Growing Lavender

There are three basic rules for growing lavender. First, although lavender will do all right with six hours of sun a day, it needs full sun to achieve its true potential. Plant it in as open an area as possible for full air circulation to combat summer humidity. Second, lavender wants good drainage. If you have poor drainage, try planting it on a raised (7-10 inches) mound. Finally, lavender needs a pH in the 7.0-7.3 range. Most of our soil in Northern Virginia is in the 6.0-6.5 range; pH level can be raised by the application of lime. Either top dress the soil if lavender is already in the ground or mix in a handful when digging the hole of its new home. Soil sample kits are available at the Extension Office at an affordable price, usually less than ten dollars.

Lavender can handle periods of drought once established making it a great choice for the time constrained gardener. Do not water once established and never fertilize. More people kill lavender by giving it to much attention with over watering which leaves the plant susceptible to root rot or fungus. 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. If humidity is a problem, make sure you have plenty of space between your plants for air flow and always plant in a sunny location. Areas where the ground routinely freezes and thaws throughout the winter will benefit from a layer of mulch applied after the ground initially freezes. If possible, protect your lavender plants from harsh winter winds. Planting next to a stone or brick wall will provide additional heat and protection.

The only requirement for a long lasting plant is some pruning after flowering to maintain the shape and to reduce the woodiness of its natural growth habit.

The plant blooms in the early summer with long-lasting, fragrant flowers. Once blooming has completed, trim the plant by one-third of its height to encourage new growth. You may be rewarded with a second bloom in the fall which can be harvested but it is important to know to not prune the plant in the fall as it will make it less hardy for the oncoming winter season. Attractive to both bees and butterflies, it is wonderful to know we are assisting the pollinators with food after a long hungry winter.

Lavender is a fragrant, woody perennial. Foliage is semi-evergreen and finely textured making it a nice choice in border planting as a low hedge along a walkway or entrance. Lavender’s growth habit is upright and bushy, growing as wide as it is tall. With long lasting blooms and pleasant fragrance, lavender also can be used as a showcase plant in a large well drained container.

Many gardeners use the blooms for potpourri, home crafts and culinary seasoning. To dry the flower stalks for everlasting bouquets and wreaths, harvest when the blossom shows their color but not completely open. This will ensure the maximum color and allowing for the blossom the strength to remain on the stem. The blossom is usually grown for fragrance but certain varieties (Hidcote and Provence) are excellent for cooking. There are numerous recipes available for desserts, salads and marinades for main dishes. Our culinary lavender comes with a few recipes to tempt your palate.

Whichever variety you decide on that suits your climate, your eye and nose, enjoy the carefree nature of the plant and generous fragrance.