Lavender is a beautiful herb known for its attractive purple flowers, soothing fragrance and natural healing properties. It’s not surprising why many Michigan gardeners want to know when to plant lavender to ensure a bountiful harvest. In this article, we will delve into the best time to plant lavender in Michigan, how to prepare your planting area and the most suitable lavender varieties to grow in this region.
When Is The Best Time To Plant Lavender In Michigan?
The best time to plant lavender in Michigan is in the spring, just as the soil begins to warm up and before the hottest summer months. In general, the ideal planting window is from late April to early June when the risk of frost or freezing temperatures is lower. Planting during this time will give your lavender plants plenty of time to become established before the harsher winter weather arrives.
However, it’s worth noting that the timing of planting lavender in Michigan can also depend on where you live in the state. If you live in the northern parts of Michigan, you may want to wait a little longer to plant lavender as the soil takes longer to warm up. Similarly, if you live in the southern parts of the state, you may want to plant earlier in the spring as the summers tend to be hotter and drier.
How To Prepare Your Planting Area
Before you start planting your lavender, it’s important to prepare your planting area carefully. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Choose a sunny spot: Lavender thrives in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
2. Test your soil: Lavender prefers well-draining soil, so it’s important to test your soil’s pH level. Lavender thrives in soil with a pH level of 6.5-7.5. If your soil’s pH level is below this range, you may need to add lime to adjust it.
3. Improve soil quality: Adding good quality compost or well-rotted manure to your soil can also help improve its fertility and drainage.
4. Space your plants properly: Lavender plants need sufficient room to grow, so space them around 2-3 feet apart. This will also help with air circulation, which can reduce the risk of disease.
Suitable Lavender Varieties For Michigan
Not all lavender varieties will thrive in Michigan’s climate. Here are some of the best lavender varieties to grow in Michigan:
1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): This is one of the hardiest lavender varieties and grows well in Michigan’s climate. It produces beautiful purple flowers and has a soothing fragrance.
2. French Lavender (Lavandula dentata): French lavender is another good choice for Michigan gardens. It produces stunning purple flowers with toothed leaves and a sweet fragrance.
3. Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’): This is a newer variety of lavender that has been bred to withstand extreme weather conditions. It’s a hardy and disease-resistant plant that produces lovely deep purple flowers.
Conclusion
In summary, the best time to plant lavender in Michigan is in the spring, from late April to early June. It’s important to choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and to space your plants properly to ensure good air circulation. By selecting the right lavender varieties and taking good care of your plants, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fragrant and beautiful flowers.
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Last update 2023-06-07. Price and product availability may change.