Lavender Seedling by Carrie Norin

Lavender Seedling

Credit Carrie Norin

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Why grow Lavender?

Lavender is a very popular and versatile plant with numerous benefits. These are some reasons why I think you should grow Lavender:

Choosing the right Lavender variety

Small lavender round allegory, up close.

Lavender Allegory 

Credit Alberto Conde, Kitchen In The Med

There are more than 450 varieties of lavender, but the most famous fall under three types: Spanish, English, and French.

If your favorite Lavender type is not one of these, it might be a cultivar (a Lavender variety produced by selective breeding) of one of the three.

Please check my article here for a more extensive list of Lavender varieties.

Spanish Lavender by Sazzy

Spanish Lavender

Credit Sazzy

Spanish Lavender: 

Originating from the Mediterranean areas, including Spain, Portugal, and North Africa, Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) has been treasured for its aesthetic and therapeutic attributes for centuries. Recognizable by its slender leaves and lavender to pink-violet blooms, this plant exhibits a unique “pineapple”-like flower crown. It typically grows as a fragrant shrub reaching heights of 3 feet and spans up to 2 feet (up to roughly a meter) 

French Lavender by Sasastro

French Lavender

Credit Sasastro

French Lavender:

Also native to the Mediterranean, particularly France, Italy, and Greece, French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) has a long history of ornamental and medicinal use. This variety has toothed leaves, and Lavender-blue flowers arranged in whorls along its stem. It similarly grows to about 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width (up to roughly a meter) 

English Lavender by Simon Marshall

English Lavender

Credit Simon (celery) Marshall

English Lavender:

Though dubbed “English,” Lavandula angustifolia traces its origins to Western Mediterranean regions, including Spain, France, and Italy. People grew it for centuries for ornamental, culinary, and medicinal purposes. It bears narrow leaves and Lavender-blue flowers whorled along its stems. It matches its counterparts in size, reaching 3 feet in height and 2 feet across (up to roughly a meter) 

Help to choose the right variety for you

Spanish vs. French Lavender:

The primary distinction between Spanish and French Lavender lies in their leaves. While Spanish Lavender has straight leaves, French Lavender features leaves with serrated edges. In the UK, Lavandula stoechas is called “French Lavender,” but it retains its “Spanish Lavender” label elsewhere.

Spanish vs. English Lavender:

Although Spanish and English Lavenders may appear similar, their terminology could be more precise. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is known as “French Lavender” in the UK. Yet, outside the UK, it’s termed Spanish lavender. Interestingly, even though it’s named “English” Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia is not truly native to the UK.

French vs. English Lavender:

French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) is an evergreen shrub originating from Eastern and Southern Spain, named for its distinctive toothed (dentate) leaves and aromatic essence. Contrarily, English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) stands out with its slender leaves and tall flower spikes, tracing its roots to various Mediterranean regions, including France, Italy, and Greece.

Old book with lavender allegory.

Lavender Allegory 

Credit Alberto Conde, Kitchen In The Med

Here are some reasons to grow English, French, and Spanish Lavender, along with their pros, cons, and examples.

Pros and cons of English Lavender

English Lavender can grow in cooler climates.

Pros and cons of French Lavender

French lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is easy to grow and maintain.

Pros and cons of Spanish Lavender

Spanish lavender is an excellent choice for gardeners in hot, dry climates who want a unique, beautiful, edible plant.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender Seedlings by Aris Papachristou

Lavender Seedlings

Credit Aris Papachristou

Lavender Plant Care: Sun, Watering, and Sunlight Requirements

Lavender Seedling by Melissa Boice

Lavender Seedling

Credit Melissa Boice

To recap, Lavender plants require:

Best Soil Mix for Lavender

The best soil mix for lavender in pots includes

This mix ensures good drainage and aeration, which is essential for healthy lavender growth and rot prevention.

Fertilizing Lavender

English Lavender by Adam Swaine

English Lavender 

Credit Adam Swaine

Lavender by Graculus01

Lavender

Credit Graculus01

The lifespan of lavender

Lavender is a perennial plant, meaning it can live for several years. Lavender plants can thrive and produce flowers for many years with proper care.

Lavender Blooming Month

Lavender typically blooms in the summer, with peak bloom from July to August. However, the exact blooming time depends on the species and growing conditions.

Lavender by Sueyane

Lavender

Credit Sueyane

Pruning Lavender: A Comprehensive Guide

Pruning lavender is essential in maintaining the plant’s health, appearance, and longevity. Proper pruning encourages bushier growth and more flowers and prevents woody and leggy stems with sparse growth. Here is a comprehensive guide on pruning lavender, including answers to common questions:

Is Pruning Lavender Necessary?

