Are you looking for a way to add some natural beauty and fragrance to your home and garden? Look no further than French lavender! This vibrant and aromatic plant is easy to grow both indoors and out, and its beautiful blooms will last for months.
As virtual assistants, we know that many people have a subconscious desire for mastery, and growing French lavender is a great way to exercise your green thumb and achieve that sense of accomplishment.
In this article, we will share our tips and tricks for growing French lavender, whether you decide to grow it indoors or outdoors. We will cover the best potting mix, pruning techniques, and preferred growing conditions to help you achieve the best results.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing French lavender is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that will add a touch of natural beauty and fragrance to your surroundings. So, let’s dive in and learn how to grow fragrant French lavender indoors and out!
Key Takeaways
- French lavender can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
- Lavender prefers quick-draining, sandy soil and alkaline conditions.
- Pruning once a year is essential for extending the plant’s lifespan and encouraging more blooms.
- French lavender is drought resistant and heat tolerant, but not cold hardy and should be protected from frost.
Growing French Lavender Outdoors
We absolutely love growing French lavender outdoors, and it’s essential to use a pot with drainage holes and sandy soil to prevent root rot and ensure our plants thrive all season long.
When choosing a pot, we make sure it has several drainage holes and is 12-16 inches in diameter. We prefer clay, terracotta or ceramic pots as they help to regulate the soil temperature and provide stability for our plants.
To prevent root rot, we mix 2/3 multi-purpose potting mix with 1/3 sand to create a quick-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away from the roots.
Overwatering can be detrimental to French lavender, so we ensure the soil is only moist and not waterlogged. We also avoid using moisture retaining granules in the soil as they can retain too much water.
With full sun and no fertilizer, our French lavender plants produce beautiful blooms and a lovely fragrance that we enjoy all season long.
Growing French Lavender Indoors
Pruning French lavender in the spring or fall is essential for indoor plants to maintain healthy growth and promote blooming. To prune, cut back the top third of soft, flexible growth and aim for a mound shape. This will encourage the growth of new stems and leaves for the following season.
When growing French lavender indoors, it’s important to choose an ideal location. Lavender should be placed in a sunny window where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It’s also important to ensure that the pot has drainage holes and that the soil is quick-draining to prevent root rot.
Additionally, French lavender prefers alkaline soil with a pH of 7-8 and does not require fertilizer. With these indoor growing techniques and ideal indoor locations, you can enjoy the fragrance of French lavender in your home year-round.
Pruning and Care Tips
To keep your potted lavender flourishing and full of life, it’s important to regularly check for pests and diseases. Pruning techniques are also key to maintaining a healthy plant. When pruning, aim to remove about one-third of the plant’s growth, focusing on trimming back any woody stems or branches. This will encourage the lavender to produce new growth and promote more blooms.
Be sure to prune in early spring or late fall, after flowering has finished. Winter care is crucial for French lavender, especially for those grown in colder climates. When temperatures drop, move your potted lavender indoors to a sunny window and water lightly every 4-6 weeks. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Prune your plant before bringing it inside to encourage new growth, and be sure to remove any dead or yellowing leaves. With proper pruning techniques and winter care, your potted French lavender will thrive year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common pests or diseases that can affect French lavender plants?
Common French lavender pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Diseases include root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Prevention and treatment for French lavender issues include using insecticidal soap, pruning affected areas, and ensuring proper drainage.
Can French lavender be grown in hanging baskets or other non-traditional containers?
Hanging basket options are available for growing French lavender, but it’s important to choose a container with good drainage. Care tips for indoor growth include pruning once per year and providing full sun. Use a 2/3 potting mix with 1/3 sand and avoid overwatering.
How long does it typically take for French lavender to reach maturity and start blooming?
Factors affecting maturity of French lavender include growing conditions and pruning practices. With proper care, French lavender can reach maturity in 2-3 years and start blooming. Best practices for pruning French lavender include annual pruning in spring or fall to encourage healthy growth and more blooms.
Are there any companion plants that are particularly beneficial to grow alongside French lavender?
Companion plant suggestions for growing French lavender include rosemary, thyme, and sage. These herbs share similar growing conditions and complement the fragrance of lavender. Growing lavender with other plants can also attract beneficial insects and repel pests.
How can I propagate French lavender to create new plants?
Propagating French lavender can be done through stem cuttings. Take cuttings in spring or early summer from non-flowering stems and remove the lower leaves. Plant in well-draining soil and mist regularly. Ideal growing conditions include full sun, sandy soil, and alkaline pH.
