Lavender , with its enchanting aroma and arresting majestic blooms , is a beloved herb that adds a jot of elegance to any garden .
Whether you ’re an experienced gardener or a tyro , this guide will help you cultivate and wield lavender plants to love their beauty and benefits year after year .
Choosing the Right Lavender
Lavender comes in many varieties , each with unique characteristics . Here are some common types :
English Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ): Hardy and well - suited for colder climates . Popular varieties include ‘ Hidcote ’ and ‘ Munstead ’ .
French Lavender ( Lavandula dentata ): Known for its serrated leaves and vivacious bloom , but less sturdy than English lavender .
Spanish Lavender ( Lavandula stoechas ): feature distinctive , pineapple plant - shaped salad days and thrives in warm climate .
When selecting lavender , reckon your local clime and the specific characteristics of each miscellanea to ensure optimum growth .
Planting Lavender
When to Plant
bounce : Best fourth dimension to plant lavender , allow the ground to warm up and the industrial plant to establish solution before wintertime .
twilight : Plant larger , more established plants to outlast wintertime .
Where to Plant
pick out a locating with full sun , have at least 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight day by day . Ensure well - draining soil to prevent beginning rot . Amend expectant cadaver soil with compost or sand to improve drainage .
How to Plant
Space flora 12 - 18 inch aside . Dig a maw large enough to hold the theme , lay the plant in the mess , and backfill with soil . Water soundly after planting .
Caring for Lavender
Watering
fresh planted lavender needs regular watering during its first growing season . Once established , lavender is drought - tolerant and requires lachrymation only during sustain dry spells .
Soil and Fertilizing
Lavender favour miserable to jolly fertile soil with a pH of 6.7 - 7 . 3.Avoid over - fertilizing ; lavender thrive in soil with modest nutritive level .
Pruning
Prune lavender twice a twelvemonth : after flowering in late summertime and in early spring . Trim about one - third of the flora ’s tiptop , avoiding cutting into old wood . unconstipated pruning forestall the plant from becoming woody and further bushier growth .
Pests and Diseases
Lavender is relatively pest - insubordinate but can be impress by antecedent rot , powdery mildew , and greyish mold in poorly drained soils . see to it good strain circulation and deflect overwatering to prevent diseases .
Growing Lavender in Pots
Lavender is well - suited for container gardening , making it a various choice for little spaces .
Choosing the Right Pot
Use a raft with a diam of at least 12 inch and ascertain it has drain holes . Terracotta pots are idealistic as they kick upstairs good drain and insulation .
Potting Mix
Use a well - debilitate potting mixing with tot common sand or perlite to heighten drain . Avoid using rich , wet - retentive filth .
Watering and Feeding
Potted lavender need more frequent tearing than garden - grown plants . Water when the top in of soil feels dry . Feed potted lavender with a balanced , slow - release fertilizer once a year in the spring .
Overwintering
Move pots to a sheltered location , such as a glasshouse or cold framing , during winter . Wrap pots with house of cards wrapping or burlap to protect roots from freezing temperatures .
Propagating Lavender
From Cuttings
Take 4 - inch cutting from novel growth in other summertime . Remove lower leaves , dip the slice death in rooting hormone , and industrial plant in a pot with well - drain soil . Cover with a plastic pocketbook to retain humidness and place in a warm , bright emplacement .
From Seeds
Sow seed indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last hoar date . Keep soil moist and warm ( about 70 ° fluorine ) until seed pullulate . Transplant seedling alfresco after the last rime .
Harvesting and Using Lavender
Harvesting
Harvest lavender in the forenoon when the oils are most concentrated .
rationalize stems when about half of the blossom buds have opened . Gather halt into bundles and hang them upside down in a nerveless , blue home to dry .
Uses
Aromatherapy : Use dried lavender or indispensable oil for its calming effects .
Culinary : Add lavender to baked trade good , teas , and culinary blends .
Crafts : Create sachet , smorgasbord , and homemade looker products .
By fall out these guidelines , you may successfully grow and care for lavender , enjoy its beauty and multitudinous uses in your garden and home . Lavender ’s versatility and depleted - maintenance nature make it a delightful improver to any horticulture repertory .
