Tony O’Neill , expert gardener and well - selling author of the famous “ Simplify Vegetable Gardening , ” “ compost Masterclass , ” and “ Your First Vegetable Garden , ” blend lifelong passion and expert knowledge to simplify gardening . His mission ? Helping you naturalize a booming garden . More on Tony O’Neill
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This fragrant , flowering industrial plant belong to theLamiaceaefamily andLavandulagenus , which contain 48 species with hundreds of hybrids . Lavender is native to the Southern Alps , and different varieties rise wild throughout Provence in France , where precipitation is small .
Table of Contents
Introduction to Growing Lavender in Pots
It is always advisable to search the natural origin of plants we like to introduce to our garden , especially if we wish to farm them indoors , or like Lavender , in pots outdoors .
Also , we ideally need to have information on the varieties available to enable us to make informed decision . So , let ’s take a peep at some of the most popular Lavandula species for our potted lavender options .
Most Lavender initiate in the Mediterranean basin , in rocky , calcareous region , but also grows in North Africa , swaths of Europe , and Western India . It was an indispensable craw to ancient Greece , Rome , and Elizabethan England .
The name “ lavender ” comes from the Latin verb lavare , “ to wash ” or “ to bath . ” Portuguese ( Spike ) lavender ( L. latifolia ) grows crazy over a large part of the Mediterranean arena , preferring warm and lower part than Lavender and lavandin .
Lavandula Varieties for Growing Lavender in Pots
The Best Hybrids for Growing Lavender in Pots
English Lavender for Pots – USDA Hardiness Zones 5 – 9
French Lavender for Pots – USDA Hardiness Zones 8 – 10
Spanish Lavender For Pots – USDA Hardiness Zones 7 – 10
Lavandin – USDA Hardiness Zones 5 – 9
Lavender Natural Growth Needs
Lavenders thrive in full sunlight and appreciate light , well - enfeeble grime with a inert to slightly alkaline pH – typical to their Mediterranean habitat .
Check the pH of your dirt and add limestone if necessary to equilibrise out acidic grunge .
Growing Lavender in pots is a wise to choice because you could fill them with the light , sand - based soil They want .
territory , like peat , that retain too much pee and is too acidulent is not suited for lavender , especially in the winter .
you could also grow lavender annually , transplant it each saltation if your conditions are less than optimum . Lavender plants can tolerate drought well once they are established .
to boot , lavender thrives in containers , where you may fully appreciate its fragrance and beaut . By arranging your lilac-colored pots in drifts , you could replicate the luscious lavender fields of Provence in your G .
Potted Lavender Growing Habits
Many gardeners are enjoy by the easy - to - grow Lavender ’s many wonderful property . Lavender is comfy in a xeriscape , requiring minimum weewee , and is cervid and rabbit insubordinate – Hydra avoid it , while butterfly and bees adore it .
Flower wands fill any space with a beautiful , pleasant , fresh smell . Most potpourri traveling bag contain Lavender which has been used for ages to refresh habiliment and ward off dirt ball .
Add a little to your meals and drinks to add up a delicate flavor .
Spanish lavenderstypically have a second or even third bloom wheel later in the summer if spent blooms are deadheaded . Of all the lavenders , they can stand firm droughts the best .
English lavender , Lavandula angustifolia , is native not to England but to the mountainous areas of Southern Europe . It is the hardiest , although reasonably curtly - live , and must be replaced after 3 - 5 twelvemonth .
heyday seem on lithesome flower spikes in early summertime and are much daintier and sweeter smelling than any Spanish lavender .
Cultivars offer shades of low and purple , clean , or pink flowers on mounds ranging between 18 and 24 inches tall and wide .
Shearing off faded blossoms and stems help hold a compact configuration and promote some cultivars to repeat bloom of youth . ‘ Hidcote ’ is popular with intense grim - purple peak ; ‘ Munstead ’ is lavender - blue ; ‘ Jean Davis ’ is pinkish white .
Lavandula x intermedia , also recognize as lavandin , blossom most from mid - to - late summer . Depending on the cultivar , these grow rather shrub - like after several years in the ground , get through heights and widths of two to four feet .
