English Lavender

What you'll need:

English lavender seeds or small plants (seedlings are easier for beginners)

A pot (at least 12 inches wide with drainage holes) or a garden bed

Sandy, well-draining soil (lavender dislikes soggy roots!)

• Some gravel or small stones (optional but helpful for drainage)
• A sunny spot – this plant loves sunlight!

When to start:

Spring is ideal. If you're planting seeds, start indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. If you’re using seedlings, wait until after the danger of frost has passed and the ground has warmed up.

Choosing the right location:

English lavender thrives in full sun, so pick a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Whether it's a garden bed or a balcony, ensure good airflow around the plant to prevent dampness and mold.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill a small pot with sandy soil, leaving about an inch from the top.
2. Sprinkle a few seeds on the surface and lightly press them into the soil – don't bury them too deep!
3. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
4. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny spot indoors until the seeds sprout (this can take 2-4 weeks).
5. Once the seedlings are sturdy and have a few sets of leaves, they’re ready to be moved outside.

If you have seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Add some gravel or small stones at the bottom of the hole to help with drainage.
3. Place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
4. Backfill the hole with soil and pat it down gently.
5. Water thoroughly but avoid waterlogging.

Spacing tip:

• If planting multiple lavender plants, space them about 2-3 feet apart. Lavender grows into a bushy shape, so it needs room to spread.

Watering:

• Lavender doesn’t like to sit in wet soil, so water sparingly. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
• During hot weather, check the soil every few days by sticking your finger into it. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to mold.

Feeding:

• Lavender doesn’t need much fertilizer. In fact, too much feeding can harm it.
• If you feel the need to fertilize, use a light hand – once in early spring with a bit of compost or a diluted liquid fertilizer is plenty.

Pruning:

• After the plant flowers (usually late spring to early summer), trim it back by about a third. This keeps the plant neat and encourages more blooms next year.
• Prune again in early fall if needed, but don’t cut into the woody part of the plant.

Sunlight & Airflow:

• Ensure your lavender gets plenty of sun and air circulation. If planted in a pot, move it to the sunniest spot you have.
• Avoid overcrowding lavender with other plants to allow good airflow.

When to harvest:

• The best time to harvest lavender is when about half of the flower buds on each stalk have opened. This usually happens in late spring to early summer.
• Harvesting in the morning is ideal, as the oils are most potent after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems just above the leaves.
• Gather the stems into small bundles and tie them together with string or a rubber band.

Drying lavender:

• Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place (like a closet or shed) for about 2-3 weeks.
• Once fully dry, you can strip the buds off the stems and store them in a jar for use in cooking, sachets, or crafts.

Using fresh lavender:

• Fresh lavender can be used right away in recipes, floral arrangements, or even to make a calming tea.

Q: Why are my lavender leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves often mean overwatering. Lavender prefers dry conditions, so let the soil dry out completely between waterings. If the problem persists, check if your soil drains well.

Q: Can I grow lavender indoors?

A: Yes, but it’s tricky! Indoors, lavender needs lots of sunlight (a south-facing window is best) and excellent air circulation. Be careful not to overwater.

Q: My lavender isn’t flowering. What should I do?

A: It could be due to lack of sun, poor pruning, or over-fertilizing. Make sure it’s getting enough sunlight, prune it lightly after flowering, and skip heavy fertilization.

Q: Is English lavender safe around pets?

A: Lavender is generally safe, but some pets might have sensitivities. Cats, for example, can handle small amounts but shouldn’t chew on it excessively.

Q: How long does lavender live?

A: With proper care, English lavender can live for 5-10 years. Regular pruning helps extend its life by preventing it from becoming too woody.