Lavender

Growing Lavender - Light Alkaline Substrate, Exclusively Sunny Location, Minimal Watering

Lavender is one of the most popular Mediterranean plants that can be successfully grown in cooler climates as well. The key to successful cultivation lies in understanding its natural requirements - light alkaline substrate, plenty of sunlight, and moderate watering.

Ideal Substrate for Lavender

Lavender thrives in light, well-draining alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Heavy, waterlogged substrates are its worst enemy - they can cause root rot and fungal diseases. The ideal mix should contain:

Garden soil or quality potting mix
Sand or perlite for better drainage
Limestone or dolomitic lime to increase pH
Small amount of compost for nutrients

For container growing, always ensure adequate drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. A layer of gravel at the bottom helps prevent waterlogging.

Sunlight Requirements - The More, The Better

Lavender is an absolutely sun-loving plant that needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In partial shade, it grows poorly, blooms less, and is more susceptible to diseases. Choose the sunniest spot in your garden - ideally south-facing with no shade from trees or buildings.

Insufficient light leads to:

Weak, elongated stems
Reduced essential oil production
Poor flowering
Lower frost resistance

Watering - Less Is More

One of the most common mistakes in lavender care is overwatering. This Mediterranean plant is adapted to dry conditions and tolerates drought much better than excess moisture. Water only when the top layer of soil is completely dry.

Watering guidelines:

Newly planted lavender: water regularly for the first 2-3 weeks
Established plants: water once every 1-2 weeks during dry periods
Container plants: water more frequently, but always let soil dry between waterings
Winter: minimize watering, only prevent complete soil drying

Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, soft stems, and fungal growth. If you notice these symptoms, reduce watering immediately and improve drainage.

Additional Growing Tips

For optimal lavender growth, also consider:

Pruning: Regular pruning after flowering promotes bushy growth and prevents woody stems
Fertilizing: Lavender needs minimal fertilization - once yearly in spring with slow-release fertilizer is sufficient
Winter protection: In colder regions, protect roots with mulch or move container plants to a cool, bright location
Air circulation: Ensure good air flow around plants to prevent fungal diseases

By following these basic principles - alkaline well-draining substrate, maximum sunlight, and minimal watering - you'll create ideal conditions for healthy lavender that will reward you with beautiful blooms and intense fragrance year after year.

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Lavender originates from French Provence, which determines the conditions for its cultivation. We plant them in sunny locations and in dry soil. Lavender is a drought-loving plant.

It is therefore necessary to ensure thorough soil drainage before planting. Plants without drainage not only rot, but also freeze.

For abundant flowering and nice habit, it is necessary to prune lavender. We regularly trim by about one third in spring, before flowering. We can also prune in autumn after flowering, but there is a risk of subsequent frost damage to the plant. Lavenders are considered frost-resistant plants, but it is still better to cover the plants with conifer branches for winter. We can either buy the seedlings before planting at a garden center, or we can try growing our own.

If we want to grow lavender from seed, we prepare slightly moistened substrate in a propagator, where we sow the seeds and press them lightly (we don't cover them with soil anymore). We then prick out the small plants. Once they reach a height of about ten centimeters, we can plant them in the soil. Spacing is around 40-50 cm. Lavender can also be propagated from cuttings, which we take at the end of April or in May. Watering must be careful. We water only when the substrate is completely dry.