The most pop is “ Provence ” and “ Grosso , ” renowned for their virile fragrances and suitability for harvest , dry , and tying flower wand into bundle .
The cosmetic line of work uses oil from “ Grosso , ” while many lavender product utilize crude from “ Provence . ”
unconstipated pruning is necessary to keep the bottom stem from turning ugly and woody on these hybrids .
The all important requirements in planting Lavender in pots are choose a site with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight day by day and providing good drain .
Potted lavender should be grown in soil rich in compost and gritty material ( such as lava rock or perlite ) to improve aeration and allow solution to take over food without swim .
Your potted Lavender should last five to seven years if adequately sited and pruned . Although Lavender can tolerate drouth , it needs enough rain to grow all season .
After plant , it is all-important to watch out that the soil does n’t amply dry up around the rootball .
Lavenders can be cut back more sternly in the recent downfall but never to bare Mrs. Henry Wood . Look for small immature buds on low shank and cut right above them .
In this manner , plants are pruned annually or more frequently to keep their slow , green branching . Some may even tolerate pruning that come close to the ground .
Potted Lavender Care Summary
Best Pots and Containers for Growing Lavender
Your commode size and case are essential for growing lavender in pots . I have covered each topic in profoundness below .
Best Pot Sizes for Potting Lavender
If the potbelly size is not appropriate , it might cause congestion of roots , want of adequate nutrients , and ultimately , dying of the plant . It is , therefore , vital to pick the right corporation size for your plant life .
Lavender can need to be at least 5 gal . Below is a board of different pot size of it . Generally , the diameter of a pot is equal to its astuteness .
The above table is a road map , not a rule . Essentially you ’re looking for a pot that will supply you with a one to two - inch gap between the antecedent orb and the pot paries . If your plant is still little , make adjustment for some growth .
When grow Lavender in pots , think that they prefer crowding to grow well in their instinctive habitat , so they replicate their natural environment .
If the plant ’s rootball size of it and container size are poorly geminate , there ’s a peril your potted Lavender will develop root decomposition , its greatest scourge .
Why the Terracotta Option is Best For Growing Lavender in Pots
Plastic pots are great for when you require to maintain a moist surround for your works , but they are inapplicable for potting lavender .
The same go for glaze over peck unless you ’re double potting , i.e. , placing an unglazed terracotta or clay throne inside a more aesthetically pleasing glaze pot .
The de facto accepted flower plenty is made of terracotta with drain fix . Before the invention of plastics in the early 1900s , terracotta was the ultimate pick for planting containers .
In improver to being a great works potting option , terracotta offered a unique esthetic appeal .
Part of that appeal is how each grass develops a unique grapheme with a beautiful patina . Add to that the fact that it sour exceptionally effectively and does n’t necessitate much extra attention .
The Pros of Terracotta Pots for Lavender Potting
It ’s simple to understand why terracotta pots could be a wise choice for grow Lavender . Although they are not the only pot available , they are ideal for the task .
There have n’t been any substantial ontogenesis in blossom pot technology that have substitute them – why situate what ’s not break ? In addition to being absolutely desirable , they ’re also affordable .
There is , truly , a growing awareness of the environmental impact of credit card product . Gardeners are peculiarly cognisant of nature ’s strength and vulnerability to excessive misuse . While plastic is cheaper , its cost to the environs for many is unreconcilable .
The Cons of Terracotta Pots for Lavendar Potting
These are some of the drawbacks to using terracotta for pot lavender . Yet , they are a great pick with proper aid , mainly for their air and water system direction capabilities .
Even though these are undoubtedly disadvantages , these can be foresee .
Terracotta smoke are n’t the best choice for every line of work , but they work well for originate Lavender in pots , which is how they follow to have such a fabled status in modern gardening .
you could now buy terracotta in various colors and grain that complement your potted lavender . Of naturally , the traditional terracotta pot remains timeless , a piece of art that ameliorate with eld .
The soil dries out more quickly in Lucius DuBignon Clay pots , which helps annul radical guff . On the other handwriting , you should be aware that Lavender arise in terracotta pots will call for more frequent watering if come out in a scorching environs .
