Lavender Plants: How to Grow The Complete Guide

Introduction

I have always liked and grown Leven Lavender because it is among the most loved plants for its beautiful flowers and soothing fragrance. Imagine having this delightful plant indoors, filling your home with its calming scent. Growing lavender plants indoors can be a rewarding experience, but it requires special care.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grow an indoor lavender plant successfully. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you’ll find useful tips and tricks to help your Lavender thrive inside your home.

Planting, Growing, and Caring for Lavender Flower

Choosing the Right Variety

Not all lavender varieties are suitable for indoor growth. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is often the best option for indoor growing due to its compact size and resilience. Some popular English lavender varieties include:

• Hidcote: Known for its deep purple flowers and compact growth.
• Munstead: A hardy variety with light purple flowers.
• Nana Alba: A dwarf variety with white flowers.

Choosing the right variety is the first step in ensuring your indoor lavender plant will thrive.

Selecting the Perfect Pot

Lavender plants need well-draining soil and ample space for their roots to grow. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect pot:

1. Size: Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has ample drainage holes.
2. Material: Terracotta pots are a great option as they allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
3. Drainage: Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.

Preparing the Soil

Lavender prefers slightly alkaline, sandy soil with good drainage. You can prepare the perfect soil mix by combining:

• 1 part potting soil
• 1 part sand or perlite
• 1 part compost

This mix provides the necessary drainage and nutrients for your indoor lavender plant.

Planting Lavender

Planting Lavender indoors requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Timing: The best time to plant Lavender is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. This gives the plant a full growing season to establish itself.
2. Choosing Seeds or Seedlings: You can start with seeds or purchase young plants from a nursery. Starting from seeds requires more time and patience, but it’s rewarding.
   • How to Plant Lavender Seeds: Fill a seed tray with a light, well-draining soil mix. Scatter the seeds on the surface and lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the tray in a warm, sunny location. Seeds can take several weeks to germinate.
3. Planting Seedlings: If you’re using seedlings, gently remove them from their nursery pots, being careful not to damage the roots. Place the seedlings in your prepared pot, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
4. Watering: Water the newly planted Lavender thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain. After the initial watering, let the soil dry out slightly before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Care Tips for Indoor Lavender Plants

• Light: Lavender plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place your pot near a south-facing window or use grow lights if necessary.
• Temperature: Lavender prefers cooler temperatures, ideally between 60-70°F during the day and slightly cooler at night.
• Humidity: Keep the humidity low to moderate. High humidity can cause fungal issues. Use a fan to improve air circulation if needed.
• Fertilizing: Lavender doesn’t require much fertilizer. A light feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once in the spring should be sufficient.
• Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages new growth. Trim back the stems after flowering to prevent legginess.

Growing lavender plants indoors is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding with the right care and attention.

When to Plant Lavender

Timing is crucial when it comes to planting Lavender. Getting it right can mean the difference between a thriving plant and one struggling. Here’s what you need to know about the best time to plant Lavender and companion plants.

Best Time to Plant Lavender

The ideal time to plant Lavender is in the spring after the last frost has passed. This timing allows the plant to establish itself during the growing season. Here are a few tips:

• Spring Planting: Planting Lavender in spring allows the entire growing season to become established before the cold weather sets in.
• Autumn Planting: Lavender can also be planted in milder climates in early autumn, giving it time to establish before winter.

What to Plant with Lavender

Companion planting can benefit both Lavender and its neighboring plants. Lavender’s strong fragrance can repel pests and attract pollinators. Here are some good companions:

1. Rosemary: Both plants thrive in similar conditions, and rosemary’s scent complements Lavender.
2. Echinacea: Also known as coneflower, echinacea attracts pollinators and adds color contrast.
3. Sage: This herb shares Lavender’s preference for well-draining soil and full sun.
4. Thyme: Low-growing thyme can act as a ground cover, helping to keep weeds at bay and retaining soil moisture.

Lavender Plant Leaves

Understanding the different types of lavender leaves can help you identify and care for your plant:

• Narrow Leaves: Most lavender varieties, including English Lavender, have narrow, gray-green leaves. These leaves are aromatic and contribute to the plant’s overall scent.
• Fringed Leaves: French Lavender has fringed, serrated leaves slightly broader than English Lavender. This variety also has a distinctive toothed edge.
• Woolly Leaves: Some lavender varieties, like woolly Lavender (Lavandula lanata), have soft, fuzzy leaves. These are less common for indoor growing but can add texture to your plant collection.

Lavender plants, whether you choose the classic English Lavender, the fragrant French Lavender, or the unique white Lavender, can add beauty and scent to your home. You can create a thriving indoor garden by planting at the right time and choosing compatible plants.

What Does a Lavender Plant Look Like?

Lavender plants are visually striking and easy to recognize. Here’s a brief description:

• Leaves: Lavender leaves are usually narrow and gray-green, giving the plant a soft, muted appearance. French Lavender has fringed leaves, while woolly Lavender has fuzzy leaves.
• Flowers: Lavender flowers grow on tall spikes and can range in color from deep purple and blue to white and pink. The flowers are small and tubular, clustered densely on the spikes.
• Growth Habit: Lavender has a bushy growth habit. Indoors, the plants usually stay more compact, but outdoor plants can grow up to 3 feet tall.

characteristics of your lavender plants, you can create an environment where they will thrive and bring beauty and fragrance to your home.

