Planting And Taking Care Of Lavender?

Lavender plant care is essential for its growth and health. It involves monitoring soil and sunlight conditions, providing water, and practicing timely pruning and harvesting. To plant lavender, choose a plant sold by a local nursery, as they will provide varieties that do well in your climate. English lavender, a popular hybrid of English lavender and the Spruce/Phoebe Cheong, provides good midsummer color to the garden and is often used in perennial borders, rock gardens, and herb gardens.

Lavender plants thrive in dry, poor soil and even self-seed. An annual top dressing of compost and occasional watering during very dry spells is welcome, but avoid overfeeding with high-nitrogen fertilizers or rich manures. Plant lavender in a location that receives full sun, or at least six hours of direct sunlight, in well-draining soil. Water young plants that do not receive enough sunlight.

Lavender plants require full sun and well-drained soil that is not too acidic. If soil drains poorly, grow lavender in raised beds. Set full-size varieties 3 to 4 feet apart. All types of lavender need full sun to thrive.

Lavender is best planted as a young plant starting in the spring after the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C). Set plants 12 to 18 inches apart in an open area with full sun and good air circulation, being sure to choose strong, vigorous young lavender plants.

Where is the best place to plant lavender?

Lavender plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, with afternoon shade in hot summers. They thrive in low to moderately-fertile soils and neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Mulching lavender plants in late fall protects them from winter’s cold, while wood chips or bark mulch insulates them from cold. Remove mulch in early spring. Lavender is resistant to pests like deer and beetles, but in humid regions, powdery mildew and other fungus diseases can be a problem.

To prevent fungal diseases, spacing plants further apart and in good air circulation helps keep leaves dry. Insects like spittlebugs, whiteflies, and aphids may attack lavender, so knock them off with a strong stream of water from a hose or spray insecticidal soap. Spray early to avoid pests becoming a major concern.

How do you care for a lavender plant?

Lavender is a perennial plant that can return every year if properly cared for and planted in the right location. It requires full sun, at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, to grow and thrive. If the plant doesn’t receive enough sunlight, it may become weak and spindly, and may not bloom well. Lavender is generally toxic to cats when ingested due to its linalool and linalyl acetate compounds, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. To prevent cats from eating the plant or coming into contact with concentrated essential oils, it’s essential to place the pot in a sunny location with at least six hours of sunlight per day.

Does lavender need to be cut back each year?

Pruning is crucial for the first few years of a lavender plant’s life, as it helps establish its woody base and support the weight of stems and flowers. If not done, the plant may shoot branches and fall to the side, resulting in a haphazard, woody mound. It is recommended to prune lavender when it is young and be diligent about it every year for the first few years. Once the plant is 3-4 years old, the woody mound should be compact, healthy, and ready to survive snowfall and spring growth.

What is the best companion plant for lavender?

Lavender and rosemary are ideal companion plants for gardeners due to their complementary aromas. Lavender protects lower-growing plants from sun and pests, while rosemary protects the surrounding soil. Lavender’s tall, aromatic scent repels pests like aphids, whiteflies, and certain beetles, while rosemary’s fragrance acts as a natural pest repellent for lavender. Lavender also helps maintain a stable microclimate around rosemary by reducing soil moisture evaporation. These plants create a plot full of mutually beneficial plants that can be successfully planted in your garden.

What is the best month to plant lavender?

Lavender, a fragrant shrub known for its fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage, is best planted in April or May when soil warms up and fresh plants become available in garden centers. It thrives in sunny spots, free-draining soil, or containers and is easy to grow. Lavender flowers in late spring and summer, with evergreen foliage usually silver-grey or grey-green. It thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant. Many types are hardy, but avoid planting in cold, damp spots. Lavender can be propagated from cuttings and its leaves and flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.

Should lavender be cut back?

Lavender plants should be pruned immediately after their flowers in summer to early fall, with a second pruning if necessary. They should be stopped six weeks before the first frost date due to their vulnerability to winter damage. Spring pruning is possible, but it can be challenging, especially with deciduous varieties. To avoid cutting into the woody sections, wait for new leaves to sprout before cutting into the plant. This will help ensure the plant’s growth and prevent damage to its woody sections.

Can lavender get too much sun?

Lavender plants can be too hot to handle, leading to sunburn and heat stress. To balance this, provide afternoon shade or adjust the plant’s position to protect it from intense midday sun. The direction of the window is crucial for a Lavender plant’s growth. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing windows are the VIP seats for sunlight, while in the Southern Hemisphere, north-facing windows are preferred. The goal is to provide a sun-soaked haven for your Lavender plant, not just a room with a view. Remember, the goal is a flourishing plant, not a crispy one.

Can I use Miracle Grow on lavender?

To maintain a healthy indoor plant life, start using Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food weekly a month after planting to replenish nutrients. Regularly prune lavender and lemon verbena to produce new leaves and scents, while jasmine can be pruned for size. A kids’ discovery garden can pique curiosity about the natural world and keep spirits up during winter months. The garden should include bright, indirect natural light, touchy-feely plants like tickle me and lamb’s ears, and an active Venus flytrap. The garden should have 7-inch pots with drainage holes, nutrient-rich Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix, nourishing Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food, and small bugs (optional).

Does lavender repel bugs?

Lavender, a lilac-colored plant, is known for its ability to repel insects like moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. Its sweet fragrance adds a pleasant scent to homes and clothing drawers, but it also repels mosquitoes. Plant lavender in sunny areas or near home entrances to keep pest-free. The oil extracted from the flowers can be used as a mosquito repellent. Petunias, on the other hand, repel insects like aphids, tomato horn worms, asparagus beetles, and pumpkin bugs, which are more annoying for vegetables than humans.

Do you deadhead lavender?

The speaker is engaged in a discussion pertaining to the planting process and the lavender they are cultivating in the garden, with the objective of capturing high-quality footage on a day with optimal lighting conditions.

Do lavender plants need to be cut back?

Regular pruning is crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of lavender plants. Some varieties can last up to 20 years if properly pruned. Untreated lavender can become shapeless, woody, and have few flowers. To maintain an attractive, sweet-smelling shrub, it is essential to know the type of lavender you have. English lavender, the hardiest variety, requires the most pruning. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your lavender plants remain healthy and attractive for years to come.