Are you a lavender lover looking to take your plant care skills to the next level? Look no further, as we have compiled a comprehensive guide on caring for lavenders. From watering to soil requirements, we’ve got you covered.
Lavenders are a popular choice for their stunning flowers and calming aroma, but it takes proper care to ensure they thrive. As avid gardeners ourselves, we understand the desire for mastery and the satisfaction that comes with seeing your plants flourish.
That’s why we’ve put together this technical, detailed, and informative guide to help you care for your lavenders like a pro. So, let’s dive in and learn how to keep your lavenders healthy and vibrant.
Key Takeaways
- Newly planted lavenders need more water but be careful not to over water them.
- Lavenders need to be planted in sandy soil with good drainage and in a sunny location.
- Potted lavenders need to be watered once every two weeks during the growing season with around 35 ounces of water (1 litre) if there has been no rainfall and persistent sunshine.
- Lavenders are drought tolerant and thrive in pots, but over watering is the most common reason potted lavenders die.
Watering Lavenders
Let’s not drown our beautiful lavenders and instead give them just enough love and water. Overwatering is the most common reason for their demise, and we want to avoid that at all costs. Signs of overwatering include a wilting appearance and brown leaves.
It’s important to establish a proper watering schedule for your lavender plants, depending on their age and location. Newly planted lavenders need more water, but don’t overdo it. Water them every two weeks up until September. Potted lavenders will need to be watered once every two weeks during the growing season with around 35 ounces of water (1 liter) if there has been no rainfall and persistent sunshine. Avoid watering lavenders more than twice per week and skip watering if there has been significant rainfall.
Watering in the morning allows the soil to dry during the day, which is beneficial for the roots. Proper watering is crucial to the health and survival of your lavender plants.
Soil Requirements
We need to ensure that our lavenders are potted in sandy soil with good drainage and placed in a sunny location to thrive. Soil preparation is crucial to the successful cultivation of lavenders, as they’re native to the Mediterranean and prefer nutrient-poor, well-draining soil.
To create the ideal soil mix, we should use a well-draining medium that contains one-third compost and two-thirds sand or grit. When choosing the right pot for our lavenders, we should opt for one with several holes in the base to allow water to drain as freely as possible.
Lavender roots benefit from a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to provide air pockets. The pot should be at least 16 inches in width and have a depth of at least 12 inches to accommodate a mature lavender.
It’s important to note that lavenders in damp soil are at risk of developing root rot and dying, so the pot must have enough drainage to prevent this. By following these soil preparation and pot selection guidelines, we can ensure that our lavenders have the best possible chance to thrive and produce beautiful blooms.
Additional Care Tips
To ensure the health and beauty of our lavender plants, it’s important to provide them with full sun exposure of at least 6 hours per day during summer and to bring French or Spanish varieties indoors during winter to avoid frost.
Additionally, pruning techniques should be applied to keep the plant looking neat and vigorous. Prune back to just above a pair of leaves, never into woody growth, and never cut back into old wood as it won’t regrow. It’s best to prune in late summer after flowering, but it can also be done in early spring to remove any dead or damaged wood.
Pest control is also an important aspect of lavender care. The most common pests are spider mites and aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap. It’s important to avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies.
In addition to pest control, it’s important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of disease, such as root rot or grey mold. If any signs are noticed, it’s best to remove the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them to prevent further spread.
By following these additional care tips, our lavender plants will thrive and continue to produce beautiful flowers and fragrant aromas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lavenders be grown indoors?
Yes, lavenders can be grown indoors. Indoor Lavender Care requires bright, south-facing windows, consistent temperatures between 60-70°F, and well-draining soil. They are one of the Best Indoor Plants for lavender lovers, but don’t overwater or place near heating vents.
How often should lavenders be fertilized?
Fertilizer frequency for lavender depends on the type of soil and growth stage. Organic options work well, but hydroponic lavender requires more frequent fertilization. Indoor gardening with lavender also requires careful monitoring of soil conditions and fertilizer application.
Can lavenders be propagated from cuttings?
As the saying goes, “knowledge is power,” and it’s important to know that lavender propagation is possible through cuttings. To increase success, use rooting hormone and ensure the cuttings have at least two sets of leaves.
What pests and diseases commonly affect lavenders?
To prevent pests on lavender, regularly prune and remove dead plant material. Common diseases include root rot and fungal infections, treat with fungicides. Lavenders are susceptible to spider mites and aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
What are some companion plants that can be grown alongside lavenders?
Companion plant suggestions for lavenders include rosemary, sage, thyme, and marjoram. These plants not only complement each other aesthetically but also repel pests. Harvesting tips involve cutting one-third of the plant during the growing season and drying the flowers for culinary use.
