Potted Lavender care tips and advice

Lavender is known as one of the most beautiful and soothing of all floral scents. These flowers can be used in so many different ways that it’s no wonder they can be found in so many homes around the world. With proper care, your potted lavender can offer you plenty of fresh blooms year after year. Here’s what you need to know about growing this plant.

Step 1: Choosing a container

Just like all plants, you need to choose the right pot for your potted lavender. You need to make sure that the planter allows the root system enough room to grow. The pot should also be filled with the right type of soil so that it retains some water but does not become waterlogged. It’s also important to choose the right colour planter. Darker colours help attract heat which means that they are not ideal for the summer months. Choose a lighter-coloured planter instead. Your pot needs to be sturdy and it should be narrower at the base than it is at the top. It should also have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away and prevent root rot.

Step 2: The right conditions

All plants have specific needs when it comes to nutrition, light and water. Your potted lavender is no exception. Soilless potting mix is best for growing lavender and you can sprinkle some lime into the potting mix. Just make sure that you follow the instructions on the package so that you do not overdo it. Before you add the potting mix to your pot, line it with some newspaper. Just make sure that you do not cover the drainage holes. If need be, poke holes in the paper where it lines up with the drainage holes. Now scatter a few small stones over the top and then add most of your potting mix. Add the plant and then top with more potting mix. Water thoroughly until the water drains out through the bottom. You can add some mulch on top of the potting soil in order to help retain moisture.

Step 3: Plant care

Your potted lavender will require some regular care. It’s important to note that the potting mix does not retain water very well. This is great for root health. Of course, it does mean that you will need to monitor the soil and water the plant as soon as it starts drying out. When watering, you should saturate the pot and allow the excess water to drain away. Once it has drained properly, you can place the pot back on the tray to catch any extra drops that make their way out the drainage holes. You should place your plant in a room that enjoys a moderate temperature, good air circulation and plenty of sunlight. If you want to keep the plant small and avoid repotting too often, you will need to trim the plant regularly.

Trimming the plant means that you can place lavender in your cupboards to keep moths at bay. You can also create dried flower arrangements, lavender tea, lavender sugar and you can use it to decorate gifts that you wrap yourself. There are so many amazing uses for this flower that you will never have any reason to let it go to waste.