If you’re looking for a fragrant and easy-to-care-for addition to your garden, lavender could be the perfect choice for you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plant lavender, including choosing the right location, preparing the soil, and caring for your plant.

Lavender is an herb that not only smells and looks amazing, but also has a multitude of beneficial properties.

So, let’s get started on creating your own lavender oasis.

When is the best time to plant lavender?

The best time to plant Lavender is in early spring, between the months of April and May. 

At this time, the soil is warm enough for the roots to take hold, and with enough sunshine and water. It can put down strong roots that will help it thrive through summer. 

The cooler months of early spring are also ideal for germination when the seeds sprout into small plants. 

When planted during this period, lavender will have plenty of time to become established before the warmer weather arrives. 

Additionally, planting lavender in April or May ensures that it blooms heavily throughout the summer season.

Where is the best place to plant lavender?

The best place to plant lavender is in a sunny spot, with well-draining soil. 

Lavender thrives in hot temperatures and needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. 

To help ensure the healthiest growth, consider planting lavender near a gravel pathway or rock wall that will reflect light upward and keep the roots dry. 

Amendments like compost or aged manure can also be added to the soil to improve drainage and provide nutrients to the plants. 

When planted in an area with good air circulation, such as near a windbreak or open trellis, lavender can better resist fungal diseases. 

Additionally, make sure not to overcrowd plants, and be sure to give each plant enough room for adequate airflow and sunlight exposure.

How to plant lavender in the ground

To plant lavender in the ground, start by selecting a location that gets full sun and has well-draining soil. 

Prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure to help retain moisture. 

After amending the soil, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the lavender’s root ball. 

Space multiple holes 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the size of the plant. 

Place the lavender in its container into the hole so that it is level with the surrounding ground, then fill in around the root ball with the prepared soil mixture. 

Firmly press down the soil around the root ball and water thoroughly. 

To ensure continued growth, mulch around plants for winter protection and fertilize lightly once a year in springtime after new growth appears. 

Once established, prune lavender plants once a year when actively growing to encourage airflow and bushy.

How deep to plant lavender seeds?

When planting lavender seeds, it is important to keep them shallow so they can receive enough light to germinate. Plant the seeds no more than 1/8 inch deep in a well-draining soil mix. 

If the soil mix is too thick, mix in some sand to help ensure drainage and an even spread of light. 

Make sure to not bury the lavender seeds too deeply, as this can suffocate their growth and prevent them from sprouting. 

When planting your lavender seeds, lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil and mist regularly until they have germinated and started growing. 

Once established, the plants will be able to thrive on their own.

How far apart to plant lavender?

To ensure your lavender plants have enough room to grow and thrive, they should be planted 12 to 18 inches apart in an area with plenty of direct sunlight. 

The soil should be sandy and well-drained, with a pH level between 6.7 and 7.3 for optimal growth. 

To give young plants the best start possible, it is recommended to mix several inches of compost or other rich organic matter into the native soil before planting. 

Lavender prefers soil that is not too wet or dry, so regular watering as well as mulching can help keep the soil at a healthy moisture level for the plants.

How often to water lavender?

Lavender requires consistent watering in order to thrive and produce fragrant blooms. 

The frequency of watering depends on the age of the plant, with newly planted lavender needing more frequent watering than mature plants. 

Water newly planted lavender every 1-2 days until the roots become established, then water once or twice per week until buds start to form. 

Once buds appear, increase watering frequency to about every 2-3 days until blooms are harvested. 

It is important to be careful not to water too much at a time, as this can lead to yellowing of the leaves and root rot.

Why is my lavender plant dying?

If your lavender plant is dying, there could be several causes. For starters, it’s important to check the amount of water you are giving your lavender. 

Overwatering or underwatering both can lead to death in this type of plant. If the soil is overly moist or soggy and the leaves have started to turn yellow or brown, it’s likely that you’ve been overwatering. 

On the other hand, if the soil appears dry and you see any signs of wilting or drooping leaves, then it’s possible that your lavender isn’t getting enough water. 

Fertilizer can also be a factor if too much has been added. This can cause an imbalance in nutrients and lead to your lavender dying. 

Additionally, acidic pH levels can damage the health of a lavender plant when not kept at a proper level. Soil tests can tell you if this is an issue.

Infectious diseases and pests such as aphids are other common causes of death in lavenders. 

Inspect the plants regularly for any visible signs of trouble and take appropriate steps such as applying insecticides or fungicides as necessary. 

Lastly, inadequate sunlight is another potential cause. 

Lavenders need plenty of sunshine to thrive so make sure that yours is getting enough sun throughout its growth period.

Conclusion

Lavender is an incredibly beautiful and wonderfully fragrant plant that can bring life to your garden. 

Taking the proper precautions when planting lavender is key and must not be overlooked. 

By using high-quality soil, incorporating plenty of compost, choosing a sunny yet sheltered area for your plants, and maintaining consistent moisture in the soil, you will surely have a flourishing lavender field in no time. 

Surprisingly, it’s very easy to care for this delightful species. As with all things. 

If you take care of it, lavender too shall take care of you. 

So what are you waiting for? Get to planting some lavender and enjoy its many benefits natural.