Are you looking to add some charm and fragrance to your garden or patio? Look no further than potted lavender plants! With their delicate purple blooms and sweet aroma, lavender plants can be a stunning addition to any outdoor space. However, as with any plant, caring for potted lavender requires specific knowledge and attention.
In this article, we’ll share our top tips for ensuring your potted lavender thrives and blooms for years to come.
Picture this: sitting on your patio, surrounded by vibrant greenery and the gentle hum of bees, while the scent of fresh lavender fills the air. It’s a dreamy scene, but achieving it takes some effort.
Potted lavender requires careful selection of pots, proper soil and watering, and specific sunlight requirements to flourish. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it all.
With our expert advice, you’ll be a pro at potted lavender care in no time. So, let’s dive in and learn how to cultivate thriving lavender plants in pots!
Key Takeaways
- Lavender soil mix should be well-draining with sand or gravel
- Established lavender only needs watering once every two weeks
- Lavender needs full sun for best growth and blooms
- Lavenders in pots grow best with a soak and dry style of watering
Pot Selection and Drainage
We always make sure to choose pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot when growing lavender in pots, as we’ve learned. The wrong type of pot without drainage holes can cause root rot, which is a common problem for lavender plants in pots.
Without proper drainage, water can accumulate in the potting soil, causing the roots to become waterlogged and eventually rot. This can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even death of the plant.
Choosing an appropriate pot for growing lavender is crucial to the plant’s health. Pots with drainage holes allow excess water to drain out, preventing root rot and ensuring that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
It’s also important to choose a pot that is the right size for the plant, as a pot that is too small can restrict root growth and lead to unhealthy plants. By selecting the right pot and ensuring proper drainage, we can help our potted lavender thrive and flourish.
Soil and Watering
Exploring the ideal soil composition and watering schedule is crucial for ensuring healthy growth and vibrant blooms of potted lavender.
The optimal soil mix for lavender should consist of 70% organic soil and 30% sand or gravel for optimal structure and nutrients. This well-draining mix allows excess water to drain quickly, preventing root rot.
Additionally, lavenders prefer slightly alkaline soil, so adding agricultural lime can increase the soil’s pH from acidic to alkaline.
Watering frequency is also important for potted lavender. Established lavender plants only need watering once every two weeks in the growing season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant.
To prevent this, water lavenders using a soak and dry method. This means saturating the soil until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes and waiting until the soil is dry before watering again. In winter, when potted lavenders are more susceptible to root rot due to the pots’ reduced insulation, it’s best to water only when the soil is almost dry.
By following these soil and watering tips, you can ensure your potted lavender thrives and produces beautiful, fragrant blooms.
Lavender Species for Pots
Let’s take a look at the best lavender species for growing in pots. When it comes to potted lavender, the English species is the most versatile. This species can tolerate drought-like conditions and cold, making it ideal for outdoor pot growing in many temperate climates. English lavenders, such as Munstead and Hidcote, are hardy and can survive winter temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C).
On the other hand, Spanish and French lavenders are not cold hardy and will die in winter frosts and cold temperatures. These species are only hardy in USDA 7-9, making them unsuitable for outdoor pot growing in many areas. However, French and Spanish lavenders can be grown in cooler climates if pots are brought indoors before winter.
When choosing a lavender species for your pot, consider the growing conditions and winter care needed to ensure your plant thrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lavender be grown indoors in pots?
Indoor lavender in pots is possible, but not ideal. Lavender needs full sun and good air circulation to thrive. Cons include limited growing space and lack of pollinators. The best potting mix for lavender in pots should be well-draining and slightly alkaline.
How often should lavender be fertilized when grown in pots?
Fertilization frequency for potted lavender depends on soil nutrients. We fertilize our English lavender once a year in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to soft growth and fewer blooms.
Can lavender be grown in plastic pots or do they need to be terracotta?
Lavender can be grown in plastic or terracotta pots, but terracotta is best for outdoor use. For indoor growing, plastic is acceptable. Use well-draining soil, full sun, and water once every two weeks for optimal growth and blooms.
Can lavender be grown in hanging baskets?
Growing lavender in hanging baskets can be challenging due to limited soil space and drainage. However, with proper care, it can thrive. Best varieties for hanging baskets include Spanish and French lavenders.
Can lavender be grown alongside other plants in the same pot?
Yes, lavender can be grown alongside other plants in the same pot through companion planting. However, it’s important to choose plants with similar water and light requirements and make sure the container size is large enough to accommodate both plants.
