Love lavender?
Want to grow your own?
It’s easier than you think! Here are 6 simple tactics to help your lavender thrive.
Get ready for a garden full of beautiful, fragrant blooms. Let’s get growing!
Pick the Right Spot
Lavender needs plenty of sunshine, so choose a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of sun every day. If you don’t have a sunny area in your garden, consider planting them in pots that you can move around.
Make sure the location has well-draining soil, as lavender doesn’t like to sit in water. If your soil tends to be heavy or clay-like, add some sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Use the Right Soil
Lavender thrives in slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. You can buy a soil testing kit at your local garden store to check your soil’s pH.
If needed, you can amend your soil with a little lime to raise the pH. The soil should also be well-draining, so consider adding some compost or organic matter if your soil needs a boost.
Water Wisely
One of the biggest mistakes people make with lavender is overwatering. Lavender likes to stay on the dry side, so let the soil dry out between waterings.
Water deeply but infrequently, and make sure the top inch of soil is dry before you water again. Drooping lavender can be a sign of too much water, so cut back if you notice that happening.
Prune Regularly
Pruning is essential for keeping your lavender plants healthy and bushy. In the spring, cut back any dead or damaged stems.
After the first bloom in summer, trim the plants by about a third to encourage new growth and more blooms. Pruning also helps to keep the plants from getting too woody and ensures they maintain a nice shape.
Deal with Pests and Diseases
Lavender is pretty hardy, but it’s not entirely immune to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for common issues like aphids or fungal infections.
Remove any infected parts of the plant and treat with an appropriate organic pesticide if needed. Good air circulation is key to preventing problems, so make sure your plants aren’t too crowded.
Propagate for More Plants
If you want more lavender without buying new plants, you can easily propagate them from cuttings. In the late summer, take a cutting from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant it in well-draining soil and water sparingly until it establishes roots. Before you know it, you’ll have a whole new lavender plant!