A Complete Guide to Grow Lavender Plant

What is lavender, and why grow lavender?

Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint family. It is grown for its attractive flowers and versatile essential oil. There are over 25–30 different species of lavender.

The two most cultivated are English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula x intermedia).

Lavender plants produce delicate spikes of purple-blue flowers that bloom in mid-summer. The fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage can be used in many ways:

• Culinary: Lavender buds have a subtle floral flavor. They are often used to season baked goods, like lavender shortbread. Dried lavender adds the aroma of totisanes and simple syrups.
• Aromatherapy: Lavender essential oil is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties. It is commonly used in massage oils, room sprays, and bath products.
• Ornamental: Nothing compares to the beauty of a lavender hedge or border in full bloom. The gray-green foliage also complements other plants year-round.
• Pollinator-friendly: Lavender is a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. A lavender garden contributes to a healthy ecosystem.

Growing lavender at home can provide seasonal beauty, sensory pleasures, and environmental benefits. There are more reasons to grow it, too. Its low-maintenance nature also makes lavender ideal for beginning gardeners.

Choosing the Right Lavender Variety to Cultivate

There are several varieties of lavender that can be chosen for cultivation, but a few stand out as the most common and suitable for many growing conditions.

Some popular lavender varieties:

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is arguably the most widely grown variety. It features woody stems, gray-green, narrow leaves, and produces beautiful purple flower spikes in summer that attract beneficial insects.

This variety tends to be the hardest and grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones 5–9, where summers are hot and dry.

French lavender (Lavandula dentata) provides a more compact, bushy plant that is perfect for containers or smaller gardens. Its detailed, toothed leaves remain semi-evergreen in cold climates. 

Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) features unusually narrow plumes of color at stem ends and thrives in hot, sunny locations with minimal supplemental water once established.

Another good option is Lavandin, a Lavandula x intermedia hybrid developed for higher essential oil yields that is commonly used in commercial production.

Preparing the Soil for Lavender Cultivation

Proper soil preparation is key to successfully growing lavender. This herb prefers soil that is well-draining, slightly alkaline, and rich in organic matter. To test your soil pH, use a low-cost test kit available from many garden centers or hardware stores. Lavender grows best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

If the soil pH is too low (acidic), you can amend it by incorporating lime or wood ashes prior to planting. This raises the pH level without shocking sensitive plant roots.

Lavender also needs soil with adequate internal drainage to prevent root rot during wet weather. If your soil is predominantly clay, work in copious amounts of organic matter like compost, peat moss, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to lighten the texture.

Loose, friable soil allows excess moisture to drain down without leaving the root zone saturated. Good drainage is crucial for lavender to thrive, as it is not tolerant of “wet feet.”

To prepare the planting beds, turn the soil 7–10 days before sowing or transplanting lavender to allow any fertilizer or soil amendments to be incorporated naturally.

Raking the area smooth creates a fine seedbed. These simple soil preparation steps will give your lavender plants the optimal growing conditions they need to become established and bloom stunning purple flowers year after year.

The best times to plant lavender are in early spring, after the last expected frost date. You can also plant in early fall, about 6 weeks before the anticipated first fall frost.

Planting in the spring allows for maximum root development before the summer heat. Planting in the fall lets the plants establish themselves. They don’t face the stress of the summer sun and drought before the winter cold.

Planting and Caring for Lavender Seedlings or Cuttings

When planting lavender from seedlings, cuttings, or transplanted divisions, start by digging individual holes twice as wide as the root ball and only as deep. This allows roots to expand easily without being constricted in overly tight soil.

Carefully remove each plant from its container and loosen any pot-bound roots before placing it in the hole. For bare-root divisions, soak the roots in a bucket of water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate.

Fill in around the roots with existing soil, gently firming as you go. Avoid packing too tightly, which could restrict new root growth.

Water new plantings thoroughly after installation and apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, to the drip line.

Mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperatures. Keep the mulch a few inches back from the stems to prevent rot issues.

Monitor new lavender daily, watering anytime the top few inches of soil become crumbly and dry. Within a few weeks, reduce watering to allow the soil to partially dry between waterings.

This encourages deep roots to form. Watch for any signs of pests or disease and address issues promptly.

With the right care during establishment, newly planted lavender cuttings and seedlings should take hold quickly and reward you with their wonderful blooms within their first or second growing season.

Proper planting techniques help lavender get off to a successful start.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance of Lavender Beds

Once lavender plants are established, they are quite low-maintenance but still require some attentive care throughout the growing season.

Mulching annually with 2-3 inches of an organic material like shredded bark or wood chips helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid allowing excess moisture to accumulate around woody stems, which can lead to rot issues.

Watering needs will depend on your climate and weather patterns. During hot, dry spells, lavender may need watering weekly to prevent wilting.

But generally, occasional deep soakings are better than frequent light sprinklings, which can encourage disease problems. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings.

Lavender thrives with well-draining soil and good airflow circulation, so keep beds free of excess thatch and weed growth. Shear back tender new shoots in the spring if late frosts are predicted.

Otherwise, pruning is not usually needed until after flowering, when stems can be sheared back by one-third their height.

As flowers fade, deadhead plants by removing spent flower spikes to encourage thicker, fuller bloom production on secondary stems.

Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer intermittently through spring and summer for continued vigorous growth. Your lavender plants will reward your efforts with beautiful, fragrant flowers

Handling Pests and Diseases of Lavender

While generally quite hardy and resistant to problems, lavender is not completely invulnerable to potential issues in the landscape. A few common pests and diseases include:

• Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cluster on new growth and cause distortion. Knock them off with a strong spray of water, or use insecticidal soap for organic control.
• Caterpillars: Leaf-eaters like loopers and bagworms can defoliate plants. Handpick them off and dispose of them, or use Bt pesticide, which is safe for people and pets.
• Rust/Leaf Spot: Fungal issues appear as powdery orange spores on leaves and stems during rainy periods. Prune off affected areas and destroy them, being sure not to compost.
• Gray mold: This fungus thrives in damp, humid areas and causes stem and leaf rot. Improve airflow and drainage and avoid excess moisture with pruning and air circulation.
• Snails and slugs: These pests feed voraciously on foliage at night, leaving holes behind. Use diatomaceous earth barriers or baits placed around plants.

With diligent monitoring and quick response, most pest and disease problems can be successfully prevented or treated with relatively simple organic controls. Thriving lavender is also less susceptible, so focus first on optimal growing conditions.

Harvesting and Drying Lavender for Various Uses

For use in sachets, potpourris, and other dried flower arrangements, lavender should be harvested just before the buds fully open when the scent is at its strongest.

This usually occurs in mid-summer, around June–August, depending on variety and climate zone. Cut stem sprigs just above a set of leaves using pruning shears or a sharp knife.

To dry lavender, tie small bundles of 6–10 stems together at their base and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.

This can be inside an airy shed, garage, or barn. It takes about 2–3 weeks for lavender to dry completely. Test for dryness by breaking a stem; it should snap rather than bend.

Another option is to dry loose lavender flowers and buds by spreading them in a single layer on paper bags, trays, or racks. Stir the flowers each day for even drying, which usually takes 10–14 days.

Once dry, rub the flower heads between your hands to separate them from the stems. Store dried lavender in airtight glass jars in a dark cabinet for up to 12 months.

Fresh or dried, lavender lends its calming scent to potpourris, pillows, linens, and sachets. The colorful blooms also make beautiful floral arrangements for the home. With proper care, one lavender plant can provide years of harvests for creative projects.

