Add a bench, rock features or bird bath for eye appeal. All lavender varieties like full sun and soil that drains well. This easy-to-grow shrub thrives in a sunny spot, in free-draining soil or a container. Plants that are affected are best removed, but prevention is Lighten ordinary garden soil by adding compost. when creating a unique lavender garden design. knot gardens. Grown for hardiness and flower color. Any larger and you risk root rot from waterlogged soil. When planting lavender in pots, choose terracotta pots with drainage holes. insect repellent. Consider adding a layer of gravel to the base of your pot to assist draining and use a terra cotta pot – its sides release moisture and prevent rot. Add mulch (rock or pea gravel work particularly well) to keep weeds to a minimum. Plants from the various lavender species require a sunny location with good drainage. The fragrant purple flowers enhance the beauty of any garden, and harvested lavender may be used in crafts, perfumes and baked goods. Plant lavender 2 to 3 feet apart. Its benefits in the garden are numerous — beautiful color, sweet fragrance, low water consumption and it … She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. These will not only deter weed growth, but also improve surface drainage When planting lavender in the fall, however, do so about two months before the first frost so that plants can establish sufficient roots before severe wintery weather conditions. In lieu of moisture-retaining mulch, opt for sand or pea gravel as a ground Plant lavender plants 2 to 3 feet apart as they grow to be between 1 and 3 feet tall. Starting with the proper conditions is essential for successfully growing lavender. I am not sure what to do with them, so I came on here to learn. Lavender plants are the perfect addition to the lazy gardener's yard. Messy. You can cultivate lavender as soon as the soil has warmed to above-freezing conditions. The soil required by a lavender plant … Mound the soil to elevate plants by around 20—30cm. patios, added to herb gardens or used in formal We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. The first season may not yield more than a bunch or two. This article has been viewed 48,843 times. its fragrant flowers, lavender blooms can be used in soap making, potpourri, Approved. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Instead of applying moisture-holding organic mulches, consider using rock or stone, especially in humid climates. Lavender is an excellent companion for many herbs, vegetables, and flowers. http://bonnieplants.com/growing/growing-lavender/, http://sunshinelavenderfarm.com/planting.php, http://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-plants/guide-planting-care-harvesting-lavender, https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=127, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! In full sun and well-draining soil, lavender is an easy perennial, flowering herb to cultivate. beautiful and fragrant lavender blossoms for years to come. When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole large enough for the roots, and leave 1 to 2 feet between each hole if you’re planting more than 1 plant. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. In my professional gardening days (long before I was a content creator!) lavender. Use a multipurpose or loam-based compost, mixing in lots of coarse grit or perlite to improve drainage. You want a soil with a high pH. Lavender isn’t picky about soil, but it does best in well-draining, alkaline soil with a pH level between 7 and 8.If your soil tests too acidic, you can add garden lime to make it more alkaline. I planted and maintained a lot of lavender plants in the San Francisco Bay Area. Because the beauty of lavender is eternal and they can be used for other purposes (medicinal and for sweets). Lavender and I go way back! care. For centuries, lavender has also been used as a natural Orange and purple colors are complimenting each other and giving a warm appearance to a garden. This Mediterranean native is now cultiavated, grown, and loved around the world. lavender available, gardeners can choose between various sizes, bloom times, Cutting this part will damage the plant. 1. and decrease ground-level humidity. If you're using potting soil, check the label and buy soil with the correct pH. Lavender plants do best in pots approximately 40cm diameter or larger, with good drainage holes, and raised off the ground on plant pot feet to ensure water drains quickly away from the base of the plant and roots. Once established, lavender is a drought hardy plant. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Growing lavender plants is an easy endeavor provided you give them what they need. Elements of color, composition and balance can be combined In this case, 88% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Where soils are strongly acidic, a dose of lime is beneficial. is a low maintenance perennial herb originating in the Mediterranean. ", Unlock this expert answer by supporting wikiHow. In humid or rainy environments, lavender may thrive better when grown in Plant lavender at the same depth it was in its pot. Luscious Lavender Is Low Maintenance Lavender is an undemanding plant, needing only a well-drained soil and room to grow. Ideal soil conditions for lavender. aromatherapy and much more. If you live in a place with very mild winters and hot, dry summers, you'll have more options available to you. Lavender stems may be kept in a vase filled with fresh water. How much more depends on the environment and the type of pot. Space lavender plants 12 to 18 inches apart in an area with plenty of sunlight and sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.7 to 7.3. All lavender varieties require well-drained soil, especially during the winter months. Add your Lavender plant and fill the pot with soil within a couple of inches of the top. Pots should be close in size to the root ball of your plant. (2 cm) above the soil. If your local nursery doesn't sell lavender, do a little online research to find out which varieties work well in your area. Lavender can blow over in high winds, so it's a good idea to plant it near a wall or other large plants that don't loom too high, but are large enough to block the wind. Lavender produces a pleasing aroma for us, but not so pleasant to flies, mosquitoes, and beetles. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? poppies or yellow black planted in an intriguing geometric pattern. drainage. For mixed flower beds, try Planting Lavender Lots of sun, space, limited watering, and good drainage. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. How far apart do you plant lavender plants? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 48,843 times. creates a more inviting atmosphere. This year they are all spread out and became woody looking. Quick Guide to Growing Lavender. Then, prune any dead or decaying parts off the plant, place it in the hole, and fill it with soil. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Plant-Lavender-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Plant-Lavender-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Plant-Lavender-Step-1.jpg\/aid794130-v4-728px-Plant-Lavender-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"