How to Raise a Potted Lavender Plant

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is popular for its calming and soothing effects. It is also easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. However, growing lavender in a pot can be tricky if you don't know what you are doing. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to successfully raise a potted lavender plant.

Choose the Right Pot

When it comes to growing lavender in a pot, size matters. Choose a pot that is big enough to accommodate the plant's mature size, but not so big that the soil stays wet for extended periods. Lavender prefers well-draining soil and doesn't like to be waterlogged. A pot that is around 12 inches in diameter should be sufficient for most varieties of lavender. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Select the Right Soil

Lavender prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. If you are planting lavender in a pot, use a potting mix that is specifically designed for container gardening. These mixes are formulated to provide the necessary nutrients while also draining excess water. You can also add perlite or sand to regular potting soil to improve drainage. Avoid using heavy garden soil or clay soil, as these can become waterlogged and suffocate the plant's roots.

Planting and Watering

Once you have chosen the right pot and soil, it is time to plant your lavender. Place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with soil. Gently pat down the soil to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly, but avoid soaking the soil. Lavender prefers to be on the dry side, so wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Overwatering can be deadly for lavender, so be sure not to water too often.

Positioning and Light

Lavender loves sunshine and requires at least six hours of sunlight each day. You can place your potted lavender outdoors in a sunny spot, or you can keep it indoors where it can receive plenty of sunlight through a window. If you keep your lavender indoors, make sure that the room is well-ventilated, as the plant prefers fresh air. Lavender does not like high humidity, so avoid placing it in areas like the bathroom or kitchen where the air may be too moist.

Fertilization

Lavender does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a small amount of compost or granular fertilizer. Apply fertilizer to the soil once in the spring and again in the fall. Avoid fertilizing in the summer when the plant is blooming. Over-fertilizing can cause the lavender to produce too much foliage at the expense of the blooms.

Pruning

To keep your lavender plant healthy and looking its best, it is important to prune it regularly. In the spring, you can trim back any woody or dead growth to promote healthy new growth. After the plant has finished blooming, you can trim it back by about one-third to keep it from becoming too leggy. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Conclusion

Raising a potted lavender plant requires some careful planning, but it can be a rewarding experience. Just remember to choose the right pot and soil, water your plant properly, provide plenty of light, and give it a little fertilizer and pruning when needed. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy the fragrant blooms and calming effects of lavender for years to come.