Bring Fresh Aromas to Your Garden
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Lavender(Lavendulaspp.)
Flowers usually bloom in summer and have a signature scent that is somewhat spicy but also calming.
It will grow at a moderate pace, often adding a few inches to its size each year.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Note that lavender can be toxic to pets.
Where to Plant
Plant lavender in the ground in your sunniest spots.
Water in the plant.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
When directsowing lavender seeds, barely cover them with soil, planting at a depth of 1/8th inch.
Water young plants that aren’t yet established, but avoid watering mature plants.
Lavender is fairly drought-tolerant.
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Don’t fertilize lavender, which grows just fine in poor soils.
Soil
Prepare well-draining soil for lavender.
An alkaline or especially chalky soil will enhance your lavender’s fragrance.
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Water
Skip watering when it comes to mature lavender.
This is a resilient plant that is extremely drought-tolerant once established.
When first starting your lavender plants, keep them regularly watered during their first growing season.
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Temperature and Humidity
Protect lavender from the dampness that can come with high humidity.
Fertilizer
Add a handful ofcompostinto the hole when you are first starting lavender plants.
Types of Lavender
There are manyvarieties of lavender, each boasting benefits and perks.
Note that multiple species are referred to as “French lavender,” which can be confusing.
Forbest drying results, harvest the flowers as the buds first begin to open.
Hang them in small bunches upside-down in a warm spot with good air circulation until dried.
If it bends effortlessly, you’re all set to harvest it.
you could also propagate via hardwood cuttings that are available in the fall.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Lavender plants are not afflicted by many diseases.
They may develop phytophthora, which is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes root and stem rot.
Many common pests are attracted to lavender, includingwhiteflies,spider mites, leafhoppers, and spittlebugs.
Water spray, insecticidal soaps, and neem oil can be helpful to eliminate pests.
Bloom Months
Lavender usually blooms in late spring and in the summer, from May until August.
What Do Lavender Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Lavender flowers are small and purple, forming in columns along the stem.
Their signature fragrance is somewhat spicy but also considered to be soothing by many.
check that your soil isn’t too fertile, as that can result in fewer blooms.
Common Problems With Lavender
Lavender plants are fairly trouble-free, but problems can occur.
Here are common issues you may encounter when growing lavender indoors or outdoors.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Leaves turn yellow if the soil is too wet.
If the lower leaves are yellow, that definitely means you are overwatering the plant.
Many lavender plants will perish if their soil gets too wet over the winter months.
Plant Smells Bad
You have probably overwatered your lavender plant.
The plant may haveroot rot.
Drooping Leaves
You have probablyunderwateredyour lavender plant.
In addition, the soil will feel parched.
Leggy or Woody Growth
Lavender will develop leggy or woody growth when it isn’t regularly pruned.
Wait until the blooming period has passed in late summer or early fall, and then prune back lavender.
Lavender does come back every year if it is cared for correctly, as it is a perennial plant.
Some believe that lavender symbolizes purity, serenity, and grace.
Yes, lavender essential oil is known to repel mosquitos.
Yes, lavender can stay out in the winter and is hardy in zones 5 and higher.
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