Grow Guide to Lavender

Plant Description

Lavender is a highly aromatic perennial herb known for its silvery-green foliage, purple flower spikes, and calming fragrance. A staple in Mediterranean gardens, it thrives in warm, dry conditions and is both drought- and deer-resistant.

Beyond its beauty and fragrance, Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and culinary applications. Its essential oils are famous for their calming properties, while dried flowers add elegance to teas, sachets, and baked goods.

Quick Facts

  • Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily).
  • Days to Sprout: 14–28 days (germination can be slow; bottom heat speeds up sprouting).
  • Days to Bloom: 90–120 days from seed, earlier with mature plants.
  • Plant Spacing: 12 inches apart for airflow and healthy root development.
  • Seeds per Hole: 3 seeds per planting hole, thinning to the strongest seedling.
  • Plant Type: Perennial (hardy in USDA zones 5–9; grown as an annual in colder climates).
  • Planting Depth: Lightly cover seeds with 1/8 inch of soil.

Best Planting Locations

  • Garden Borders & Flower Beds: Lavender makes an excellent low hedge or accent plant, adding fragrance and structure.
  • Rock Gardens & Dry Slopes: Prefers dry, well-draining locations; thrives in rocky or sandy soil.
  • Raised Beds & Containers: Ideal for areas with heavy clay soil, allowing for better drainage.
  • Herb Gardens: A perfect companion for rosemary, thyme, and oregano in a Mediterranean-style herb garden.

Getting Started

  1. Cold Stratification for Seeds: Refrigerate seeds for 2–4 weeks before planting to improve germination.
  2. Well-Draining Soil is Key: Lavender thrives in sandy or loamy soil with excellent drainage. Avoid heavy clay.
  3. Plant in Full Sun: Ensure Lavender receives at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.

Companion / Enemy Plants

Good Companion Plants: Rosemary, sage, echinacea, marigolds.

Avoid Planting Near: Mint (competes for space and moisture).

Attractants / Repellents

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Repels: Mosquitoes, moths, and certain garden pests.

When to Plant

  • Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost.
  • Transplant outdoors once soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Maintenance

  • Watering: Water sparingly; Lavender prefers dry conditions once established.
  • Fertilizing: Avoid rich soil; too much nitrogen results in fewer flowers.
  • Pruning: Trim back in spring or after flowering to maintain shape.

Harvest

  • Harvest flower spikes when buds are just opening for the best fragrance.
  • Use sharp scissors to cut stems, leaving a few inches of growth for regrowth.

Uses

  • Aromatherapy: Lavender oil is widely used for relaxation and sleep support.
  • Culinary: Edible flowers are used in teas, baked goods, and syrups.
  • Herbal Medicine: Traditionally used for stress relief and skin care.
  • Natural Pest Repellent: Dried Lavender can deter moths and insects in wardrobes.

How to Store

  • Drying: Hang harvested stems upside down in a cool, dark place until fully dried.
  • Freezing: Flowers can be frozen in ice cube trays for later use in drinks.
  • Essential Oil Extraction: Lavender can be distilled into oil for homemade remedies.