The main disadvantage of using terracotta is that it is unannealed and will kick downstairs if you drop the pot . Terracotta has been have intercourse to crack in extremely cold conditions . Still , I would advise you to use ceramic pots instead .
How To Care for Lavender
Lavender watering changes importantly depending on the season and location . Indoor lavender requires less lachrymation than outside plants .
Lavender may take weekly lacrimation in hot summer temperatures above 77 ⁰F , peculiarly if planted on very spirited soil . Lavender should not be watered when the grunge is moist .
Having grown Lavender in skunk for several year , a central theme emerges – these beauties are toughened than I first realized , but their Achilles ’ heel is over - watering .
Watering problem with potted lavender are oft because of overwatering rather than underwatering . Lavender is a shrub that grows well in dry and semi - ironical territory .
The overwatering problem is more prevalent in the winter and indoors . The sole exclusion is out-of-door lavender in the swelter summertime , where long , ironical soil may be the problem .
Lavender is a perennial , and potted lavender watering require fluctuate throughout the year .
During the winter and fall , lavender has to be irrigate much less frequently . Indeed , the growth of lavender is substantially slowed by the decrement in sunlight and the dip in temperature , necessitating far less water .
Like all other plants , potted lavender does n’t do well if the lachrymation regimen is rigorously time - based , for instance , a strict schedule of hebdomadary lacrimation on Wednesday morn .
Your relationship with your potted Lavender should be antiphonal to its need , i.e. , watering when the soil is dry .
Watering Potted Lavender: How Much and How Often
Lavender is a shrub native to the live and semi - desiccated Middle East and India , and it is widely spread on the Mediterranean glide , especially in France and Italy .
The fashion you water lavender is affected by the circumvent condition . Lavender is right smart easier to raise outside , but I have also had great success with indoor lavender pots .
As it is a light hold out plant , lighting is more of a challenge indoors than water .
Watering Lavender Grown in Pots Outdoors
In the section above , The honorable Hybrids for Growing Lavender in Pots , I provide a USDA Hardiness Zones guideline for the different hybrids . These are for growing Lavender in jackpot outdoors or even on a balcony . Here are the seasonal watering guidelines :
Outdoor lavender does n’t need irrigation in the wintertime or autumn . Lavender enters a dormant phase where its exploitation and piddle requirements are substantially reduced .
No fertilizer should be practice to lavender , peculiarly in winter .
Your specific location importantly impacts how often you need to irrigate your potted lavender in summertime and spring . It stands to reason that quick climates may require more lachrymation .
The gold rule ; let your potted Laveder ’s dirt humidity be your pathfinder .
Potted Lavender may need frequent watering if the stain is exceptionally well - drained and the daytime air temperature exceeds 77 ° degree Fahrenheit .
A warm , dry , cheery plant needs more frequent lacrimation than one in a cool , crushed - light surround .
The rule of thumb is to water when necessary . The follow method acting may be used to ascertain when to water :
Watering Indoor Lavender
Lavender can be grown in pots indoors , adding a lovely feeling of serenity and can hardly go unnoticed .
inflammation spirit level indoors should be high , with the industrial plant get more than 6 hour a day , and a southward - facing windowsill will in all probability be the best alternative .
If you choose for indoor Lavender growing , here are some tearing suggestions .
Indoor lavender has to be water no more frequently than once monthly in wintertime and fall . Only pee if the ground beneath the surface is wry .
The top may be dry , yet the interior , the most important part , may be very soused . That said , the independent cause of potted Lavender demise is overwatering .
maintain a teetotal environs is best , especially for plants that enjoy ironical condition like lavender .
Longer daytime hour and ardent air temperature encourage ontogenesis , increasing pee requirements . Additionally , the increase temperature causes more water in the soil to evaporate , leaving less for the works .
Lavender require more frequent tearing , up to once per week , throughout the saltation and summer . Be guided by the soil ’s humidity levels and the environmental specifics .
The Best Potting Soil for Lavenders in Pots and Containers
Lavender comes in four different form and is oftentimes naturalise in gardens . If you reside in a humid environment , I send word you to cultivate Spanish lavender in pots .
Spanish lavender features stocky , over-embellished flower bud with spiral petals 2 foot tall and across-the-board .
