Lavender: Complete Growing and Care Guide

Lavender is beloved for its soothing fragrance, beautiful purple blooms, and remarkable versatility. This Mediterranean herb thrives in sunny, dry conditions and, once established, requires minimal care. Whether you're growing lavender for its ornamental value, culinary uses, or aromatherapy benefits, this guide will help you cultivate healthy, fragrant plants.

Types of Lavender

Several lavender varieties are popular in gardens, each with slightly different characteristics:

Planting Lavender

Successful lavender cultivation starts with proper planting in the right location.

When to Plant

• Spring: After danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed
• Fall: In warmer regions (Zones 7-10), 6-8 weeks before first frost

Ideal Growing Conditions

Lavender thrives in conditions similar to its native Mediterranean region:

• Light: Full sun (6+ hours daily) is essential
• Soil: Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5-8)
• Spacing: 18-24 inches between plants for English lavender; 24-36 inches for larger varieties

Soil Preparation

Lavender's number one requirement is excellent drainage. To prepare soil:

1. Test soil pH (lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil)
2. For heavy clay soil, amend with:
   • Coarse sand or fine gravel (30-50% of mix)
   • Aged compost (10-20% of mix)
   • Consider raised beds or mounds to improve drainage
3. For acidic soil, add garden lime according to package directions to raise pH

Watering Lavender

Proper watering is crucial for lavender success—most problems stem from overwatering rather than underwatering.

Watering Schedule

• After planting: Water deeply every 5-7 days for the first month to establish roots
• Established plants (1+ years):
  • Spring/Fall: Water only when soil is dry 2 inches deep
  • Summer: During extended heat or drought, water deeply every 2-3 weeks
  • Winter: In most regions, rainfall is sufficient; protect from excessive winter moisture

Watering Technique

• Water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth
• Always allow soil to dry out between waterings

Fertilizing Lavender

Lavender requires minimal fertilization—too much nitrogen promotes excessive foliage at the expense of flowers and fragrance.

Fertilizing Schedule

• At planting: No fertilizer needed
• Established plants: Apply a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
• Container plants: Apply half-strength flowering plant fertilizer in spring

Pruning Lavender

Regular pruning is essential for maintaining lavender's shape, promoting airflow, and extending the plant's lifespan.

When to Prune

• Light pruning: After first flush of flowers fades (early-mid summer)
• Hard pruning: Early spring before new growth begins

Pruning Technique

Rejuvenating Older Plants

Lavender typically becomes woody and less productive after 5-10 years. To rejuvenate:

1. In early spring, prune back up to half the plant's height, but never into old wood with no signs of green growth
2. If a plant is very woody with minimal green growth, it's often better to replace it rather than attempt major rejuvenation

Seasonal Care

Spring Care

• Remove winter protection once danger of hard frost has passed
• Prune out any winter-damaged branches
• Apply light fertilizer if needed
• Refresh mulch around plants

Summer Care

• Monitor for signs of drought stress
• Harvest flowers for culinary and craft uses
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering
• Provide afternoon shade in extremely hot climates

Fall Care

• Reduce watering as temperatures cool
• Avoid late-season fertilization
• Clean up fallen debris around plants to prevent disease
• In cold regions (Zones 5-6), wait until after the first frost to add winter protection

Winter Care

• In cold regions (Zones 5-6):
  • Avoid pruning after early fall
  • Apply mulch around (not on top of) plant base after ground freezes
  • Consider windbreaks for exposed locations
  • Avoid winter watering except during prolonged dry spells

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Lavender Not Flowering

Possible Causes and Solutions

• Insufficient sunlight: Ensure plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sun daily
• Overfertilization: Reduce or eliminate fertilizer; lavender blooms best in lean soil
• Improper pruning timing: Avoid pruning in late summer through winter
• Young plants: Some varieties take 2-3 years to reach full flowering potential

Woody, Leggy Growth

Possible Causes and Solutions

• Insufficient pruning: Implement regular pruning regimen (spring and after flowering)
• Too much shade: Relocate to a sunnier location if possible
• Excessive moisture: Improve drainage; reduce watering
• Natural aging: Replace plants after 5-10 years as they become woody and less productive

Winter Survival in Cold Regions

Tips for Success in Zones 5-6

• Select cold-hardy varieties: 'Munstead', 'Hidcote', and 'Phenomenal' offer better cold tolerance
• Plant in protected locations: South or west-facing slopes; near walls that provide radiant heat
• Improve drainage: Create raised planting areas to prevent winter wet feet
• Apply mulch after ground freezes: Use inorganic mulch like gravel around the base (not covering the crown)
• Avoid late-season pruning: Final pruning should occur no later than 8 weeks before first frost
• Provide windbreaks: Plant on the leeward side of structures or use temporary winter screens

Conclusion

With its intoxicating fragrance, beautiful flowers, and minimal care requirements, lavender deserves a place in nearly every garden. By providing the right growing conditions—particularly full sun and excellent drainage—you'll be rewarded with years of enjoyment from this versatile herb.

Remember that different lavender varieties have different needs and characteristics, so choose types well-suited to your climate and intended use. Through proper planting, mindful watering, regular pruning, and seasonal care, your lavender will thrive and provide beauty, fragrance, and utility for many seasons to come.