Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in the world. Its soothing fragrance and versatile uses have made it a beloved herb for centuries. It is native to the Mediterranean region, where it thrives in sunny, dry conditions.
While some consider it tricky to grow, with the right care lavender can flourish in your garden. This hardy perennial is surprisingly low-maintenance and forgiving, making it a great choice even for novice gardeners.
Whether you want to enjoy its calming aroma, use it in cooking and crafts, or simply admire its beauty, these tips will help you grow amazing lavender plants that are healthy, vigorous, and bursting with fragrant blooms.
Choosing the Right Pot & Soil
When planting lavender in pots, not just any container will do. Here are some tips for selecting the ideal pot:
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- Opt for a terracotta, clay, or wooden pot with plenty of drainage holes. These materials help wick away excess moisture, preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged.
- Choose a pot that’s at least 12-16 inches deep and wide to accommodate the lavender’s root system.
- Avoid pots with attached saucers, as they can trap water and lead to root rot.
The soil is equally important for potted lavender success. Create the perfect well-draining mix by:
- Combining potting soil with sand and perlite or vermiculite in a 3:1:1 ratio. This ensures the roots have room to breathe and prevents the soil from becoming soggy.
- Adding a handful of compost or worm castings to the mix for natural nourishment.
- Ensuring the soil pH is slightly alkaline, between 6.5-7.5.
Planting & Care Tips
To give your lavender the best start, follow these planting and care guidelines:
- Choose a pot that’s at least 2 inches larger than the current container and about one-third the height of the mature plant.
- Gently remove the lavender from its original pot, shake off excess soil, and place it in the new container. Fill in around the roots, leaving about an inch of space at the top for watering.
- Situate the pot in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot desert climates, provide some afternoon shade.
- Water deeply and thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent disease.
- Top-dress with a light layer of compost every other spring for added nutrients. Lavender doesn’t require heavy fertilization.
Pruning for Optimal Growth & Flowering
Regular pruning is key to keeping your potted lavender looking and performing its best. Here’s how to prune like a pro:
- Deadhead spent blooms throughout the season to encourage more flowering and maintain a tidy appearance. Simply remove the flower stems down to the first set of leaves.
- In spring, give lavender a more substantial pruning by removing 1/4 to 1/3 of the plant’s height. Avoid cutting into the woody parts of the stems.
- For young plants, prune foliage and flowers back by 1/3 to 1/2 before planting to promote root growth and branching.
- Don’t prune lavender after late August, as it can stimulate tender new growth that won’t survive winter.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the beauty and fragrance of lavender right in your own container garden. So plant a pot or two, and let the soothing scent of lavender transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.