Tips for Lavender Plant on Display and Decor

Fresh or dried, lavender adds beauty, fragrance, and texture to home decor. Here are some ideas for incorporating this lovely herb:

• Use lavender stems as accents in floral bouquets alongside other summer blooms like roses, lilies, and delphinium.
• Make decorative garlands and swags by stringing lavender stems along jute, twine, or raffia. Hang these on mantels, doorways, or staircase banisters.
• Craft dreamy lavender sachets by filling small fabric pouches with dried buds and tying them with ribbon. Place them among linens and clothing to naturally scent drawers and closets.
• Let bundles of dried lavender stems stand upright in vases, hurricane lamps, or pitchers around the home. Replace them with fresh-cut sprigs weekly.
• Create lavender wreaths by hot-gluing or wire-wrapping stems onto rings cut from branches and twigs. Hang on doors as seasonal decor.
• Press dried lavender flowers between the pages of heavy books. Allow to dry fully, then use the scented pages for bookmarks or stationery items.

With a bit of creativity, lavender’s fresh fragrance and textural appeal make it an easy and lovely addition to enhance home decor through both its naturally dried and freshly picked states.

Starting a Sustainable Lavender Farm

For those interested in more than just backyard lavender planting, starting a commercial lavender farm or u-pick operation can be a very satisfying way to blend agriculture with fragrant floral products. Some basics for establishing a sustainable lavender enterprise include:

• Research varieties suited for your growing zone that are in high demand, like English or French lavender.
• Obtain clippings, root divisions, or bare-root plants for initial planting on 1/4 to 1 acre of well-draining land with full sun.
• Plant in rows 3–4 feet apart to allow for equipment, pruning, and harvesting. Lavender matures in 2–3 years.
• Consider diversifying product lines—dried bouquets, sachets, soaps, lotions, and culinary items like honey.
• Partner with local restaurants, spas, and florists for promotion through inclusion in recipes, bouquets, and gift baskets.
• Host u-pick days and workshops on distillation and wreath-making to attract customers and build community.
• Apply for state farm grants and loans to expand acreage and facilities, like a gift shop selling value-added goods.

With forethought and strategy, lavender farming offers economic rewards along with the pleasure of cultivating this beloved botanical crop. With a dash of entrepreneurial spirit, one can build a successful cottage industry around lovely lavender.

Resources for Continued Lavender Education

Here are some excellent additional resources for gardeners and farmers hoping to learn more:

Publications

• The Lavender Cookbook by Jeffrey Falk: Delicious recipes that showcase culinary uses for fresh or dried lavender.
• The Joy of Lavender by Richard Craze is a beautiful illustrated guide covering cultivation, harvesting, products, and projects.
• The Farmstead Creamery Advisor by Gianaclis Caldwell is for those interested in lavender-inspired value-added dairy products.

Websites

• The Lavender Farm by Karen Ball is a comprehensive site from an English expert grower on all aspects of cultivation.
• The American Lavender Association is a non-profit organization offering educational conferences and trade shows.
• Local Master Gardener Program: Many offer lavender seminars or can advise on growing conditions specific to your area.

Online Courses

• The Lavender Production Short Course by the University of Delaware covers the establishment, care, pest management, and harvest of commercial crops.
• Aromatherapy Certificate Program by AromaTools: Learn essential oil distillation techniques and product formulation using lavender.

Industry Associations

• The United States Lavender Growers Association is a great networking resource and source of expertise in commercial production.
• Lavender Growers of California: Support West Coast farmers with newsletters, training workshops, and symposia.

FAQs

Conclusion

Whether grown as a flowering accent, culinary herb, or commercial crop, lavender offers many applications for creative and industrious gardeners.

By providing optimal growing conditions through soil preparation, planting methodology, and ongoing care, these versatile evergreen shrubs can reward generations of growers with a bounty of aromatic blooms, versatile products, and scenic landscape beauty.

With its Mediterranean heritage shrubs, lavender is perfectly adapted to thriving in environments across much of North America, given the right cultural conditions.

I hope this lavender guide has inspired and equipped readers to begin their own journey into the calming yet productive world of this delightful aromatic botanical.