Step-by-Step Guide for How to Plant Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

By Kiersten Rankel

Jul 20, 20244 min read

  1. 🌞 Full sun and well-drained soil are crucial for lavender's success.
  2. 🌱 Start seeds indoors in winter for a spring garden flourish.
  3. πŸ’§πŸ‚ Water weekly and mulch post-transplant for healthy growth.

Pre-Planting Preparation

Lavender thrives with a good start, so let's nail the pre-planting prep.

🌞 Choosing the Right Location for Lavender

  • Seek out a spot that basks in full sun for at least 6 hours daily.
  • Ensure the area is open to airflow to discourage dampness that can lead to disease.

🚰 Preparing the Soil for Lavender Planting

  • Aim for well-drained soil; consider adding sand to heavy clay to improve drainage.
  • Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels; lavender prefers a pH between 6.5 and 8.
  • If necessary, amend the soil with organic matter or well-rotted manure, but avoid high nitrogen levels which can reduce flowering.

🌞 Understanding Lavender's Climate Preferences

Planting Lavender from Seeds

🌱 Selecting Seeds and Soil Mix

When choosing lavender seeds, opt for high-quality options from reputable sources to avoid disease issues. The soil mix for starting seeds should be well-drained; consider a seed starter mix that's light and allows for easy root growth.

🌿 Sowing Seeds

Lavender seeds require specific conditions to germinate: they need light, so sow them shallowly. Start indoors in late winter, around 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost, to give them a head start.

  • Sow seeds shallowly, as they need light to germinate.
  • Begin indoors in late winter for a spring transplant.

🌱 Caring for Seedlings

Monitor the growth of your lavender seedlings and keep the soil consistently moist. Before transplanting outdoors, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 1-2 weeks.

  • Keep the soil moist but not soggy to prevent damping off.
  • Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions to strengthen them for transplanting.

Transplanting Established Lavender Plants

Transplanting lavender offers a fresh start for mature plants and can enhance their vitality and longevity.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Transplanting

🌸 Timing and Seasonal Considerations for Transplanting

Transplanting should ideally occur in spring or early fall to align with lavender's growth cycle and to avoid extreme temperatures.

Transplanting Step-by-Step

🌿 Removing Lavender from Containers

Gently squeeze the pot and tilt to ease the plant out, minimizing root disturbance.

🌱 Planting Hole Preparation and Placement

  • Dig a hole that's as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
  • Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

🌳 Backfilling and Initial Watering

Post-Transplant Care

πŸ’§ Watering Requirements for New Transplants

🌿 Mulching and Support Considerations

  • Mulch with quality compost to protect roots and maintain soil health.
  • In harsh winters, consider additional protection like fleece covers.

Troubleshooting Planting Issues

Lavender, with its fragrant blooms and silvery foliage, can face a few hiccups along its journey from planting to full bloom. Here's how to tackle some common issues.

Overcoming Poor Seed Germination

  • Ensure you're using high-quality seeds and the right soil mix, as poor germination often starts here.
  • Lavender seeds require light to germinate, so press them into the soil but do not cover them.
  • Maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging, as lavender seeds are prone to damping off in wet conditions.

🌱 Managing Transplant Shock in Lavender

πŸ› Identifying and Addressing Pest and Disease Problems

Ensure your lavender flourishes by following this guide, and use Greg's tailored care plans 🌞 to perfect your plant's sun exposure and watering schedule!