Once established, lavender plants can withstand drought. However, they may benefit from an occasional side-dressing of compost. The soil pH should be slightly higher than neutral. If it falls below 7.0, add lime. A gravel mulch may help keep the crowns from becoming overly wet. Lavender plants have strong essential oils and require good drainage.
Growing lavender from seed
It is important to ensure that the soil contains plenty of organic matter before you can grow lavender seeds. Lavender needs a good amount of light to germinate. Choose a location with good drainage. It is important to place the tray in a location that doesn’t experience extreme temperature swings. Water the soil and add water-soluble fertilizer. Then, rotate the trays every few days. After a couple of weeks, you can transplant your lavender.
Plant lavender plants in a container at least 2 inches (5cm) in diameter. The seed starting mix should be a mixture of soil, perlite, or peat. It is best to avoid peat moss, which is a non-renewable resource, and vermiculite, which may contain asbestos. If you want to grow more than one plant, the pot should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) wide.
Pruning lavender plants
Pruning lavender plants is a good way to improve their appearance and promote healthy growth in the spring. Pruning lavender plants before winter can help to prevent powdery mildew or rot. This is particularly beneficial if you plan to enjoy your plants throughout the winter. Pruning lavender should be done after the second flowering cycle.
The first cut should be done on new growth, but not on mature plants. It is important not to cause the plant to die. Instead, use a pair of precision PRO garden scissors to prune the new growth. This allows the plant’s volume to increase and adjust, while making it easier later.
When pruning lavender plants, don’t prune too deep into old wood. This can be a big mistake. This wood can vary in depth depending on its age. Instead, cut the stems two to three inches above this point.
Checking soil’s pH
It is important to check the pH of your soil before you plant lavender. Lavender needs a soil pH of 7 or higher to thrive. If it’s too acidic, you may need to amend it with lime or a sulfur-based fertilizer. In either case, you should only add the right amount of lime, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Soil testing is best done in the spring so you can see how effective the treatment has been.
Lavender requires well-drained soil close to neutral pH. In addition, the lavender plant requires lots of sunlight. It doesn’t do well in soil that’s too wet. It needs at least six hours of sunlight a day to thrive. Once established, lavender plants require little maintenance beyond pruning each year.
Transplanting lavender plants in larger pots
There are a few steps to help you transplant lavender plants into larger pots. First, prepare the soil for lavender by mixing some potting soil with a slow-release general-purpose fertilizer. Dig down about 12 inches into the soil, or deeper if the lavender is large. The soil should be well-drained and the lavender root ball should be level with the soil.
Lavender needs at least six hours of sun per day to thrive, so choose a location that receives the sun most of the day. Regular watering is also necessary. Water the soil when dry, and use a liquid fertilizer once a week.
Watering lavender plants
Watering lavender plants is critical to their health and growth. These guidelines will help you water your lavender plants better. Transplanting lavender in the spring or late winter is best for optimal growth. If the lavender is wilting because of poor drainage, amend the soil by adding grit or sand. After adding the soil amendment, water it well. Let the water run off the top. The soil drainage should improve within one to three weeks.
Lavender needs good drainage, so you should place it in a pot with drainage holes, at least an inch or two wider than its rootball. Light soil is best, with vermiculite or perlite. Lavender will tolerate soil that is slightly acidic but not too alkaline. Lime or ground eggshells can be added to soil that is too acidic once a month.
Hi there! I’m Hans, and I’m the author of GardenerAZ. We’re here to help gardeners of all levels grow and thrive. Our content comprises expert advice, inspiring stories, and valuable tips to help you get the most out of your garden. Plus, our community is full of passionate gardeners who are always happy to share their knowledge and advice. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, GardenerAZ has everything you need to make your gardening dreams come true.
I’ve been gardening for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a passion of mine, and I love sharing my knowledge with others. When I’m not writing or gardening, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. They keep me busy (in a good way), but I always find time for my favorite hobby: gardening!