Pruning Lavender

Pruning is a critical part of lavender care, helping to maintain the plant’s shape, encourage new growth, and prevent it from becoming leggy. Here’s how to properly prune your indoor lavender plant:

1. Timing:
   • The best time to prune Lavender is after it has finished flowering. This usually occurs in late summer or early fall.
   • Light pruning can also be done in early spring to remove dead or damaged growth.
2. Tools:
   • Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts and prevent the spread of disease.
   • Ensure your tools are sanitized before use to avoid introducing pathogens to the plant.
3. Method:
   • Remove Spent Flowers: Start by cutting off the spent flower spikes. This helps to tidy up the plant and redirect energy to new growth.
   • Shape the Plant: Trim back the stems by about one-third of their length. This helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages bushier growth.
   • Avoid Cutting into Old Wood: Lavender plants do not regenerate well from old, woody stems. Be careful not to cut into the old wood, as this can damage the plant and inhibit growth.
4. Aftercare:
   • Water the plant lightly after pruning to help it recover.
   • Ensure it receives plenty of sunlight and proper air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Types of Lavender

Lavender comes in various types, each with unique characteristics and growing requirements. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right variety for your indoor garden. Here are some of the most popular types of Lavender:

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Description: English Lavender is the most commonly grown variety. It has narrow, gray-green leaves and produces spikes of fragrant purple flowers.
• Varieties: Some popular cultivars include ‘Hidcote,’ ‘Munstead,’ and ‘Nana Alba.’
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is relatively hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures.

French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

• Description: French Lavender is known for its serrated leaves and distinctive flower spikes. It has a milder scent compared to English Lavender.
• Varieties: Popular varieties include ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’ and ‘Royal Crown.’
• Growing Conditions: Thrives in hot, dry climates and prefers full sun. It is less frost-tolerant than English Lavender.

Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

• Description: Spanish Lavender has unique, pineapple-shaped flower heads topped with petal-like bracts. It has a strong fragrance and broad leaves.
• Varieties: Common varieties include ‘Anouk’ and ‘Otto Quast.’
• Growing Conditions: Prefers warm, sunny locations and well-draining soil. It is more tolerant of humidity than other types.

Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)

• Description: Lavandin is a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender. It has long stems and large, fragrant flower spikes.
• Varieties: Popular cultivars include ‘Grosso,’ ‘Provence,’ and ‘Phenomenal.’
• Growing Conditions: Requires full sun and well-draining soil. It is known for its vigorous growth and high essential oil content.

Sea Lavender Plant

While not a true lavender, the sea lavender plant (Limonium spp.) shares some visual similarities and can be an interesting addition to your plant collection. Here are some key points about the sea lavender plant:

• Appearance: Sea lavender has clusters of small, delicate flowers ranging from white and pink to purple. The flowers are often used in dried floral arrangements.
• Habitat: Native to coastal areas, sea lavender thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and can tolerate salt spray.
• Growing Conditions: Similar to true Lavender, sea lavender prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown indoors with the right care.

By understanding the specific needs and characteristics of your lavender plants, you can create an environment where they will thrive and bring beauty and fragrance to your home.

How to Grow New Lavender from Cuttings

Growing Lavender from cuttings is an effective way to propagate new plants that retain the characteristics of the parent plant. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate Lavender from cuttings:

1. Selecting Cuttings:
   • Choose healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings. Look for stems that are flexible and about 4-6 inches long.
   • Cut just below a leaf node using sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears. Remove any flowers or buds from the cutting.
2. Preparing the Cuttings:
   • Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. This reduces moisture loss and encourages root growth.
   • If desired, you can dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to promote root development. This step is optional but can increase success rates, especially in challenging conditions.
3. Planting the Cuttings:
   • Fill small pots with a well-draining rooting medium, such as perlite, vermiculite, or a mix of peat and sand.
   • Insert the cutting into the potting medium, burying the stripped portion of the stem. Gently firm the soil around the cutting to provide support.
4. Caring for Cuttings:
   • Place the pots in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate cuttings.
   • Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mist the cuttings regularly to maintain humidity around them.
   • It may take several weeks for roots to develop. You can gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks to check for resistance, indicating root growth.
5. Transplanting:
   • Once the cuttings have developed a healthy root system, usually after 8-10 weeks, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.

“If you’re looking to diversify your garden with more vibrant, low-maintenance plants, consider growing Portulaca alongside your lavender.

Just like lavender, portulaca is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sunlight, making it the perfect companion for a beautiful, easy-care garden. Learn more about how to grow and care for Portulaca in our comprehensive guide.”

To sum up

Growing Lavender indoors requires attention to detail but offers rich rewards in fragrance, beauty, and practical uses. By following these guidelines, you can cultivate thriving lavender plants that enhance your indoor space.