Love lavender but lack outdoor space?
No worries!
You can grow it indoors. Discover 9 easy tactics to cultivate beautiful, fragrant lavender right in your home.
Let’s get started on your indoor lavender journey!
Choose the Right Variety
Not all lavender plants are created equal! Some types of lavender are more suitable for growing indoors than others.
English Lavender and French Lavender are great choices because they don’t grow too large and adapt well to indoor environments. So, when you go shopping, remember to check the tags or ask a store assistant for help to make sure you are getting the right kind.
Pick the Perfect Pot
A good pot is key to happy lavender. Choose a pot that has good drainage because lavender doesn’t like sitting in water.
Go for something about 12 inches in diameter. It gives the roots plenty of space to grow but isn’t too big that it retains too much water.
Terracotta pots are an excellent choice as they let the soil dry out between watering.
Find the Sunniest Spot
Lavender is a sun-lover. Place your plant in a sunny window where it can get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
South-facing windows are usually the best. If you don’t have a super sunny spot indoors, you might want to consider using a grow light to help it thrive.
The more light, the better!
Water Wisely
Lavender likes to stay kind of dry, so don’t go overboard with the watering. Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before you give it more water.
When you do water, make sure to do it thoroughly so water reaches the bottom of the pot. Remember to always empty any excess water out of the saucer.
Use the Right Soil
Plants are a lot like people—they need good food to grow strong. For lavender, that means well-draining soil.
A cactus or succulent mix usually works well. You can also make your own mix by combining regular potting soil with sand or perlite.
This helps keep the roots from getting soggy and promotes healthy growth.
Control the Temperature
Lavender enjoys a bit of warmth but can adapt to indoor temperatures quite well. Aim to keep your indoor temperature between 60- and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
At night, it can drop a bit but try not to let it go below 50 degrees. Avoid placing your plant near drafts or heat vents.
Prune Your Plant
Pruning helps keep your lavender bushy and full. Trim back about one-third of the plant in early spring to encourage new growth.
You can also pinch off spent flowers to make the plant look tidier. Don’t be afraid to trim—lavender is quite hardy and will bounce back beautifully.
Fertilize Occasionally
Lavender isn’t a heavy feeder but giving it a little boost now and then can help. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every six weeks during the growing season, which is usually from spring to early fall.
Dilute it to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding.
Watch for Pests
Indoor lavender is generally pest-resistant, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for bugs like spider mites or aphids. If you spot any, you can usually rinse them off with water or use a natural insecticidal soap.
Keep an eye on your plant, and you’ll catch any problems before they become big issues.