How to Plant, Grow and Care for Lavender

Create the ideal lavender garden! Our comprehensive guide teaches you the fundamentals of planting, growing, and caring for a vibrant lavender field.

Bring the natural beauty of lavender to your garden! With our guide, you’ll learn everything you need about the plant’s care and harvesting and its many uses. From types of lavender, is lavender a perennial, how to select a quality plant, and beyond – we have all the information and tips you need for growing picture-perfect lavender fields.

Choosing the Right Variety

Choosing the right variety of lavender is an important step in creating the perfect garden. There are many different types of lavender, including English Lavender, French Lavender, Spanish Lavender, and Hybrid Lavender. Consider what type of climate you live in when selecting a variety so that the lavender will thrive.

Lavender prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil and does best when grown in full sun. Make sure you give the plants enough room to spread out, especially if planting hybrids, as they need ample space to grow. 

Careful watering is essential for growing lavender–occasionally during its first year but more frequently during hotter summer months. It often requires little maintenance beyond regular water, but never hesitate to research and give your lavender a little extra TLC ( tender loving care ) if necessary.

Environment For Lavender Plants

Lavender thrives best in full sun and soil that is well-drained. When transplanting, place the plant with some open space around it to keep it from becoming overcrowded. 

Additionally, for optimal growth, provide good air circulation as plants can experience fungal diseases if not properly managed. If your climate is cold and winters can feel harsh, don’t worry! Many species of lavender are hardy enough to survive frosty temperatures.

Generally, it does well in temperatures between 40 and 80 °F. If the summer heat is too intense for your chosen species, consider providing shade or light protection for your plant. Also, plants benefit from fertilizer but use it wisely as it can harm the soil and surrounding plants if not administered appropriately.

 With the proper environment and careful tending, plants can flower year after year!

Planting and Watering Techniques

Planting lavender is best done during the mild spring season, but plants can also be planted in late summer or fall in warmer climates.

It’s important to add plenty of compost or other organic material when planting lavender to help ensure rich, nutrient soil nourishing your plant year-round. When watering your lavender, aim for deep but infrequent waterings, and make sure to keep the leaves of the plant dry, as it’s less vulnerable to fungal diseases when not wet. Water your lavender during hot weather and on particularly windy days.

To maximize growth, transplant your lavender into bigger pots by the end of its first year. The soil should be well-drained, and you can use mixtures such as perlite, lava rock, or expanded shale for good aeration.

When lavenders reach maturity, they will need some pruning to maintain their shape and promote fresh new growth. To do this, remove any discolored or dead stems and leaves. Don’t trim off too much of the plant; it can cause stress and reduce blooming potential. Be sure to check your local weather forecast when watering your plants, so you don’t get caught in any surprise showers during the summertime!

Pruning and Deadheading

Pruning your plants regularly is important for promoting a healthy and vibrant garden. After your plants bloom, removing the spent flowers is essential for new growth. 

This process, called deadheading, will help promote more blooms in the upcoming season. Keeping your plants pruned can be done year-round, but aim to do heavier pruning during mid to late summer after all flowering has ended.

Use a pair of pruning shears or scissors to prune your plants. When pruning, be sure to cut off the lavender flower heads that are outside the desired perimeter, as well as any woody dead branches that are protruding from the plant. 

Aim to keep your plants at 18 inches (45 cm) height for ideal shape and health. Also, remember to sterilize your scissors between uses by dipping them in rubbing alcohol or white vinegar – this will help prevent diseases from spreading to other plants. Add some TLC and regularly trim your plant to maintain a healthy and vibrant garden throughout the year!

How to Overwinter Lavender in Cold Climates?

If you live in a cold climate, it’s important to take extra steps to help lavender plants survive temperatures that dip below freezing.  The key to protecting your plants is creating a thick mulch layer. Ensure the mulch extends outward at least 2-3 feet away from the base of each plant. This will help insulate the soil and protect the roots from plummeting temperatures during winter.

Furthermore, it’s critical to avoid over-watering as the soil freezes. Ensure you water your plants well before the first freeze of the year and then hold off on watering until spring returns.  A light prune in late fall can also help protect plants against certain winter ailments. Finally, consider providing additional shelter by planting them under a structure like an arbor or fence. This will provide some extra protection during cold snaps. You can help the plant survive even the coldest winter weather with extra effort.

Fun Fact

Lavender oil is a popular essential oil used in aromatherapy and natural healing. It has a calming, soothing scent. They believe that it have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties. It soothes skin irritations, reduces anxiety, and promotes relaxation. This can also make massage oils and natural air fresheners.