How to Care for Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful herb with purple flowers and a sweet scent. It's originally from the Mediterranean, but grows well in the UK. Lavender has a long history of use and is now used for anxiety and sleep problems. It's also used as an essential oil for hair and in alcoholic drinks. Let's take a look at how to care for them to keep them looking glorious every summer.

LIGHT REQUIREMENTS:

For your lavender plant to stay healthy and grow well, you need to find a spot where it can get full sun. This means a place where the plant can directly absorb sunlight. If you're keeping your lavender indoors, the best spot is near a southern or western-facing window, about 2 to 3 feet away. This position allows for direct sunlight while protecting the plant from scorching. If there's not enough natural light in your home, you can use a full spectrum LED grow light to supplement it. Position the lavender plant about 12-24 inches below the grow light to prevent the leaves from getting burnt by high temperatures. The closer the plant is to the grow light, the more intense the temperature it will be exposed to. Adjust the grow light according to the climate of your home to maintain optimal conditions for the plant's growth.

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Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it an ideal choice for sunny garden spots.

WATER REQUIREMENTS:

The English Lavender is drought resistant and does not have complicated watering needs. Water your lavender every 10 days with about ½ an inch of filtered water or until the top inch of soil is moist. Only water your lavender plant once the soil is completely dry. Water your indoor lavender once every four to six during the colder winter and autumn months. If your lavender is outdoors, it will not need to be watered during the winter or fall.

TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS:

Are you aware that lavender plants are mostly found in Mediterranean climates? They can withstand different temperature ranges, but they grow best in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a lavender plant at home, don't worry! It can survive in typical house climates. Just make sure to avoid exposing it to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit as it can cause damage or even death. However, the English Lavender is an exception to this rule, and it is more resistant to winter frost and can survive in colder temperatures. Remember to take good care of your plant to ensure its health and longevity.

HUMIDITY REQUIREMENTS:

Although lavender plants are native to the Mediterranean, they prefer low humidity levels of around 20-35%. If exposed to high humidity, your lavender may suffer from root rot or other damage. Keep this in mind when caring for your plant.

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Wondering how to lower humidity for your lavender plant? Try a dehumidifier! Using a fan or dehumidifier will increase air circulation in your home and lower humidity levels.

SOIL:

Lavender plants grow best in a loamy, all-purpose soil mixture. Look out for vermiculite and peat moss mixtures to keep your plant happy! Adding some bark to the mix can also help with drainage! 

FERTILIZER:

Lavender is a sturdy and quick-growing plant that doesn't require frequent fertilization. To nourish your plant, you only need to fertilize it once a year with a slow-release fertilizer. This type of fertilizer is called "slow-release" because it gradually and steadily releases small amounts of nutrients into the soil. This natural process supports the soil's decomposition and helps your plants grow healthy and strong.

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Regular pruning of lavender promotes healthy growth and encourages the plant to produce its signature fragrant blooms.

REPOTTING:

The best time to repot your lavender is once a year during late winter or early spring. Lavender tends to enjoy being a bit root-bound, so you don’t necessarily have to transfer your plant to a much bigger pot size. If there is enough room for the plant to grow, your lavender plant should be happy! 

PROPAGATION:

If you want to grow lavender successfully, you need to know the right time of year and the type of plant. To start, choose a healthy stem from the plant's root that is bright in color and has no buds. Cut a stem that is 3 to 4 inches long and remove all the leaves from the bottom 2 inches. Prepare a container with a soil mix of vermiculite, peat moss, and bark to ensure good drainage. Then, insert the stem's bottom 2 inches into the soil. Cover the container with plastic to create a mini greenhouse. Remove the plastic when you see the stem developing roots. By following these steps, you can easily and effectively grow lavender.

Types of Lavender Cuttings:

Hardwood Cuttings: Propagation of hardwood cuttings can be done in both spring and fall seasons. These cuttings have fewer buds on their stems and are suitable for propagating flowering lavender. However, they should be handled with caution as they can be fragile and easily break. The rooting process may take approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

Softwood Cuttings: Unlike hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings are only found in the springtime. Softwood cuttings are from the soft, flexible tips of newly grown lavender. Due to typically having more buds on their stems, softwood cuttings can sometimes be harder to propagate. The good news is they are plentiful in the springtime and are less likely to cause harm to their host plant. The typical time frame for a softwood cutting to take root is about 2 to 4 weeks

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Lavender's aromatic flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a vibrant and biodiverse garden ecosystem.

COMMON PESTS/DISEASES:

Although very resilient, the Lavender plant does have its limits! Your Lavender plant can be susceptible to numerous diseases and pests if neglected.

Root Rot - One of the most common diseases that can affect the lavender plant is root rot. Root rot occurs when your plant has been overwatered, and the soil cannot drain and dry out properly. To protect your plant from root rot, it is essential to only water your lavender when the soil is completely dry and draining sufficiently. 

Spider Mites, Mealybugs, Aphids, and Whiteflies - In addition to root rot, spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies can cause growth and health issues for your lavender plant. These pests typically begin their infestation at the base of the plant’s leaves and feed on the fluids inside the leaves. The best way to protect your plant from these pests is by regularly removing all dead leaves from the pot and removing dust from leaves using a damp cloth.

TOXICITY 

While the actual lavender plant is typically safe for cats and dogs, the essential oil extracted from it can be harmful. If your furry companion inhales or consumes large quantities of the oil, they may experience negative side effects.