With a little attention and care, you can revive your lavender plants and enjoy their fragrant blooms once again. And it’s not just about the beauty they bring to your garden.
Research has shown that lavender plays a role in stress reduction. A comprehensive study analyzing 21 articles and over 1500 participants found a notable decrease in stress levels after using lavender.1
So, whether you’re seeking a calmer mind or simply want to enhance your garden’s appeal, these useful tricks will help you nurture your lavender back to its full potential.
1. Check the Soil & Drainage
Lavender thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
2. Adjust Watering
Lavender prefers dry conditions and is susceptible to overwatering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Stick your finger in the soil to check moisture levels before watering again.
3. Prune Strategically
Pruning encourages new growth and helps maintain the plant’s shape. In early spring, trim back any dead or woody stems, avoiding the main woody base. You can also lightly prune after flowering to promote bushier growth.
4. Fertilize Sparingly
Lavender doesn’t require heavy feeding. Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen-rich ones, can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring or a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
5. Provide Adequate Sunlight
Lavender loves sunlight and needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. If your plant is not getting enough sunlight, it may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. Move it to a sunnier location or supplement with grow lights if needed.
6. Repot if Necessary
If your lavender is rootbound (roots circling the pot), repot it into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil. This will give the roots more space to grow and improve the plant’s overall health.
7. Address Pests & Diseases
Lavender can be susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Check regularly for signs of infestation, such as sticky leaves or webbing. If found, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fungal diseases can also affect lavender, so avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plants.
8. Protect from Extreme Weather
Lavender is relatively hardy, but it can be damaged by extreme heat or cold. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent scorching. During winter, protect plants with mulch or row covers if temperatures drop below freezing.
9. Harvest Regularly
Regular harvesting of lavender flowers not only provides you with fragrant blooms but also encourages the plant to produce more. Cut the stems just above a set of leaves when the flowers are in full bloom.
10. Consider Propagation
If your lavender plant is struggling beyond repair, take cuttings from healthy stems and propagate new plants. This will ensure you have new lavender plants to enjoy even if the original plant doesn’t recover.
With these tricks, you can transform your struggling lavender plants into a fragrant, vibrant haven in your garden. Not only will you enjoy the visual delight of their beautiful blooms, but you’ll also experience the stress-relieving benefits that lavender offers.
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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.