The lush lavender fields of Provence are usually harvested in August. Hence the recommendation to prune lavender in late summer. However, the southern French province has a Mediterranean climate, where it is still quite warm late in autumn. However, different rules apply to lavender grown in Germany.

Prune in time for a second bloom

Lavender must be used regularly - i. H. at least once a year - be pruned so that it does not become lignified and thus bare. However, the plants originally from the Mediterranean region should be pruned in spring when there is no longer any threat of frost. For plant protection reasons, you should refrain from cutting in the fall, because a late cut robs the lavender of the strength it needs for the winter. However, you can prune your lavender once it begins to fade. For most types of lavender, this point in time is already mid to late July. Lavender produces seeds immediately after flowering and then stops sprouting new shoots. However, if you remove the faded branches, the plant will bloom a second time. However, the flowers should be cut by the beginning of August at the latest.

Don't cut lavender too far away

With this flower pruning, you can shorten the plant by about a third, but you should not cut into the wood here either. However, if you missed the right time, it is advisable not to do so. In this case, you can only remove the dried - and unsightly - flowers, although it is better for lavender plants that have wintered outside to leave the inflorescences and only cut the bush again in spring. Always make sure that you always cut in the "green" wood when cutting back.

When to harvest flowers?

Once the lavender has faded, it is already too late to harvest. The right time to harvest flowers is when the central part of the panicle blooms. Cut off the flowers including the stems past the first pair of leaves and hang to dry. Lavender is traditionally harvested in the midday sun. Lavender blossoms can be used for many purposes, for example as a spice in the kitchen, as a home remedy for insomnia and nervousness, in a scented sachet against clothes moths or as a scented additive in bath water.

tips and tricks

When lavender grows too big, you can transplant it. The best time to do this is right after flowering in July/August, as the plant then has enough time to take root vigorously. You should also prune it at the same time as described.

IJA

Category:

Herbs