Overview
Lavender is a herb that produces essential oils and fragrant purple flowers that can be used for sachets, potpourri, culinary dishes and more. Homegrown lavender requires little maintenance but thrives with well-drained soil, full sun and moderate water. There are several types of lavender including English, French and Spanish, so choose based on your climate and hardiness zone.
About Lavender
Lavender is an evergreen perennial shrub in the mint family. It has gray-green foliage and spikes of purple flowers, earning it the name lavandula from the Latin word for ‘washing’ due to its use in laundry detergents. Lavender prefers mild climates with hot summers and cold winters. It needs sandy, well-drained soil and full sun exposure for at least 6 hours per day.
How to Grow Lavender?
- Obtain 1-gallon lavender starts or transplants. Space them about 18-24 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
- Plant lavender in spring after the chance of hard freezes has passed. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting and regularly for the first few weeks.
- Fertilize lavender in early spring before new growth starts. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Lavender does not require much fertilizer and too much can reduce flowering.
- Lavender buds and flowers from late spring through early summer. Prune the lavender plants after flowering every few years to improve shape and fullness.
- Harvest lavender flowers, leaves or stems once the buds have opened. Use scissors and cut them to use in sachets or potpourri, or to weave lavender wands.
- After many years, lavender hedges can become woody. Replace older plants with newer transplants for fresher growth.
How to Care for Lavender
- Water lavender sparingly. Lavender does not like to sit in moisture, so water lightly but regularly to allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Lavender can rot easily if overwatered. Only water when the top inch or so of soil is dry to the touch.
- Plant lavender in well-drained soil. Lavender needs sandy, loamy soil that drains well and does not retain excess moisture. If the soil in your area is heavy clay, amend it with compost or perlite before planting lavender.
- Provide full sun exposure. Lavender needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce lush foliage and many flowers. Lavender plants should be placed in a spot with full sun, such as a south-facing garden bed.
- Fertilize lavender lightly, if at all. Lavender does not require much fertilizer and too much nitrogen will reduce flowering. Only fertilize lavender if it shows signs of nutrient deficiency such as yellowing leaves. Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer if needed and follow the directions on the product packaging.
- Mulch around the base of lavender plants. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of gravel, sand or bark chips around the base of lavender plants helps retain moisture in the soil while still allowing for excellent drainage. Organic mulches can hold too much moisture against the stems.
- Prune lavender to encourage bushiness. Pruning lavender hedges or shaping the plant by pinching back stems helps produce fuller growth. Lavender can become leggy if not pruned. Prune after flowering to improve appearance and bloom production.
Conclusion
Lavender versatility and hardiness make it a wonderful addition to any landscape that wants to attract senses and spirits alike. With patience and the knowledge from this guide, your lavender can thrive for years to come.
