Not every plant lover is lucky enough to have a large garden. Nevertheless, in such a case you do not have to do without lush greenery that you have grown yourself. At least if you have a sunny balcony, lavender also thrives in large enough pots.

Is lavender suitable for balcony plants?

If the conditions are right, lavender can be used to plant a balcony without hesitation. Among other things, this has the advantage that mosquitoes will no longer haunt you on warm summer evenings - the intense scent of lavender keeps the annoying biting insects away. However, before you set off and buy plants from the nearest garden center, you should first check the conditions you actually have. In order for the lavender to feel comfortable, it needs

  • a location in full sun (i.e. a shady balcony is unsuitable)
  • a balcony that faces south or west is ideal
  • Balconies facing north or east are usually not suitable
  • the balcony should be fairly sheltered from the wind
  • and also big enough: lavender can grow up to one meter high and just as wide.

Suitable lavender varieties for a pot culture

There are around 25 to 30 different varieties of lavender, some of which are particularly suitable for pot cultivation due to their shorter stature. Varieties that grow very large, such as the spike lavender, on the other hand, require a correspondingly large amount of space. On the other hand, if you are looking for hardy lavender plants, then only varieties of real lavender come into question. The French lavender is best suited for a pot culture, but it must not overwinter outdoors.

Plant lavender in pots

When choosing the plant pots, make sure that they are big enough and, above all, deep - lavender develops a broad, finely branched root network and deep-reaching taproots. In addition, the pots should be too big rather than too small, because the lavender needs space. Use a nutrient-poor, sandy substrate - commercial potting soil is usually too heavily pre-fertilized and therefore not very suitable. Good drainage in the pot is also important to avoid waterlogging. Too much moisture means that the plant dies quickly instead of flowering.

Optimal care for potted lavender

The care of the potted lavender is not difficult:

  • fertilize little
  • water little but regularly
  • repot at least once a year
  • the new pot should be at least a third larger than the old one
  • protect against strong changes in the weather (if necessary, place in the room for a short time).

tips and tricks

You can also grow lavender into a bonsai, but then good care and regular pruning at least twice a year is essential.

IJA

Category:

Herbs