An essential guide for Growing Lavender
TREAT ‘EM MEAN, KEEP ‘EM KEEN: an Essential guide for Growing Healthy and Beautiful Lavender
Lavender is a versatile and beautiful herb that has been cultivated for centuries for its aromatic fragrance, medicinal properties, and ornamental value. While we are still learning how to be good lavender farmers, we can attest that lavender plants are relatively easy to grow, but they do require careful nurturing to reach their full potential. Here are our top tips help you grow healthy, productive, and beautiful lavender plants in your own garden (or farm).
Improving your Soil
Lavender plants require well-draining soil that is not too rich or fertile. If the soil is too heavy, the plants may develop root rot. A sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal for growing lavender. To improve drainage, you can mix in coarse sand or gravel (or perlite for pots) before planting.
Avoid shade
Lavender plants thrive in full sunlight (think of the mediterranean), so choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If your garden is shaded, consider planting lavender in containers that you can move around to capture the sun's rays. Lavender plants that do not receive enough sunlight may become weak, leggy, and susceptible to disease.
Water Regularly, but Don't Overwater
Lavender plants require regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. However, it's important not to overwater lavender plants, as they are prone to root rot and fungal diseases in wet soil. Water deeply once a week or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, but do not let the soil become waterlogged.
Mulch to Conserve Moisture and Prevent Weeds
On the farm and at scale, this step becomes hard. However, when feasible mulching around lavender plants can help conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature (a great idea if you live in an area that receives frost), and prevent weeds from growing. Use a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, to a depth of 5cm to 15cm.
Prune Regularly to Promote Growth and FLOWERS
Pruning is an essential part of lavender plant care, as it promotes growth, prevents legginess, and encourages blooming. Prune lavender plants lightly in the first year after planting to promote branching, and then prune more heavily in subsequent years to maintain a compact shape and promote abundant blooming. Prune in early spring, before new growth appears, and remove up to one-third of the plant's height.
Fertilise Sparingly and with a Low-Nitrogen Fertiliser
Lavender plants do not require much fertiliser, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooming. Use a low-nitrogen fertiliser, such as a 5-10-10 or 6-12-12 formulation, once a year in early spring, just before new growth appears. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilisers or fresh manure, which can burn the plants and promote excessive leaf growth.
Harvest at the Right Time for Best Fragrance and Flavour
The best time to harvest lavender depends on the type of lavender and the intended use of the flowers.
For culinary lavender: harvest the flowers just as they begin to open, when the buds are still tight and the color is intense.
For dried lavender: harvest the flowers when they are fully open and the color has faded slightly.
For essential oil production: harvest the flowers when the buds are fully open and the fragrance is at its peak.
To harvest lavender, cut the stems just above the foliage, leaving a few inches of stem. Bundle the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation. Once the flowers are completely dry, strip the flowers from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
We hope you have found the short guide helpful. With the right care and attention, your lavender plants will thrive. Whenever in doubt, just remember that lavender is a very hardy plant, so a good rule to apply when growing lavender for the first time is: “treat ‘em mean, keep ‘em keen”.