This popular herb is most loved for its refreshing scent and long-lasting flowers that attract pollinators.
A shrubby perennial native to the Mediterranean region, lavender might be the mostenjoyable of all herbs.
Bonus points: It is deer-resistant and attracts butterflies and pollinators.
Credit:Matthew Benson
Successfully growing lavender, however, depends on thetype of garden soil, location, and climate.
Note that not all lavender varieties are ideal for cooking; some are only grown for their ornamental value.
Lavender can tolerate drought, heat, and wind, but it does not do well in soggy soil.
Credit: David Patterson
The more your planting site mimics these conditions, the better the plant will do.
How and When to Plant Lavender
Give each lavender plenty of space to promote good air circulation.
Spacing should be at least 18 to 24 inches, depending on the variety.
Credit:Helen Norman
Especially in areas of high humidity, air circulation is key to keeping lavender plants happy.
Dig a hole that easily fits the diameter of the root ball.
Mulching around the plant is always a good idea to keep weeds out.
Credit: Illustration by Helen Smythe
Usinggravel or black mulchalso helps increase the heat around the roots.
If your garden has heavy clay soil that retains moisture, lavender roots rot and die.
Soil pH is also a factor.
Lavender only needs watering until it is established; it is otherwise drought-resistant.
Snow cover is one of the best insulators for tender plants.
Remove the covering in early spring to allow the soil to warm and give plants good air circulation.
Overfertilizing it can lead to excessive but weak foliage growth and no flowers.
Helen Norman
Pruning and Harvesting Lavender
Wait until lavender plants begin growing in spring to prune them.
After the first flowering,deadheadingmay encourage some plants to rebloom.
you’re free to lightly shape the plant now, buthold off on major pruninguntil the following spring.
Even with the best care, recognize that lavender plants are short-lived, lasting 10 to 15 years.
To harvest lavender, gather blossoms when they have just opened.
Use individual blooms fresh, discarding the little brown or green caps that hold them to the stems.
Orcut entire flower stems to dry.
Choose a pot that’s just slightly larger than the root ball and has a drainage hole.
Clay pots offer better air circulation and dry out faster than plastic or ceramic pots.
Water sparingly, but don’t let the plants dry out completely.
If you use a saucer below the pot, always drain off excess water.
Keep the pots in full sun outdoors.
Avoid overwatering and maintain good air circulation to minimize these problems.
How to Propagate Lavender
Lavender plants can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
Propagate lavender with seeds.
Start with seeds from a seed catalog.
Starting seeds indoorsis a good idea to get a head start on the growing season.
Germination starts in two to four weeks.
Once “hardened off,” plant them outdoors in a sunny, well-drained spot.
Propagating lavender from cuttings.
Most lavenders, especially lavandin, startwith cuttingsinstead of seeds.
Do not propagate any plants that are protected by patent.
Types of Lavender
There are many species andhundreds of lavender varieties.
Here are a few of the best to grow in gardens.
Popular English lavenders include ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’.
They grow well in locations with mild summer heat in Zones 5-9 and reach about 2 feet in height.
Lavandin is equally hardy, usually to Zone 5.
These are often the earliest lavenders to bloom.
It calls for 29 Spanish lavender plants.
Lavender blends deliciously with mint and lemon tobrew a refreshing tea.
Use this blend to season grilled meats and other savory dishes.
Cut stems just before they reach peak bloom, snipping them as long as possible.
Lavender plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Lavender.ASPCA
