Lavender may be a native plant to the dry heat of western Mediterranean regions and its long history dates back to the Old World.
The sweetly fragranced perennial herb may be a popular ornamental plant for a spread of garden and landscape uses, also as an arsenal of medicinal and residential applications.
Lavender, of the Lavandula , is usually grouped into four subgenera, with a huge number of hybrids that are cultivated for specific growing conditions and climates all around the world:
- Lavandula angustifolia – English hybrids a.k.a. true lavender
- Lavandula stoechas – French hybrids
- Lavandula dentata – Spanish hybrids
- Lavandula multifida – Egyptian hybrids a.k.a. fern leaf lavender
You’ll find that this is often a hardy plant and doesn’t require much attention throughout the season.
Once established, it’s an exquisite pollinator plant that produces bright blossoms and soft scents, making it a chic addition to any landscape or garden.
It is drought-resistant, low-maintenance, and – because of the strong volatile oil it produces – undesirable to foraging critters and pests.
PICKING A PLANT BY ZONE
Growing lavender isn’t much of a challenge for any gardener, experienced or not. However, there are a couple of staunch guidelines that each gardener should confine mind when starting out:
Lavender…
- Loves heat
- Hates water
- Needs space
- Wants lean soil
Considering that lavender originates from hot, arid climates almost like Italy, France, and Spain, it’s understandable that cold or humid weather isn’t ideal.
If you fail to catch up on climate, then your plant won’t yield as bountiful a harvest, or maybe fail to survive.
WARM SOUTHERN CLIMATES
If you reside during a southern state where summers are long and hot, then you’ll get to provide slight shade during the height heat of the day and aid in air circulation by generously spacing out your plants.
Remember once I said lavender hates water? If you reside in a region with significant humidity, then your plants are getting to need some serious room to make sure maximum airflow and stop the disease.
Water isn’t lavender’s friend, within the air or within the soil. So proper drainage, airflow, and fast-drying stone mulch will ensure a healthy harvest.
Consider a spread of Lavandula dentata or stoechas when growing in southeastern climates, as they naturally thrive in hot, steamy conditions.
THE COLD NORTH
Unfortunately, if you reside in a northern region, then you’ll be faced with the weather, saturated earth, and long winters.
Though the region presents more of a challenge when growing this species of plant, it is often through with a touch of extra love and patience. Many growers will plant in containers in order that they are often brought inside during the winter months.
A good subspecies to grow for the colder northern climates is English lavender, a really cold-hardy hybrid.
There are many sorts that thrive in very specific climates, so once you recognize your zone, you’ll identify the simplest species for your garden by asking your local nursery or other gardeners in your area.
‘Silver Mist’ English lavender is another gorgeous option. It thrives in zones 5-10, and has striking silver foliage that’s bound to stand call at your garden or flower beds. Seedlings are available in five-inch pots from Nature Hills Nursery.
GROWING OUTDOORS
Lavender may be a delightful plant to grow that easily adds variety to each gardening scenario, from landscaping to wild garden beds.
In order to make sure strong growth and a healthy life, i will be able to walk you thru the steps and considerations of when, where, and the way to grow your plant outdoors.
WHEN?
If you’re planting early in northern climates, you ought to skip ahead to the section on growing indoors. Or consider planting outdoors within the springtime after the last frost – as long as you’re not expecting an excessive amount of rain.
Planting within the spring is challenging with wet weather, but it gives your lavender enough time to acclimate and strengthen before the subsequent winter.
Remember, if your region experiences harsh winters with very wet weather, you ought to consider planting your lavender during a container so it is often brought in during the darkest winter months.
November may be a blast to plant in southern regions that don’t experience harsh winter weather.
WHERE?
GIVE ‘EM SOME SPACE
Lavender needs space to grow, allowing maximum airflow – especially in southern regions with humid climates.
A good rule of thumb is to plant them as far apart as they’re going to grow tall. Strong southern varieties will grow much taller than the northern varieties, which remain short and dense thanks to the weather.
If you’re planting outdoors during a region with mildly cold winters, there are a couple of tricks you’ll use to naturally increase the temperature around your plants.
Planting near southern-facing stone walls or building walls will naturally radiate heat from the sun and warm your plants.
Other surfaces like asphalt, or the addition of stone mulch, can increase the quantity of warmth your plants receive. And as I said before – lavender loves heat.
