Table of Contents
Plant lavender in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. You can add builder’s sand to the soil before planting to increase drainage, which is vital because lavender will not tolerate excessive soil moisture or humidity.
What kind of soil do I need for lavender?
Light: Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil to grow best. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade may help them thrive. Soil: Lavender grows best in low to moderately-fertile soils, so don’t amend the soil with organic matter before planting. Lavender performs best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils.
How do you make alkaline soil for lavender?
To make the pH higher, or more alkaline, apply lime to the soil in the fall. Calcitic limestone, also called calcium carbonate, is commonly used. In general, to raise the pH by one point on slightly acidic soils, apply 5 pounds of lime per 100 square feet.
Should I add sand to soil for lavender?
Building Sand is frequently recommended for amending soil for lavender growing as it replicates the sandy soil conditions of the lavender’s native Mediterranean home range.
What is the best fertilizer for lavender?
Choosing Lavender Fertilizer A low nitrogen fertilizer formulated to encourage blooming is best, but general-purpose fertilizer will also work if it’s diluted. Logee’s Plants recommends feeding only during the spring and summer months with a 7-9-5 or 15-15-15 fertilizer.
Are coffee grounds good for lavender plants?
Coffee grounds are very high in acid and plants such as lavender and aloe do not benefit from them.
How do you improve clay soil for lavender?
If you have heavy or clay soil, either improve drainage by adding plenty of well-rotted compost or some grit at the base of the planting hole, or grow lavender in pots instead using compost and grit as you would if it was going in the ground. Water your plants until they’re established.
Is peat moss good for lavender?
Peat moss will contribute to soil drainage and moisture retention, while acidifying the soil slightly. Spread a 1-inch layer of peat moss over the area where you wish to plant your lavender, and work it into the soil with a rake or a hoe. Water the lavender deeply after planting.
Does lavender need Fertiliser?
Lavenders appreciate full sun. Grow them in shade and they grow out towards the sunlight, and they like a well-drained soil. They don’t like wet feet. They don’t need a lot of fertiliser but some dolomitic lime in spring and autumn helps, and add some potassium to intensify the colour and strengthen the stems.
Are eggshells good for lavender?
One good potting mix for lavender contains equal parts by volume of soil, sand, perlite, and compost. Some add a few crushed egg shells to help keep a higher pH (alkaline soil) as they decompose. Fertilize sparingly.
Is manure good for lavender?
Little feeding is required, although a sprinkling of potash around the base of plants will encourage more prolific flowering and improved flower colour. Don’t add bulky manure or high nitrogen feed as your lavenders in particular, will grow very sappy and flop open.
How do I encourage lavender to grow?
To increase the amount lavender blooms, plant lavender in full sun, with sandy soil and prune in the Spring to stimulate more growth to support more blooms. Watering lavender too frequently and adding fertilizer can stress the plant which causes fewer blooms.
Can lavender survive in pots?
Any lavender variety will grow in a container, but some are better suited than others. Dwarf Blue, Munstead, Hidcote, Sweet, Sharon Roberts, and Lavender Lady produce flowers fast and stay a manageable size in pots. – Cut lavender stems when the lowest blossom opens. Make the cut slightly above the first set of leaves.
How do you care for a new lavender plant?
Place your container grown lavender plants somewhere they receive full sun (at least eight hours per day) and water them sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, but don’t let it get so dry that the plant wilts. Lavender likes heat, and many varieties won’t survive a cold winter.
When should lavender be pruned?
When and how to prune: Prune right after the first flowering and again in late August after the last flush has faded. Cut off about 2/3 of the plant’s height or to just above the bottom two sets of leaves on each stem. Take care not to cut into the woody part of the plant which can cause damage.
Is Miracle Gro good for lavender?
For the very best results—think lots of beautiful, fragrant blooms—it’s also important to feed lavender regularly with a premium plant food like Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Blooms Plant Nutrition.
Is Miracle Grow potting mix good for lavender?
To further improve drainage, plant lavender in a raised bed filled with premium raised bed soil, such as Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Raised Bed Mix, along a wall, or near the top of a slope. In an herb or perennial bed, ensure good drainage by planting lavender on a small mound.
Can I plant my lavender in cactus soil?
Native to the rocky soils of the Mediterranean, lavender grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 to 8. Key to success is good soil. Cactus soil can play a role in giving lavender the perfect home.