Pruning is essential for woody subshrubs like lavender. It helps maintain the plant’s shape, promotes new growth, and prevents it from becoming overgrown and leggy. Regular pruning can extend Lavender plants’ lifespan and keep them attractive and healthy.

When to Prune Lavender

The best time to prune lavender depends on the variety and your climate. In general, it is better to prune lavender after it has finished flowering. 

Pruning lavender by Tiffany & Andrew

Pruning Lavender

Credit Tiffany & Andrew

How do I know if my Lavender plant needs pruning?

To tell if your Lavender plant needs pruning, look for overgrowth signs, such as woody and leggy stems with sparse growth and a lack of flowers. Frequent trimming is crucial to maintain your lavender’s appearance, health, and longevity. Certain Lavender varieties can endure for 20 years when pruned correctly. The best time to prune lavender depends on the type and your climate. In general, it is better to prune lavender after it has finished flowering. For example, pruning hardy lavender after they have finished flowering in late August or September yields better results. Prune Spanish Lavender immediately after the first wave of blooms in spring and then again in mid-summer. Pruning English Lavender is advised after the flowers have faded, usually in late August or September. French lavender is better pruned in early spring. If your Lavender plant is overgrown and leggy, do a hard prune immediately after flowering.

How to Prune Lavender

When pruning lavender, it is essential to use clean, sharp garden shears. Here are some general steps:

Here are some guidelines for pruning different Lavender varieties:

  1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia and L. x intermedia): Prune English Lavender after the flowers have faded, usually in late August or September. Trim approximately two-thirds of the plant’s height or down to just above the lowest two leaf pairs on each branch.
  2. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Prune Spanish Lavender in the summer by trimming dead or damaged leaves and stems. Trim the plant by approximately one-third its overall size and shape it into a nice, even mound. In the fall, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged growth and cut back the plants by one-third to one-half their height.
  3. French Lavender (Lavandula dentata): Prune French Lavender in early spring. Cut back half to two-thirds of the shoot length with sharp hedge shears. Avoid cutting back in autumn, as it reduces winter hardiness.

Pruning Lavender by Michelle Takacs

Pruning Lavender

Credit Michelle Takacs

Deadheading Lavender

Deadheading lavender is only sometimes necessary, but it offers benefits such as promoting a second flush of flowers and keeping the plant neat and compact. Deadhead Lavender by removing the first flush of flowers after they start to fade. This deadheading can encourage the shrub to flower again before the end of the season. Spanish lavender can usually get a second bloom.

What to Do with Lavender After It Blooms

lavender blooms by David Smith

Lavender Blooms

Credit David Smith

After Lavender blooms, you can harvest the flowers for various purposes, such as making sachets and potpourri or using them in recipes. Prune the plant to keep its form and promote new growth. If you have deadheaded the lavender, you can use the aromatic stems for various purposes, even when they appear past their best.

Remember always to consider the specific variety of lavender you have and the climate in which you are growing it when determining the best time and method for pruning.

How to Harvest Lavender

English Lavender by Paul Hibbins

English Lavender

Credit Paul Hibbins

Propagation of Lavender:

Propagating Lavender by Hedgerow Rose

Propagating Lavender

Credit Hedgerow Rose

Lavender Cuttings

Can you break the lavender plant off and replant it?

Yes, you can break off a stem of lavender and replant it. This method is called propagating lavender from cuttings.

Can lavender grow from cuttings?

Yes, lavender can grow from cuttings. Propagating lavender from cuttings is easy and more likely to be successful than growing plants from seeds. You can grow lavender from hardwood or softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings come from the soft, young tips of new growth. Hardwood is stouter than softwood and withstands bending. It may snap if you force it to bend.

Can you plant Lavender cuttings directly on the soil?

Yes, you can plant Lavender cuttings directly in the soil. Before planting, dip the bottom portion of the stem in root hormone and insert it into the soil.

Can I leave Lavender cuttings outside?

Yes, you can leave Lavender cuttings outside. Yet, you should shield them from direct sunlight and wind.

How long do Lavender cuttings take to root?

Lavender cuttings can take 2-3 weeks to root.

