Not only does lavender make for a stunning addition to any living space, but its calming properties can promote peace and relaxation.

Whether you have been growing this fragrant herb for years, or just recently discovered its beauty, nurturing and caring for lavender can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience once you learn how to do it right!

Here are six key tips that are essential when caring for your lavender indoors and outdoors. From watering techniques to optimal positioning of plants in your yard or home; by following these simple steps, you’ll find yourself on the road to successfully growing beautiful and bountiful blooms all year round.

Water

lavender sprinkler

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Give your lavender just enough water to keep the soil from drying out completely. It’s best to wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before giving them some H2O. Overwatering will rot the roots and mean a sure death for your beloved plant, so take extra care not to overdo it! In wintertime, you can reduce the amount of water you give your lavender as they need less during the colder months.

If the leaves of your lavender are wilting, this could be a sign that you’re overwatering. Reduce how often you water and check if the soil is damp before adding more. If there’s already moisture in the soil, wait until it’s fully dried out before watering again.

Light

Lavender on countertop

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Give your lavender plenty of bright light (six to eight hours per day) in order to ensure it grows properly. If you don’t have access to a sunny windowsill in your home, try using grow lights instead. This will provide additional light while still allowing the plant enough rest during its downtime. Also, rotate your plant every once in a while, so that all sides receive light equally and evenly.

Temperature

Lavender plants in pots

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Temperature is one of the key components to keeping your lavender healthy and flourishing. It’s essential that the temperature doesn’t drop too low or get too warm; otherwise, you could risk damage to your flowers.

One of the hallmarks of winter is cold, pesky drafts that can chill your lavenders to an uncomfortable and even dangerous degree. Keep your lavender away from drafty windows or doors and away from heaters that could dry them out too much.

Additionally, though it’s important not to let temperatures drop too low, it’s equally vital to keep your lavender cool enough in order to maintain its health. Lavenders like a temperature range between 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day for optimal growth, so adjust accordingly!

Fertilizer

bumble bees collecting pollen from lavender

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Do not fertilize until you see new growth in the spring! Unused nutrients can build up and become toxic if over-applied, so wait until then before fertilizing your lavender.

Soil

Woman transplanting beautiful lavender flower into soil in garden, closeup.

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First, make sure the soil drains well. Lavender doesn’t like wet feet, so if you find yourself with compacted or clay-like soil, then amend it with compost to improve drainage. This will help protect against root rot, which could otherwise occur if the soil is too wet.

Lavender will thrive in most soil qualities, from poor to fairly rich. You don’t need anything overly extreme to guarantee your lavender receives all the nutrition it needs.

Finally, pH levels are important when caring for your lavender. Lavender prefers slightly neutral soil--from 6.5 to 7.0. Adding dolomite lime can help achieve this balance if the pH of your soil is too low. If you don’t know the pH level of your soil, soil test it first to get precise measurements of your soil.

Prune

Pruning lavender

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When it comes to pruning, less is more. In the first year of planting, remove new flowers and give your lavender plant a gentle trim by cutting 2 inches above soft wood in a mound shape. This will promote growth and help to create the desired shape.

In subsequent years, your lavender will double in size, so you should continue to harvest stems during bloom. When pruning, take care not to over-prune, as it’s detrimental to the health of your lavender. Prune back only in small increments and never cut foliage fully away, as this will most likely kill the plant.

To ensure vigorous growth, cut back the foliage by 1/3 in springtime. This helps stimulate new growth and keep your plant looking its best. In addition, remove any dead leaves or stems that have withered away to create an open shape for better air circulation and light penetration.

In Summary

These tips can give your lavender plants the care and attention they need in order to thrive both indoors and outdoors. With proper lighting, fertilizing, watering, and pruning, you will have beautiful fragrant blooms that can last for many years. Enjoy the calming beauty of lavender with these six tips for caring for your lavender indoors and out!

Do you have any additional tips for caring for lavender? Leave a comment below and share them with your family and friends.