Lavender is a real all-round talent: thanks to the long flowering period and the lush, mostly blue or violet flowers, the plant is an eye-catcher in every garden. At the same time, flowers and leaves can be used in many different ways in the kitchen and in the household. Caring for lavender is relatively easy, as the plant is easily satisfied with plenty of sun and a warm, dry place. It just doesn't tolerate wet and cold. With good care, lavender can live between 20 and 30 years.

When and how often do I have to water lavender?

How do I care for lavender? This question is often asked, as it is a Mediterranean, heat-loving plant. But don't worry: caring for lavender is actually not difficult. This includes that the plant - after all, it comes from the dry areas of the Mediterranean - should be protected from moisture and moisture. In particular, waterlogging has a harmful effect on their growth, and the roots can rot and other parts of the plant can become moldy. You only need to water garden lavender when the soil is dry - although it won't harm the plant if the soil occasionally dries out completely for a short period of time. Also, be careful not to give the plant too much water at once. Lavender develops very deep taproots that can also get water from deeper layers of the earth. Only potted lavender should be watered more frequently, whereby the substrate should only be kept moist here, but never wet. It is best to water early in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves and flowers as well.

Does lavender need fertilizer and if so, which one?

In some garden guides you can read that lavender should be fertilized every two weeks. However, fertilizer is hardly necessary when caring for lavender - especially not at such short intervals - since the plant comes from a region with traditionally nutrient-poor soils. Therefore, frequent fertilizer applications do more harm than good and tend to encourage the plant to become bare. In principle, it is sufficient to supply lavender with potash fertilizer, stable manure or compost once a year, preferably at the beginning of the vegetation period in spring. If possible, do without a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (e.g. horn shavings), because this primarily stimulates the irregular height growth of the plant.

Does it make sense to mulch lavender?

No, you should refrain from mulching with bark mulch, peat or sawdust. The mulch material also stores moisture, which in turn promotes mold growth in lavender. This also acidifies the soil, which the lavender also does not tolerate. Better suited is a layer of sand or pebbles, which provides extra warmth and also keeps the plant nice and dry.

What do I have to consider when caring for potted lavender?

The roots of lavender require a lot of space, which is why you should choose a pot that is as deep and wide as possible. The more freely the roots can spread, the longer the plant will thrive. It is also important to avoid waterlogging through good drainage. For this purpose, layer several centimeters of expanded clay (€19.73) or small pebbles at the bottom of the pot so that excess water can drain away unhindered. The trivet must also not be filled with water, it is best to remove this regularly.

Which species are particularly suitable for keeping in buckets?

In particular, the distinctive but sensitive French lavender is ideal for keeping in a bucket.

I only have a small garden, which variety is good for it?

Some varieties of lavender can grow quite tall, some even up to a meter, so small gardens can quickly become overgrown. Therefore, the best suited for this type of lavender that stays small and compact is the 'Dwarf blue', which only grows to a height of 30 to 40 centimetres. By the way, this variety is hardy.

How often do I need to repot lavender?

Potted lavender should be repotted once a year - preferably in spring, at the beginning of the growing season. If you have just bought potted plants from the gardener or garden centre, plant them in a large enough pot as soon as possible. In the usually small plant pots, the sensitive roots are too constricted, which severely impairs the growth and health of the lavender.

How big does the pot have to be?

Choose a pot with at least 10 liters capacity. The ideal lavender pot should not be flat (therefore no balcony box or similar), but should be as deep as possible because of the taproot.

Can I also keep lavender as a houseplant?

Lavender is only partially suitable as a houseplant, like so many Mediterranean plants. Properly caring for room lavender is not an easy task, because you should imitate the natural living conditions as best as possible. This also includes placing the plant on the balcony if possible in summer and ensuring a cool but frost-free hibernation in winter. A year-round keeping in the (heated) living room will very likely lead to the death of the lavender.

When and how to cut lavender?

The fast-growing lavender should be cut back at best twice a year, once in spring and a second time at the end of the flowering period in summer. Cut back the plant by about half, but without cutting too much into the old wood - the lavender does not tolerate this and will not sprout again from the cut area.

Which pests can occur in lavender and what remedies are there against it?

The lavender has a high percentage of essential oils, which usually keeps pests away. It is not without reason that scented sachets with dried lavender blossoms are a popular remedy against moths in the closet. Incidentally, snails are also extremely reluctant to eat lavender.

Can I also grow lavender as a lavender tree?

Lavender is actually a so-called semi-shrub, not a tree. However, since the older (lower) parts of the plant become lignified over time, a standard lavender stem can be grown with a little effort. In order for this to keep its shape, however, it must be trimmed regularly.

Can I also harvest from the lavender tree?

Of course, you can harvest from your lavender tree just like any other lavender.

Can I overwinter lavender in the garden?

Only certain frost-hardy lavender varieties are suitable for overwintering outdoors. Some varieties, on the other hand, should only be cultivated in pots (such as the popular French lavender), as they do not tolerate frost and freeze to death. It is best to cover hardy lavender varieties with brushwood in winter to prevent the plants from drying out. In the case of prolonged, very frosty temperatures, additional protective measures such as covering with a coconut mat are recommended.

What is the best way to overwinter lavender in a pot?

Potted lavender should never overwinter outdoors, but in a cool but frost-free place. Temperatures around 10 to 12 °C are best for this - for example a stairwell or the (unheated) bedroom.

Which varieties are particularly resistant to frost?

The only species that is really considered hardy is the so-called true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), with the established varieties 'Hidcote Blue' or 'Munstead' in particular being extremely robust.

tips and tricks

Although lavender should be watered rather little, the plant needs more water in very hot summer temperatures - then you can water it every day. Just make sure your lavender doesn't get wet!

IJA

Category:

Herbs