DON’T FORGET DRAINAGE
Another vital element to think about when choosing where to plant your lavender is drainage.
Proper drainage is that the key to a successful season, especially in regions with rainfall averaging around 12-15 inches. Lavender can’t tolerate an more than water within the soil or within the air.
Find a neighborhood with well-drained soil, or consider organic additions to amend your soil.
If you’re concerned about your plants receiving an excessive amount of water, you’ll always take an additional precautionary step: dig a half-foot deeper than the basis ball and add a layer of gravel to help drainage.
Alternative places to plant lavender while maximize its growth potential include raised beds, containers, and pots.
HOW?
We’ve acknowledged just how detrimental excess water and cold climates are often to the expansion of your plant.
Now it’s time to require a better check out the opposite two elements that are vital to its successful growth: adequate space, and rich soil.
An alkaline, lean soil will bring a cheerful , healthy plant.
Is your soil acidic? No worries, just add a half cup of a lime and bone meal mixture to your planting hole to sweeten it up a touch . Continue promoting strong growth by adding this mixture to the soil per annum .
The third year of growth is when lavender reaches its peak. If your plant isn’t meeting your expectations after the primary 2-3 years, it’s time to check your soil. If you discover you would like to catch up on acidic soil, you’ll contribute a touch crushed shell to enhance alkalinity.
Crushed oyster shells are often helpful to urge the right soil balance for growing lavender. | GardenersPath.com
Crushed oyster shells.
A great tip that we strongly advise is to dig your hole, line with gravel, then fill and mound the world up to 12-24” above the soil line before planting.
The mound will settle some, but by piling the world up before planting you’ll maximize drainage round the plant. the peak also improves airflow, and as you already know, circulation is key!
Don’t forget the importance of providing ample room and adequate spacing to stretch out and feel the breeze. A spot with 6 or more hours of sunlight is right to stay your plants happy and warm.
PRUNING
Pruning is extremely important because it aims to hamper the expansion of woody stems, and forces the plant to supply new foliage.
Lavender should generally be pruned right after it flowers, and again at the top of the summer months to assist prevent a harmful winter.
Pruning in early fall helps slow the method of woody stems and increases flower blossoms the subsequent year.
If you’ve got an especially ligneous plant , prune lightly throughout the season for max results.
GROWING INDOORS
If you’ve got chosen to grow your lavender in containers that will be brought in during the cold winter months, the subsequent tips will are available handy when the time involves bring them inside.
Consider the Lavandula dentata variety when growing indoors, because the smaller plants do better in pots.
The biggest fallback of growing indoors is that the lack of sunshine . Place near a southern-facing window and consider providing supplemental lighting via grow lights if you’re within the darker, northern climates.
Sadly, with especially dark and cold winters, poor growth is to be expected when moving plants indoors. But it’s better than nothing!
How To Grow Lavender in Every Climate
Remember that thing about lavender hating water? Well, planting indoors is not any different.
Pots should be draw in size to the basis ball of your plant. Any larger and you risk plant disease from waterlogged soil.
Consider adding a layer of gravel to the bottom of your pot to help draining and use a earthenware pot – its sides release moisture and stop rot.
The soil in your pot should be monitored closely for acidity. Make it a habit to feature lime monthly approximately to offer your lavender the lean soil it craves.
Water only soil is dry up to at least one inch under the surface. It’s best to stay the plant during a cool room so you don’t shock it when it’s placed back outside.
HARVEST
The time has come to reap, and lucky for you, it’s really rather simple. you would like to make certain to chop the lavender above the beginning of the woody stem then allow it to dry for 2 weeks. Pretty simple, right?
You can bundle dried branches together for a sweet addition to a bouquet, or for another sense of elegance around your home. Strip the blossoms off to be used in potpourri or baking.
The essential oils in these plants have various medicinal properties, and that they are often used as antiseptics, sleep aids, and for stress relief. These can easily be added to homemade soap, cleaning solutions, shampoos, lotions, and more.
YOUR address GROW!
Lavender is gorgeous , low-maintenance, and straightforward to grow if you recognize the way to look after it.
Easily Grow Lavender In Your Backyard
Years of growth and an abundance of uses when harvested make this plant ideal for any home garden or landscaping project.
Have you had success growing this stunning perennial herb? Share your experiences or your favorite DIY home recipes within the comments below!