How to Grow Lavender In A Pot Successfully?
Lavender is a fragrant and beautiful herb, often used in aromatherapy and culinary dishes. But did you know that it’s also easy to grow in a pot?
Whether you have limited outdoor space or just want to add a touch of greenery to your windowsill, growing lavender in a pot is a great option.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to grow lavender in a pot successfully, from choosing the right container to providing the ideal growing conditions for this beloved herb.
How to grow lavender in a pot indoors
- Gather the necessary supplies: lavender plant, pot, potting soil, and drainage materials such as stones or clay pellets.
Make sure the pot is 8-10 inches in diameter and has drainage holes at the bottom.
- Prepare the soil by mixing two parts of store-bought potting soil with one part sand or perlite for better drainage.
If desired, add 1 tablespoon of slow-release fertilizer for every gallon of soil mixture used.
- Place a layer of stones or clay pellets at the bottom of the pot for proper drainage.
- Carefully remove your lavender from its container and place it into the prepared potting soil, until it is slightly higher than the ground level when planted outdoors.
Do not cover any leaves or stems with dirt; instead, keep them above soil level to prevent rot or mold growth due to excessive moisture.
- Lightly pack down additional soil around your lavender plant to secure it in the pot.
Making sure not to leave an open space between the plant and the sides of the container. That could cause water stagnation near its roots later on.
- Water your potted lavender deeply but sparingly.
They do best when allowed to dry out between waterings instead of remaining constantly wet/damp (more than once per week).
Keep in mind that if you are using terracotta pots, they will need to be watered more frequently.
Their porous nature allows for rapid evaporation as compared to other types of pots such as plastic containers.
And plastic containers retain water better over time because they are not porous at all.
- Place your potted lavender in a south-facing window, where it will receive plenty of direct sunlight throughout most of the day (at least 6 hours).
Make sure to provide some shade in the particularly hot parts of the summer.
This is because temperatures are too extreme for optimal growth (over 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Prune regularly by cutting off dead flower heads and leaves as needed.
This will help promote new growth and make your plants look fuller and healthier over time.
How to grow lavender in a pot outdoors
- Start with a quality potting mix and a container that has drainage holes. Fill the container about halfway with potting mix.
- Gently remove your lavender plant from its current pot and loosen the root ball.
- Place the plant in the center of the new pot and fill in around it with potting mix, tamping gently as you go.
- Water well, making sure to completely soak the root ball. Allow the excess water to drain away.
- Place the pot in a sunny spot outdoors. Lavender prefers full sun but will tolerate some light shade.
- Keep an eye on your lavender plant and water as needed, letting the soil dry out somewhat between waterings.
Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilize your lavender plant once or twice a year with a quality organic fertilizer or compost.
This will help promote healthy growth and plenty of flowers.
- Prune your lavender plant regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from getting leggy.
Use sharp pruning shears and cut just above where a leaf meets the stem, angling the cut slightly inward.
How to grow lavender in a pot from seed
- Purchase seeds of the lavender variety you’d like to grow (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas, and Lavandula x intermedia are the most common varieties) and a pot that is suitable for growing lavender.
Ideally, it should be at least 12 inches deep and have one or more drainage holes in the bottom.
- Fill the pot with a lightweight, well-draining soil mix that contains peat moss, vermiculite, and compost.
Plant the seeds directly into the soil, covering them with a light layer of soil.
No more than 1/4 inch thick, and mist them with water from a spray bottle until they’re evenly moist.
Cover the entire pot with plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag to maintain moisture levels until germination occurs.
- Place the potted lavender in an area with full sun exposure (ideally 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day) and keep it warm.
Lavender seeds need temperatures between 68 – 77 °F to germinate properly.
Once sprouted, remove any coverings you had on top of your pot in order to allow air circulation around your seedlings as they grow.
- Keep your plants lightly watered during their growing season (spring through fall).
Too much water can cause root rot, so stick to watering only when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Usually once every 7–10 days are sufficient, depending on local weather conditions and soil type.
- Fertilize your lavender plant lightly every two weeks during its flowering period (mid-spring through summer).
Use an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or liquid kelp extract diluted according to package instructions.
Avoid overfertilizing which can lead to stunted growth due to excessive salts in the soil becoming concentrated around roots and other plant parts.
- Prune back all stems after flowering has finished for each season.
This will help keep the plants in shape.
Remove any dead growth from winter cold spells or unhealthy branches from disease or insect damage to promote healthy new growth for next year’s blooms.
Make sure you use sharp pruners in order to prevent ripping/tearing off any bark along with branches when trimming back stems.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. These are the key tips on how to grow lavender in a pot successfully that you need to keep in mind.
Just remember to give your plant plenty of sun, water it regularly, and use a well-draining soil mix. With a little love and attention, your lavender will thrive.
