Flower growing guide
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Sun
Full sun
Season
Warm
Maturity
90 to 110 days
Water
Low
Soil pH
6.5 to 7.5
Spacing
24 to 36 in
Planting lavender
Plant nursery starts in spring once the soil has warmed, choosing the sunniest, best-drained spot available. English lavender is the most cold-tolerant common type.
Planting details
- Set plants slightly high so the crown stays dry
- Spacing: 24 to 36 inches
- Gravel mulch drains better than bark around the crown
Growing requirements
Lavender needs full sun and sharply drained soil. Sandy or gravelly soil is better than rich, moisture-holding beds. Avoid overhead watering and humid, crowded sites.
Harvesting and care
Shear lightly after flowering and again in early spring, keeping cuts above woody growth. Harvest stems for drying when buds have colored but before flowers fully open.
Common mistakes
- Rich or wet soil, which shortens the plant's life more than cold does
- Cutting into old woody stems, which often do not resprout
- Frequent watering, which encourages root rot
Companion plants
Lavender suits the dry edges of gardens alongside rosemary, thyme, and other plants that prefer lean, fast-draining soil.