Lavender Cuttings by Czefir

Lavender Cuttings

Credit Czefir

How to grow lavender from a cutting

To grow lavender from a cutting, follow these steps:

  1. Plan for humidity—If you propagate lavender inside the house, create a humid environment.
  2. Collect supplies – You’ll need propagation soil, a pot or propagation chamber, rooting hormone, and a plastic bag (optional).
  3. Take cuttings – Cut a 4-6 inch (6-15 cm) section of new growth from the parent plant.
  4. Remove leaves – Cut the leaves from the bottom 1/3 of the cutting.
  5. Dip in rooting hormone – Dip the bottom portion of the stem in rooting hormone.
  6. Plant in soil – Plant the cutting in propagation soil and water it.
  7. Cover with plastic – Cover the pot or propagation chamber with a plastic bag to create humidity.

lavender cutting transplanted by GreenFrieda

Transplanted Lavender Cuttings

Credit Greenfrieda

A recap of 10 Tips to Grow the Best Lavender

  1. Choose a proper variety for your climate and requirements.
  2. Plant in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
  3. Provide full sun.
  4. Water appropriately.
  5. Prune regularly.
  6. Use the best soil mix for potted lavender.
  7. Monitor blooming times and adjust care accordingly.
  8. Encourage spreading through propagation or seed germination.
  9. Harvest at the right time and with the appropriate tools.
  10. Experiment with different Lavender varieties to find the best fit for your garden.

Troubleshooting Lavender: Growing Problems, Pests, and Diseases

Leafhopper Larvae by Mattbpics

Leaf Hopper

Credit Mattbpics

Growing Problems

Pests

spittlebug by Jemmifer Schlick

Spittlebug

Credit Jennifer Schlick

Diseases

Great Plants to Place next to Lavender

Rosemary in the garden by Pat gerber tabbynera

Rosemary in the Garden

Credit Pat Gerber

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

It complements lavender well and can help deter pests like mosquitoes and carrot flies.

Bordura di Timo by Luigi Strano

Thyme Hedge

Credit Luigi Strano

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

With its low-growing rate, thyme is a good ground cover that provides a similar fragrance and attracts beneficial pollinators.

White Sage by Dana Brown

White Sage

Credit Dana Brown

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage’s silver foliage contrasts very well with lavender, and it may repel some pests while attracting bees and butterflies.

Yarrow by Alex

Yarrow

Credit Alex

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow’s delicate flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings while also contrasting lavender’s spiky blooms.

marigolds by Samantha G 82

Marigolds

Credit Samantha G 82

Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

These beautiful flowers help deter pests like nematodes.

chives by doods

Chives

Credit Doods

Alliums (Allium spp.)

Plants like chives, garlic, and onions can help repel aphids, slugs, and other pests that may bother lavender.

Bee Balm in bloom by Patrick Kilkenny

Bee Balm in Bloom

Credit Patrick Kilkenny

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

Bee balm’s vibrant flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting nearby lavender plants by increasing pollination rates.

Lavender Cotton by Clemson HGIC

Lavender Cotton

Credit Clemson HGIC

Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus)

This low-growing, silvery-green plant complements lavender’s color and texture while repelling pests like moths and fleas.

Catmint by Snowshoe Hare

Catmint

Credit Snowshoe Hare

Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

Catmint is a member of the mint family and shares lavender’s drought tolerance. It attracts pollinators and can help deter pests like aphids.

Fennel by Joka2000

Fennel

Credit Joka2000

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, which prey on pests like aphids and caterpillars, making it a helpful companion for lavender.

oregano by green_thumbelina

Oregano in a container

Credit Green_Thumbelina

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Like thyme and rosemary, oregano’s aromatic foliage complements lavender and can help deter pests while attracting pollinators.

Plants to avoid planting next to Lavender

Basil by Anna Underground

Basil

Credit Anna Underground

Other plants similar to Lavender

Butterfly on Lavender bloom by Adam Swaine

Butterfly on a Lavender Bloom

Credit Adam Swaine

Lavender, compared to other popular plants and condiments

Turn of the 19th century rural perfume shop lavender allegory.

Herbal Shop Allegory 

Credit Alberto Conde, Kitchen In The Med

Lavender

Basil

Cardamom

Thyme

Rosemary

Oregano

Sage

Black Pepper

Old book with lavender allegory.

Lavender Allegory 

Credit Alberto Conde, Kitchen In The Med

The most frequently asked questions about growing Lavender

Lavender is best planted as a young plant starting in the spring after the ground has heated up to at least 60°F (15°C) and the threat of frost has passed. Lavender prefers well-drained soil with a sandy or gravelly texture and a pH of 6.0-8.0. Pick a sunny spot with adequate air circulation.

No, lavender prefers a sunny spot with good air circulation.

The best time to plant lavender is in the spring after the ground has heated up to at least 60°F (15°C) and the threat of frost has passed.

Culinary Lavender is the type of lavender that is safe to eat. For more about the Culinary uses of lavender, please check out my article here.

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most commonly used variety for tea because of its sweet and floral flavor. It is also known for its calming properties.

Lavandula x intermedia, also known as lavandin, is the most fragrant variety of lavender. It is a hybrid of English Lavender and spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) commonly used for essential oil production.

Lavandula x intermedia, or lavandin, is the best variety for essential oil production because of its high oil content and intense fragrance.

