Do you love the calming aroma of lavender wafting through your garden? If so, then you’re in for a treat! In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about how and when to plant lavender. From choosing the right type of lavender to caring for it after planting, you’ll have a beautiful and fragrant garden in no time!
YayImagesTypes of Lavender
Let’s explore some of the most popular varieties of lavender plants that will make your garden stand out and smell delicious:
English Lavender
YayImagesEnglish lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), is a favorite among gardeners for its sweet fragrance and stunning purple flowers. This timeless variety thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and is an excellent choice for borders, herb gardens, and containers.
French Lavender
YayImagesFrench lavender (Lavandula dentata) is a beautiful addition to any garden, with its vibrant blooms and butterfly-like petals. This variety is known for its aromatic foliage and thrives in warmer climates with well-drained and alkaline soil.
Spanish Lavender
YayImagesSpanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) adds an exotic flair to garden settings with its unique flowers that resemble rabbit ears. This drought-tolerant variety thrives in dry conditions and requires good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens and coastal landscapes.
Lavandin
YayImagesA hybrid of English and Spike lavender, Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) combines the best traits of both parents, offering robust growth and abundant blooms. This versatile variety is well-suited for creating aromatic hedges, borders, and mass plantings, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
When to Plant Lavender
The optimal time to plant lavender is during the spring months, typically from March to May. Planting during this period allows the lavender to establish its root system before the onset of summer heat, ensuring robust growth and abundant blooms.
YayImagesHow to Plant Lavender
Here are some easy step-by-step instructions to ensure your lavender plants thrive from the moment they’re planted:
1. Pick the Right Spot in Your Garden
Selecting the perfect location for your lavender plants is crucial to their success. Choose a sunny spot with good air circulation to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Ensure the soil has excellent drainage to prevent waterlogged roots, as lavender is susceptible to root rot in poorly drained conditions.
2. Get the Soil Ready
Preparing the planting area is essential for creating optimal growing conditions for lavender. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve soil structure and fertility.
Lavender thrives in slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0, so it’s beneficial to perform a soil test and adjust the pH if necessary.
3. Dig the Holes
When planting lavender, dig holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of the plants, spacing them 12 to 18 inches apart. This spacing allows for adequate airflow around the plants, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Ensure the holes are deep enough to accommodate the root system without crowding or bending the roots.
4. Remove the Lavender from its Container
Carefully remove the lavender plants from their containers, being mindful not to disturb the roots.
Gently loosen any compacted soil around the root ball to encourage outward root growth and facilitate establishment in the planting hole.
5. Place the Plant in the Hole
Position each lavender plant in the center of its respective planting hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Avoid planting too deeply, as this can lead to suffocation of the roots and poor growth.
6. Water the Lavender
After planting, water the lavender thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets around the roots.
Continue to water regularly during the first few weeks after planting to help the plants establish themselves.
Once established, lavender is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering.
7. Add Mulch Around the Base
Apply a layer of mulch, such as pea gravel or shredded bark, around the base of the lavender plants to help retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.
Mulching also helps to prevent soil erosion and protects the roots from temperature fluctuations, ensuring optimal growing conditions for the plants.
YayImagesHow to Care for Lavender after it’s Planted
Caring for lavender after it’s been planted is essential to ensure the health and vitality of your plants. Follow these tips to keep your lavender thriving year after year:
Watering
While lavender is drought-tolerant once established, it’s essential to water newly planted lavender regularly to promote root establishment.
Afterward, water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Avoid overhead watering, as this can lead to fungal diseases and root rot.
Pruning
Pruning lavender is essential for maintaining its shape, promoting new growth, and prolonging the lifespan of the plants.
Prune lavender plants in late summer or early fall, removing spent flower heads and trimming back woody stems. This encourages the development of new growth and ensures a compact, bushy habit.
Fertilizing
Lavender is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in lean soil conditions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Apply a balanced fertilizer sparingly in early spring to support healthy growth and flowering. Make sure that you follow the instructions carefully so that you apply the correct amount.
Mulching
Mulching around lavender plants helps to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature, creating optimal growing conditions for the plants.
Apply a layer of mulch, such as gravel or organic material, around the base of the plants, ensuring that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stems.
Protection
In colder climates, provide protection for lavender plants during the winter months to prevent frost damage and ensure their survival.
Cover the plants with a layer of mulch or frost cloth to insulate them from freezing temperatures and protect the roots from frost heaving. Remove the protection in early spring once the threat of frost has passed.
YayImagesLavender Issues to Watch out for
Even though lavender is a resilient and low-maintenance plant, it’s not immune to certain issues that can affect its health. Here are some common problems to be aware of:
Root Rot
Overwatering and poorly drained soil can lead to root rot in lavender plants, causing the roots to become waterlogged and suffocate.
Ensure the soil has excellent drainage and avoid excessive watering to prevent this fungal disease.
Pests
While lavender is relatively pest-resistant, it may attract aphids, spider mites, and other insects, particularly during periods of stress.
Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pest infestations and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to prevent damage.
Diseases
Lavender is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, root rot, and gray mold, particularly in humid climates.
Ensure good air circulation around the plants by spacing them adequately and avoiding overcrowding. Water the plants at the base to prevent moisture from accumulating on the foliage, as damp conditions can promote fungal growth.
YayImagesConclusion
Growing lavender is a wonderful way to add both fragrance and color to your garden. Whether you go for the classic English version or the vibrant French variety, knowing how and when to plant lavender sets the stage for success. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to enjoy the soothing scent and beautiful blooms of lavender all year round.
The post How & When To Plant Lavender For Beautiful Fragrant Blooms appeared first on The Botanic Home.