Lavandin , English , and French lavender do not enjoy excessive humidness .
gardener in humid climates may find it challenge to cultivate lavender in toilet successfully because the plant thrives in hot , dry environments .
Both soil environment change and fair to middling soil drainage are necessary . For this reason , growing lavender in toilet is a smart decision .
General Potting Mix Considerations
Every works has seven growing medium consideration , which are :
Create the Perfect Soil Mix for Lavenders
Ideally , you require a potting mix that is more or less alkaline and drain exceptionally well while retaining some wet .
cheap yet efficient components with good drain and water immersion include perlite , calcine clay , bark , pea crushed rock , and granite grit .
I let in some oyster shell as they assist in maintaining the soil ’s alkalinity and promote the growth of your potted Lavender .
The improver of compost to potting grime introduces a soil food web to the root word surroundings . The inclusion of these micro-organism offers century of benefit , but here is a list of 5 of them :
Locate Potted Lavender Where They Get at Least Six Hours of Sun per Day
When I think of the Mediterranean , I get a sensory overload of picturesque beaches , food , sunshine , and warm days , and I think of vineyard , common fig tree orchard , and olive groves .
This part is in the 39thlatitude , where the average monthly temperatures are more than 71 ⁰F and the shortest day is longer than nine hours .
It is in the Mediterranean region that lilac-colored flourish . Ideally , you desire to provide your potted Lavender with only six hours of sunlight daily .
Does Potted Lavender Require Fertilizer?
by and large , lavender mature in beds does n’t need feed in . Because you ’re using a pot medium with good drain spike with vermiculite , perlite , and pea gravel , you should employ an first-class 3 to 4 - calendar month slow - release plant food twice a year .
This is because pot lavender and all potted plants , for that issue , leaching nutrients . Still , this is n’t essential for growing lavender in Mary Jane – they do well in anaemic soil .
Pruning Lavender in Pots
Pruning works wonderfully on lavender . Once a plant is plant , it should be pruned every year to promote flowering , which only grows raw shoots . Pruning should start when green leaves look at the plant ’s base in the spring .
To shape the plant life and keep the shopping mall from open up , trim down the prow after the lavender flowers .
Just as the bud begin to open , gather fresh - cut flower . Before the first flowers open , pick 20 stems of lavender and dress them at once before drying .
fall upside - down in a well - ventilated area away from the sun . before long enough , they will be ready for sachet and potpourris .
Take about a third of the top off . Pruning prevents the plant life from fracturing and becoming overly woody . Harvest in the former break of the day as the crude peak and about half of the peak bud have opened .
Make the stems as long as potential using a reaping hook or pruning shears . Lavender that has been harvest should be dried in a nerveless , non-white domain with excellent air flow .
Frequently Asked Questions on Growing Lavender in Pots
Is Lavender a difficult plant to grow?
Because lavender needs so little water and no fertilizer , it ’s really easy to uprise . It still needs a lot of light , warmer temperature , and one-year pruning for better results .
What lavender species is best for growing in humid climates?
If you live in a humid environment , I rede school Spanish lavender , which sport thick , purple blossom buds with spiral petals and grows 2 feet tall and broad .
What is the ideal soil mix for growing lavender in pots?
conflate 50 % compost and 50 % of perlite , Calcine Clay ( Turface or Haydite ) , peat gravel , or granite gritrock allow for great drainage for spring up lavender in Mary Jane .
In which USDA Hardiness Zones Can I Grow Lavender in Pots?
Lavender can be grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 10 , reckon on the mintage : English Lavender : Zones 5 – 9French Lavender : Zones 8 – 10Spanish Lavender : geographical zone 7 – 10Lavandin : Zones 5 – 9
Does pruning my potted lavender help it blossom better?
Pruning works wonderfully on lavender as the beautiful fragrant flowers only grow on unexampled shoots . Once a plant is established , it should be pruned annually to boost florescence , which only grows on new shoots .
When should I prune my potted lavender?
Pruning should start when green leaf appear at the plant ’s floor in the spring .
In Summary
The most decisive factor to successfully growing Lavender in hatful is heat , clear , and soil composition , which should be 50 pct inert aggregate and 50 percent constituent material . Growing Lavender in pots is rewarding and easy .
