Additional feeding is not needed with these plants. While the seedlings are growing, choose a sunny spot in the garden and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. Ensure that the container has good drainage. Herbs to the Rescue: Fend off Deer with Aromatic Plants. If you plan to grow lavender as individual specimen plants, plan to place them around 90cm apart. The sharp scent also deters unwanted pests like mosquitoes, mice, and moths. Although lavender has a large, spreading root system, it prefers growing in a tight space. Grow in well-drained areas or raised beds. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ Munstead is an English lavender that is hardy from zones 4 to 9. Fill a small pot with seed-starting mix, then dip the stripped side of the cutting in rooting hormone and bury it into the seed-starting mix. If there are spots in the garden that bask in the hot afternoon heat, plant lavenders – they will love it! Feed regularly through the flowering season with a liquid fertiliser. Step 1 - Find a Location. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Herbs to the Rescue: Fend off Deer with Aromatic Plants. at least twice a year is a must, once established lavender becomes drought-hardy and requires very little maintenance. Commercial potting soil has enough nutrients to nourish the plant without any more feeding. Hang in small bunches upside down in a warm spot with good air circulation. Lavender prefers well-drained soil that is on the dry side. It is dampness, more than cold, that is responsible for killing lavender plants. Dampness can come in the form of wet roots during the winter months or high humidity in the summer. Softwood cuttings are available in the spring; hardwood cuttings in the fall. Growing lavender is extremely rewarding - not only does it have an intoxicating scent, but the delicate flowers look simply divine and are perfect for, . As with many plants grown for their essential oils, a lean soil will encourage a higher concentration of oils, so go easy on the organic matter and on the fertilizer. If the soil does not drain well, consider raised garden beds or pots. Even if the flowers don’t last long, you can still harvest and store them for later use. Lavender Hedge or Grow In Pots. This beautiful, fragrant herb is a great addition to raised beds, in-ground gardens, and growing in containers. Frost tolerance varies with the species, so check plant labels before buying. For best drying results, harvest the flowers as the buds first begin to open. However, lavenders will also grow in semi-shade, provided the soil conditions are met. It grows 3 feet tall. Plants typically reach between 1 and 3 feet in height. 'Grosso' is highly disease resistant and fragrant; grows 30 inches tall. When roots are established, remove the plastic and place the pot in a sunny location. Many plants perish if the soil gets too wet over the winter months.. And remember to start plenty – yearling lavender plants make great gifts, and can be a valued bartering chip at your local plant exchange! Lavender is one of the oldest herbal plants on a gardener’s favoured-list. Lavender plants grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. Choose a well-lit location. English lavender does not tolerate humid summers very well, but other lavenders will happily grow in areas of mild humidity. Remove spent flowers and trim lightly after flowering. Areas where the ground routinely freezes and thaws throughout the winter will benefit from a layer of mulch applied after the ground initially freezes. Lavender performs best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Firstly, the pot must have enough drainage holes. If your soil is heavy, plant on a 20-30cm (8in-1ft) mound, ridge or in a raised bed where the roots will not sit in wet soil. Lavender plants are fairly trouble-free, but leaf spots and root rot can occur if the soil is too wet. It is valued for its defining ornamental presence and delightfully aromatic lure in a summer garden.But it is more than just a beautiful scented plant, it is a ‘honey plant’ that is important to various types of bees, and a must in any pollinator-friendly garden. Ideal soil conditions for lavender. The ultimate sensory delight in your garden. University of Vermont Extension, Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener. To grow lavender from seed, start by putting the seeds in a sealable plastic bag filled with moist soil and storing it in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. Hardwood cuttings should be severed just below a bump that identifies a leaf node. Lavender is a Mediterranean herb, so it thrives in hot, sunny locations. Keep the mulch away from the crown of the lavender plant, however, to prevent excess moisture and root rot. Keep the soil moist so the seeds don’t dry out. Dig over any free-draining soil and remove the weeds before planting. A wonderful herb that's more than just beautiful, lavender is very popular in cosmetics, oils, salves, body care products, fragrances and also teas.Lavender is one of the most commonly known and widely used herbs and essential oils in the world. There are many varieties of lavender, with different types within each variety: English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8: Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8: Fringed Lavender (Lavandula dentata) USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 9: French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 9: Spanish Lavender (Lavendula stoechas subsp. Guidelines for grow lavender. If your soil is sandy, mix in some gravel to improve drainage. 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