How Do I Grow Lavender?

You can grow lavender either indoors in a window box or outdoors in your garden. Each lavender variety has different advantages and disadvantages, and planting several types may help you find the lavender that grows well for you. Some types of lavender, for instance, may not be able to tolerate freezing temperatures, while others may be a little more hardy. This plant should be planted in well-drained soil in a very sunny location.

Lavender is a small evergreen shrub indigenous to the Mediterranean and surrounding areas, but it has also been introduced to other parts of the world. Some people prefer to grow lavender inside all year round in containers. These containers should be placed in a sunny window, and they should be rotated periodically, so all parts of the plant are exposed to sunlight. Nearly all types of lavender also grow well outdoors, if the climate is right.

There are a number of types of lavender that you can choose from. If you live in an area with cold winter temperatures, you may want to consider growing English lavender, which is more tolerant of these types of conditions. Spanish lavender, on the other hand, may not be able to stand up to these temperatures, and it should be grown in warmer climates.

If you wish to grow lavender outdoors, you may want to plant a few varieties. This will help you figure out which types of lavender grow well in your area. You will also find that some types of lavender are more fragrant than others. English lavender, for example, usually has a stronger lavender scent than Spanish or French lavender.

When planting lavender, you should take the soil type into consideration. Generally, most types of lavender prefer well-drained soil. Excess moisture can cause fungal problems, and you should only water these plants when the top of the soil becomes dry. Mixing sand in with regular soil can help it drain better. If you prefer to grow lavender indoors, you should make sure that the containers that you use have adequate drainage holes on the bottom.

Lavender typically does not need much fertilizer. In fact, most types usually produce more blooms when they are planted in soil with relatively low levels of fertilizer. If you prefer, however, you can mix a very small amount of composted manure into the soil when you grow lavender.

Sunlight is essential for growing lavender. This plant typically grows the best when planted in areas with full sun. Generally, lavender plants should receive a bare minimum of six hours of sunlight each day. Indoor plants in containers can easily be moved from window to window, and they should also be placed outside during the warmer months, if possible.