If you’re anything like us, you love the sight and smell of blooming lavenders. These beautiful plants are not only visually stunning, but also offer a fragrant aroma that is sure to soothe your senses.
Growing potted lavenders is a great way to bring this beauty and fragrance into your home or garden, but it’s important to know how to care for them properly to ensure they thrive.
In this article, we’re going to share with you our tried-and-true tips and advice for growing perfect blooms in your potted lavender plants. We’ll cover everything from the ideal pot size and material to the right soil and watering requirements, as well as growing conditions and tips for transplanting.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the world of lavender, our expertise and experience will help you achieve stunning results and create a beautiful display of potted lavenders in your home or garden. So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Lavenders grow well in pots, but the pot size should be at least 12-16 inches across with proportional depth.
- Good drainage in the base of the pot is essential for avoiding root rot and drowning.
- Lavenders need full sun to flower at their best and prefer a soak and dry style of watering.
- Ceramic or terracotta pots are the best choice for lavender growing, as they resist frost better in winter.
Pot and Soil Requirements
We should choose a ceramic or terracotta pot that’s at least 12-16 inches across with good drainage in the base for our lavender. These pots are the best choice for lavender growing, as they provide good insulation for the roots during winter and resist frost better than metal or plastic pots.
Additionally, lavender prefers well-draining soil and doesn’t like overwatering, so good drainage in the base of the pot is essential for avoiding root rot and drowning.
In terms of container material selection, we can grow lavenders in pots made of any material, but ceramic or terracotta pots are the preferred option. Metal and plastic pots tend to heat up more in the sun and require more frequent watering, which may not be ideal for lavender.
Lavenders planted in pots are more exposed to extreme temperatures, so it’s essential to choose the right container size and material to ensure the plant’s optimal growth and health.
Watering and Drainage
To ensure healthy growth, it’s important to water lavender sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases, so we recommend a soak and dry style of watering.
Here are some tips for watering and drainage when growing potted lavender:
- Choose containers with good drainage holes in the base to avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Water lavender once every two weeks during the growing season, but adjust the frequency based on the weather and soil moisture level.
- Lavenders prefer well-draining soil, so add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.
- Avoid watering from above as this can lead to wet foliage and encourage fungal growth.
- Remember that lavender prefers a somewhat dry soil, so allow the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid overwatering.
By following these tips for watering and drainage, you can help your potted lavender thrive and produce beautiful blooms. Remember to choose the right containers and water sparingly to avoid overwatering and root rot.
Growing Conditions and Transplanting
Although it may be tempting to plant lavender in the ground, keep in mind that extreme temperatures can be a challenge, especially in colder climates. This is why growing lavender in pots can be a great option.
When planting lavender in pots, it’s important to make sure the pot is placed in a sunny location, as lavender needs full sun to flower at its best. Lavender is native to the hot and dry Mediterranean region of Europe and is a drought-resistant plant, so it’s important to make sure the pot has good drainage to avoid overwatering and root rot.
During winter, lavender needs good insulation for its roots, and it’s essential to protect the plant from extreme cold temperatures. Ceramic or terracotta pots tend to resist frost better than metal or plastic pots, so these are a good option for winter protection. French and Spanish species of lavender may need to be moved indoors for protection over winter, and it’s important to make sure the plant is not overwatered during this time.
With the right growing conditions and transplanting techniques, potted lavenders can thrive and produce perfect blooms year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I prune my potted lavender plant?
For potted lavenders, we prune once a year in early spring to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess. Shaping techniques include cutting back one-third of the plant’s height and trimming off spent flowers throughout the growing season.
Can I grow lavender in a hanging basket?
Growing lavender in a hanging basket is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. The soil requirements are too specific for the limited space, but there are hanging basket options with enough soil depth and good drainage for successful growth.
What kind of fertilizer should I use for potted lavender?
For our potted lavender, we prefer organic fertilizer to chemical. It’s important to check soil pH and adjust accordingly. We’ve had great results with a balanced NPK ratio and occasional applications of fish emulsion.
How do I prevent pests from damaging my potted lavender?
To prevent pests from damaging potted lavender, we use natural pest deterrents like planting companion plants and using organic insecticides. We’ve found success with neem oil and insecticidal soap. Regularly inspecting plants helps catch pests early.
Can I grow different varieties of lavender in the same pot?
Yes, interplanting lavender varieties in the same pot is possible. Companion planting with lavender can actually help deter pests and improve overall plant health. However, make sure to choose varieties with similar growing requirements and prune regularly to avoid overcrowding.
