist but, once again, not waterlogged.
Overwatering is the main culprit that leads to root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Your common lavender can withstand quite hostile temperatures.
However, each variety handles the weather differently.
The English counterpart is even more cold-hardy.
Lavender generally prefers lower humidity and wont tolerate high humidity levels for long.
Hence, take a stab at ensure optimal drainage and good air circulation.
Fertilizer
Lavender is known for growing well in the poorest of soils.
However, you should add a small amount of compost when planting.
A bit of compost during planting gently boosts nutrients for lavender without making the soil too rich.
After that, your lavender wont need any additional fertilizer again.
Most pruning takes place with maturelavender plants.
If your plants grow too tall and woody, cut the woody stems back by one-third.
However, dont cut into the woody base.
Trim the stem about 2 inches above the woody part.
Potting and Repotting
The problem with lavenders?
They grow large root systems.
If growing this plant in a container, repotting isnt only advisable but necessary.
You should repot your lavender into a new container yearly to ensure it stays healthy and beautiful.
ensure to use a sandy or gravelly potting mix that mimics the well-draining conditions lavender enjoys.
The first step is to add a layer of mulch around the base.
Mulch creates a warm upper layer that can keep your plants roots safe from the cold.
Secondly, you’re free to lightly prune the plant to prevent snow or ice damage.
Harvesting
You should harvest the flowers as they are about to open up.
Once done, leave the flowers to dry in a warm place with good air circulation.
But more on that later!
The best way to do so is through cuttings.
The process is easy and very cost-effective.
it’s possible for you to propagate lavender by water or soil.
Prepare some glass containers.
Fill them with water.
Take 6 in (15 cm) cuttings from new growth.
(Tip: Softwood cuttings are generally easier to propagate because they root quicker)
Step 3.
(Tip: Optionally, dip cuttings in rooting hormone)
Step 4.
Place cuttings into the containers.
ensure you keep the cuttings in a sunny location.
Change the water every four to five days.
Once the roots develop, go ahead and transplant your baby lavender!
If you want to plant outside, ensure the soil is warm enough.
Propagating in Soil
Propagating in soil is generally safer and more efficient.
Here are the steps:
Step 1.Take cuttings from softwood or semi-hardwood stems.
Step 2.Remove the lower leaves to expose nodes for rooting.
(Tip: you could use a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development).
Step 4.Insert the cuttings into the holes.
Step 5.Place the pot in a sunny spot.
Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry.
Step 6.Over 2 to 4 weeks, roots will start to develop.
Once theyre several inches long, transplant the cuttings.
Below, we have compiled some of the best uses for your dry (or fresh!
Common Diseases and Pests
Image credits:mrmegamannn
No plant is immune to diseases and pests.
Luckily, lavenders are somewhat resistant to the more common diseases.
However, your lavender might still face challenges, especially fungal diseases.
Phytophthora, for example, can cause problems like root rot.
Another issue might be septoria, a fungal disease that affects the plants leaves.
In terms of pests, the smell should deter the more common ones.
However, if the scent is too weak, yourlavender plantcan fall victim to some nasty pests.
Common Problems
Image credits:reddit.com
Common problems are usually the same across the whole plant family.
Understanding the issue can help you identify the problem and find the right solution.
Issue: Leaves dropping or turning yellow.
Reason: Too much or too little water.
Solution: Repot or water when the top of the soil feels dry.
Issue: Awful smell
Reason: Root rot.
Solution: First, see to it you dont overwater the plant.
Secondly, cut off the rotten parts with a clean knife or scissors.
Just confirm not to damage other roots.
Issue: Lavender isnt flowering.
Reason: Lack of care or too much of it.
Solution: Too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer can lead to healthy foliage but relatively weak, tiny flower buds.
Give your lavender enough water to survive and as much sunshine as possible, and it will flower nicely.
you’re free to plant a gorgeousBird of Paradise plant,Dianthus, or even aBegonia!
FAQ
When Not to Use Lavender?
Does Lavender Grow Better in Pots or Ground?
Lavender can thrive in both, and each environment has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Is Lavender Safe for Cats?
Lavender is toxic to cats as they cant digest the flower, potentially causing side effects like nausea.
However, it usually takes a significant amount to experience severe problems.
Is Lavender Safe for Dogs?
Lavender can be dangerous to dogs, especially when ingested.
But the danger doesnt stop here.
Because of their keen sense of smell, dogs can develop breathing problems when exposed to too much lavender.
So, while your nose might like it, it might not be the same for your dog.
