What To Know
- With a little knowledge and a touch of care, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of this fragrant herb for years to come.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot filled with a mixture of potting soil and perlite.
- You can also prune your lavender to create specific shapes or styles, such as a hedge or a topiary.
The sweet, calming scent of lavender is a welcome addition to any garden. But did you know that growing lavender outside is surprisingly easy? With a little knowledge and a touch of care, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of this fragrant herb for years to come. This guide will walk you through the steps of how to grow lavender outside, from choosing the right variety to harvesting those beautiful purple blooms.
Choosing the Right Lavender Variety
The first step to growing lavender outside is selecting the right variety for your climate and gardening goals. There are over 30 species of lavender, each with unique characteristics in terms of scent, bloom time, and hardiness. Here are a few popular options to consider:
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): This classic variety is known for its strong, sweet scent and beautiful purple flowers. It’s a good choice for beginners and thrives in cooler climates.
French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): This variety features distinctive, colorful bracts (leaf-like structures) that surround the flowers. It’s more heat-tolerant than English lavender and has a slightly camphoraceous scent.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula latifolia): This variety has a more intense, medicinal scent and is often used in aromatherapy. It’s also a good choice for attracting pollinators.
Consider your climate: Lavender prefers well-drained soil and full sun. If you live in a colder climate, choose a variety known for its hardiness, such as English lavender. In warmer regions, French or Spanish lavender might be better suited.
Selecting the Perfect Spot
Lavender thrives in sunny locations, so choose a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot should also have well-drained soil. Lavender is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. If your soil is prone to poor drainage, consider planting your lavender in raised beds or containers.
Preparing the Soil for Your Lavender Plants
Lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. If your soil is acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.
Planting Lavender
Lavender plants can be started from seed, cuttings, or purchased as young plants from a nursery.
Starting from seed: Sow seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Starting from cuttings: Take cuttings from healthy lavender plants in the spring or fall. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot filled with a mixture of potting soil and perlite. Keep the cuttings moist and in a bright location until they develop roots.
Planting young plants: Plant lavender in the spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant.
Spacing: Space lavender plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Watering and Feeding Your Lavender
Lavender is drought-tolerant, but it does need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Lavender doesn’t require heavy fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring is usually sufficient.
Pruning Your Lavender
Pruning your lavender regularly is essential for maintaining its shape and promoting healthy growth.
Deadheading: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new blooms and prevent the plant from going to seed.
Annual pruning: In late winter or early spring, prune back your lavender plants by about one-third to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.
Shape and style: You can also prune your lavender to create specific shapes or styles, such as a hedge or a topiary.
Protecting Your Lavender from Pests and Diseases
Lavender is generally pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to certain problems.
Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can sometimes infest lavender plants. You can control these pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases: Lavender is susceptible to root rot, powdery mildew, and rust. These diseases can be prevented by providing good drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Harvesting and Drying Lavender
Once your lavender plants are in full bloom, you can harvest the flowers for use in crafts, culinary dishes, or aromatherapy.
Harvesting: Cut the flower stalks in the morning when the dew has dried. Cut the stalks just below the flower heads.
Drying: Hang the flower stalks upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. You can also dry lavender in a dehydrator or oven.
Enjoying the Fragrance and Benefits of Lavender
Once your lavender is dried, you can use it in a variety of ways:
Aromatic sachets: Fill small fabric pouches with dried lavender to create fragrant sachets for drawers, closets, or linen cupboards.
Potpourri: Combine dried lavender with other fragrant herbs and flowers to create a beautiful and aromatic potpourri.
Infused oil: Create a fragrant lavender oil by soaking dried lavender flowers in a carrier oil, such as olive oil or almond oil.
Tea: Add dried lavender flowers to hot water to create a calming and relaxing tea.
The End of the Lavender Journey: A Time for Reflection
Growing lavender outside is a rewarding experience that brings beauty, fragrance, and tranquility to your garden. With a little care, you can enjoy the benefits of this versatile herb for years to come. From selecting the right variety to harvesting its fragrant blooms, each step of the journey brings you closer to the calming world of lavender.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Can I grow lavender in a container?
Yes, lavender can be grown successfully in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, and ensure it has drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
2. When is the best time to prune lavender?
The best time to prune lavender is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You can also deadhead spent flower stalks throughout the growing season to encourage new blooms.
3. How do I know if my lavender plant is getting enough sunlight?
Lavender needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If your lavender plant is not getting enough sunlight, it may become leggy and have fewer flowers. If you notice these signs, consider moving your lavender plant to a sunnier location.
4. Why is my lavender plant turning brown?
Lavender plants can turn brown for a few reasons, including overwatering, lack of drainage, or fungal diseases. If you suspect overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If you suspect poor drainage, consider repotting your lavender in a pot with drainage holes or planting it in a raised bed. If you suspect a fungal disease, treat the plant with a fungicide.
5. Can I use lavender indoors?
Yes, you can bring lavender indoors for a fragrant touch. Place a pot of lavender on a sunny windowsill or use dried lavender to create aromatic sachets or potpourri. Just remember to keep lavender away from pets and children, as it can be toxic if ingested.