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best variety for a hedge because of its compact growth habit and sweet fragrance. It is also hardy and easy to care for.

Store it in a cool, dry place like a pantry or closet. You can also dry and store it in airtight containers for later use in cooking or crafting.

Place potted lavender in a spot with ample sunlight and give it minimal water. Once a year, nourish it with a slow-release fertilizer.

You can cultivate lavender indoors in a bright spot with soil that drains well. Provide it with minimal water and annually feed it with a slow-release fertilizer.

Start Lavender seeds indoors using seed trays filled with soil that drains efficiently. Water them minimally and place them under grow lights until germination. After they emerge, ensure they receive ample light and nutrients.

Lavender thrives in direct sunlight and soil that drains well. It can be grown in various climates outside the Mediterranean, including Florida, Texas, Australia, and the UK. Lavender should be grown in the fall and winter when temperatures are cooler in Florida and Texas. In Australia, Lavender can be grown year-round in cooler regions. In the UK, Lavender should be grown in the spring and summer.

Lavender varieties that are hardy and can withstand harsh winter conditions include English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), and lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia).

Depending on your preference and space, lavender can be grown in pots or on the ground. Growing lavender in pots is an ideal option for small gardens or balconies while growing lavender in the ground allows it to spread and grow larger.

Lavender is best planted as a young plant starting in the spring after the ground has heated up to at least 60°F (15°C) and the threat of frost has passed. Lavender prefers well-drained soil with a sandy or gravelly texture and a pH of 6.0-8.0. Pick a sunny spot with adequate air circulation.

No, lavender prefers a sunny spot with good air circulation.

The best time to plant lavender is in the spring after the ground has heated up to at least 60°F (15°C) and the threat of frost has passed.

Culinary Lavender is the type of lavender that is safe to eat. For more about the Culinary uses of lavender, please check out my article here.

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most commonly used variety for tea because of its sweet and floral flavor. It is also known for its calming properties.

Lavandula x intermedia, also known as lavandin, is the most fragrant variety of lavender. It is a hybrid of English Lavender and spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) commonly used for essential oil production.

Lavandula x intermedia, or lavandin, is the best variety for essential oil production because of its high oil content and intense fragrance.

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best variety for a hedge because of its compact growth habit and sweet fragrance. It is also hardy and easy to care for.

Store it in a cool, dry place like a pantry or closet. You can also dry and store it in airtight containers for later use in cooking or crafting.

Place potted lavender in a spot with ample sunlight and give it minimal water. Once a year, nourish it with a slow-release fertilizer.

You can cultivate lavender indoors in a bright spot with soil that drains well. Provide it with minimal water and annually feed it with a slow-release fertilizer.

Start Lavender seeds indoors using seed trays filled with soil that drains efficiently. Water them minimally and place them under grow lights until germination. After they emerge, ensure they receive ample light and nutrients.

Lavender thrives in direct sunlight and soil that drains well. It can be grown in various climates outside the Mediterranean, including Florida, Texas, Australia, and the UK. Lavender should be grown in the fall and winter when temperatures are cooler in Florida and Texas. In Australia, Lavender can be grown year-round in cooler regions. In the UK, Lavender should be grown in the spring and summer.

Lavender varieties that are hardy and can withstand harsh winter conditions include English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), and lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia).

Depending on your preference and space, lavender can be grown in pots or on the ground. Growing lavender in pots is an ideal option for small gardens or balconies while growing lavender in the ground allows it to spread and grow larger.



Main Sources I used in This Article

Current Trends for Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) Crops and Products with Emphasis on Essential Oil Quality

Lavender – Lavandula spp.

How to Grow Lavender Plants: The Complete Guide

History of usage of Lavandula species

Lavender

Spikes of Azure Bloom: Lavender – History… and Stories

Lavender an Admired Shrub by Landscapers

Estudo Geral Repositório Científico da UC

Portuguese lavenders: evaluation of their potential use for health and agricultural purposes

International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences

Insects on lavender in Isparta province, Turkey

CAUTION!! Link downloads the document to your computer!

The Importance and Cultivation of Lavender

Current Trends for Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) Crops and Products with Emphasis on Essential Oil Quality

Lavender – Lavandula spp.

How to Grow Lavender Plants: The Complete Guide

History of usage of Lavandula species

Lavender

Spikes of Azure Bloom: Lavender – History… and Stories

Lavender an Admired Shrub by Landscapers

Estudo Geral Repositório Científico da UC

Portuguese lavenders: evaluation of their potential use for health and agricultural purposes

International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences

Insects on lavender in Isparta province, Turkey

CAUTION!! Link downloads the document to your computer!

The Importance and Cultivation of Lavender

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