Even though lavender is a Mediterranean native, it’s surprisingly easy to grow right here at home! If you’re looking to add those gorgeous purple blooms and that iconic scent to your yard, you’re in the right place. Here’s the lowdown on how to plant and grow lavender like a pro.
When is the best time to plant lavender?
If you’re planting lavender in pots, you’re in luck—you can pretty much do that year-round. However, if you’re moving it into your garden beds, you’ll want to pay attention to the seasons. The sweet spot is in the spring when the plant is ready for its natural growth spurt. Just make sure the threat of frost has passed; usually, May is a safe bet for getting your lavender in the ground.
You can keep planting through the summer, but try not to wait much later than August. If you plant too late in the fall, the roots won’t have enough time to establish themselves before the cold hits. To give those roots the best start, timing is key—but so is finding the perfect spot.
Finding the perfect home for your lavender
Lavender is a total sun-worshipper. It loves a warm spot with plenty of direct sunlight. Interestingly, it actually thrives in poor, dry soil—so don’t worry if your garden isn’t “lush.” It especially loves chalky or alkaline soil.
The one thing lavender absolutely hates? “Wet feet” (standing water). Before you plant, check your soil drainage. If you’re worried about it staying too damp, you can add a drainage layer or mix some sand into your lavender soil. A sandy substrate is usually a winner.
Because it’s so low-maintenance regarding soil quality, you have tons of options. It looks great in containers on a balcony, but it also does incredibly well in gravel gardens. It’s even become a favorite for urban landscaping because it’s so hardy—you’ll often see it brightening up city medians!
How to get your lavender in the ground
Once the spring frost is over and you’ve picked out your sunny spot, follow these simple steps to give your lavender the best start in its new home:
Step-by-Step Planting:
- Space your plants about 12 inches (30 cm) apart to give them room to breathe.
- Dig a hole deep and wide enough so the roots aren’t cramped.
- Loosen the soil at the bottom and add a drainage layer (like gravel) if needed.
- Set your lavender in the hole and fill it back up with soil.
- Give it a good soak right away, and keep an eye on the watering while it gets established.
Keeping your lavender happy and healthy
Once your lavender is growing, a little maintenance goes a long way. After the blooming season is over, it’s time for a haircut. Grab some sharp garden shears and prune it back by about two-thirds. Just be careful not to cut into the old, woody part of the stem—always leave some fresh, green growth, as that’s where next year’s flowers will come from.
One big tip: don’t over-fertilize! If you give it too much “food,” the plant will grow lots of green stems but very few flowers. It can even become top-heavy and flop open or get woody in the center. If you feel the need to fertilize, do it no more than twice a year using a lime-based fertilizer.
