How to Plant Lavender from a Pot

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant flowering plant that can be grown easily from a pot with just a few simple steps. Here’s a guide on how to plant lavender from a pot:

Choosing the Right Pot

The first step to planting lavender from a pot is choosing the right container. Lavender plants prefer well-draining soil, so it’s important to choose a pot with sufficient drainage holes. The pot should be at least 8-12 inches in diameter and have a depth of around 10-12 inches. This will ensure that the lavender plant has enough space to grow and will also provide good air circulation to the roots.

Preparing the Soil

Lavender plants require soil that is well-draining and has a slightly alkaline pH level. To prepare the soil, mix together equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and sand. This will create a light and airy soil that will allow water to drain quickly and prevent root rot. Use a trowel to fill the pot with the soil mixture, leaving about 1-2 inches of space at the top to prevent water overflow during watering.

Planting the Lavender

Once the soil is prepared, it’s time to plant the lavender. Start by gently removing the lavender plant from its current pot, being careful not to damage the roots. If the roots are tightly bound, use a fork to gently loosen them. Place the lavender plant in the center of the pot and fill in the gaps with additional soil mixture. The soil should be firm but not compacted to allow the roots to grow freely. Water the soil lightly to ensure that the plant is properly hydrated.

Caring for the Lavender

Now that the lavender is planted, it’s important to care for it properly. Lavender plants need full sun, so choose a sunny spot for the pot. Water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry and be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize the plant with a high-phosphorus fertilizer once a month to encourage healthy growth and bloom. Prune the plant regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from getting too leggy.

Harvesting Lavender

Once your lavender plant has matured and started producing blooms, you can harvest the flowers for a variety of uses. To harvest, cut the stems with a pair of sharp scissors early in the morning when the flowers are most fragrant. Tie the stems together with twine and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place for a few weeks until the flowers are completely dry. Once the flowers are dry, you can use them to make lavender sachets, potpourri, or even tea.

Planting and caring for lavender from a pot is a simple and rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can enjoy the beautiful fragrance and stunning blooms of lavender in your own home.