Lavender: A Fragrant and Easy-Care Herb
Introduction
Lavender is a popular herb known for its beautiful purple flowers and fragrant aroma. It’s also a relatively easy plant to grow, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.
Choosing the Right Lavender Plant
There are many different varieties of lavender, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your climate and growing conditions. If you live in a hot, dry area, look for drought-tolerant varieties like ‘Grosso’ or ‘Hidcote’. For cooler climates, ‘Munstead’ or ‘Jean Davis’ are good choices.
Planting Lavender
Lavender prefers well-drained soil and full sun. When planting, space the plants about 2 feet apart. Water the plants deeply after planting, and then water regularly until they are established.
Caring for Lavender Plants
Lavender is a low-maintenance plant, but it does require some basic care.
- Watering: Established lavender plants are drought-tolerant and only need to be watered occasionally, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilizing: Lavender doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is sufficient.
- Pruning: Pruning lavender plants helps to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Prune the plants back by about one-third in the spring after they have finished flowering.
Harvesting Lavender
Lavender flowers can be harvested throughout the summer. Cut the flower spikes when they are about two-thirds of the way open. Bundle the spikes together and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place to dry.
Uses for Lavender
Lavender has a variety of uses, including:
- Culinary: Lavender flowers can be used to add flavor to teas, desserts, and other dishes.
- Medicinal: Lavender has calming and relaxing properties, and it can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Fragrance: Lavender flowers can be used to make potpourris, sachets, and other fragrant products.
Growing Lavender Indoors
Lavender can also be grown indoors in pots or containers. When growing lavender indoors, place the plants in a sunny window and water them only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Tips for Growing Lavender in Hot, Dry Climates
If you live in a hot, dry climate, here are some tips for growing lavender successfully:
- Choose drought-tolerant varieties like ‘Grosso’ or ‘Hidcote’.
- Plant the lavender in well-drained soil.
- Water the plants deeply after planting, and then water regularly until they are established.
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
- Prune the plants back by about one-third in the spring after they have finished flowering.
Easy-Care Lavender Plants for Beginner Gardeners
If you’re a beginner gardener, look for easy-care lavender varieties like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Jean Davis’. These varieties are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions.
How to Encourage Higher Oil Production in Lavender Plants
To encourage higher oil production in lavender plants, grow them in full sun and well-drained soil. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize the plants lightly in the spring.
The Best Way to Prevent Root Rot in Lavender Plants
Root rot is a common problem for lavender plants, especially in wet or poorly-drained soil. To prevent root rot, plant the lavender in well-drained soil and water the plants only when the soil is dry to the touch.
How to Prune Lavender Plants for Optimal Growth
Pruning lavender plants helps to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Prune the plants back by about one-third in the spring after they have finished flowering.
When and How to Harvest Lavender Plants
Lavender flowers can be harvested throughout the summer. Cut the flower spikes when they are about two-thirds of the way open. Bundle the spikes together and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place to dry.
How to Grow Lavender Plants Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment
Lavender can also be grown indoors in pots or containers. When growing lavender indoors, place the plants in a sunny window and water them only when the soil is dry to the touch.
