▷ When Do I Start To Grow Lavender?

Growing lavender can be a fulfilling hobby for any gardener. This aromatic plant can be used for various purposes, from culinary to medicinal. Planting lavender requires the right timing to ensure optimal growth and blooming. In this article, we’ll answer the frequently asked question of when to start growing lavender.

Factors Affecting Lavender Growth

Before we dive into when to start growing lavender, it’s important to understand the factors that affect its growth.

Climate

Lavender is a Mediterranean plant that thrives in a hot and dry climate. It requires full sunlight and well-draining soil to grow optimally. If you live in areas with cold and wet winters, it’s best to plant lavender in a raised bed or container to ensure proper drainage.

Soil

Lavender prefers alkaline soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 8.3. The soil should be nutrient-rich but not too nutrient-dense as this can affect its growth. Lavender grows best in sandy or loamy soil, which provides good drainage.

Variety

There are around 47 lavender species, each with different growth requirements. It’s important to choose a lavender variety that matches your soil and climate conditions to ensure optimal growth.

When to Start Growing Lavender

Planting Time

The best time to plant lavender is in the spring or fall. In the spring, planting should be done after the last frost, and in the fall, planting should be done six to eight weeks before the first frost.

Seed vs. Cuttings

Lavender can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It’s important to note that lavender grown from seeds takes longer to flower than those grown from cuttings. Lavender cuttings can be propagated in early summer.

Germination Time

Lavender seeds take 14 to 28 days to germinate, depending on the variety and growing conditions. If you’re planting lavender indoors, you can start the seeds six to eight weeks before the last frost.

Tips for Growing Lavender

Pruning

To prevent overgrowth, it’s important to prune lavender regularly. Pruning should be done in the spring after the first bloom and in the fall before the first frost.

Watering

Lavender should be watered deeply once a week, especially during the first growing season. It’s important to avoid overwatering as lavender doesn’t grow well in wet soil.

Fertilizing

Lavender doesn’t require much fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season should be sufficient.

Growing lavender can be a rewarding experience for any gardener. To ensure optimal growth, it’s important to choose the right variety, time the planting correctly, and provide the right growing conditions. With proper maintenance, lavender can grow for years, providing a beautiful scent and many benefits.

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Last update 2023-05-30. Price and product availability may change.

When Do I Start To Grow Lavender?