Can You Plant Avignon Early Blue Lavender in a Pot?

Lavender is a popular herb known for its pleasant fragrance and medicinal properties. Avignon Early Blue lavender, in particular, is a variety that is highly sought-after for its vibrant blue-purple blooms that appear in early summer. If you're considering planting this herb, you may be wondering if it's possible to grow it in a pot. The answer is yes, and in this article, we'll discuss how to do it.

Choosing the Right Pot

When it comes to selecting a pot for your Avignon Early Blue lavender, bigger isn't always better. In fact, it's best to choose a pot that's only slightly larger than the plant's root ball. This will help prevent the roots from staying too moist, which can lead to root rot. A pot that's around 12 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep should be sufficient.

It's also important to choose a pot with good drainage holes, as lavender doesn't tolerate wet soil. This will help prevent water from accumulating in the pot, which can lead to root rot.

Preparing the Potting Mix

Avignon Early Blue lavender prefers well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. A good potting mix can be made by mixing equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and sand. You can also add a few handfuls of lime to the mix to raise the pH level. Avoid using heavy garden soil or compost, as they can retain too much water and suffocate the roots.

Planting the Lavender

Before planting the lavender, moisten the potting mix and fill the pot about two-thirds full. Then, remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots gently with your fingers. Set the plant in the pot and fill in the remaining space with the potting mix. Firm the soil around the plant and water it thoroughly.

It's important to place your pot in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Lavender also prefers slightly cooler temperatures, so if you live in a hot climate, it's best to place the pot in a location that receives partial shade during the hottest part of the day.

Caring for Your Lavender Plant

Water your Avignon Early Blue lavender plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, but don't allow it to become bone-dry. Lavender is drought-tolerant, so it's better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.

You can also fertilize your lavender plant every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid using a high-nitrogen fertilizer, as this can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

In conclusion, growing Avignon Early Blue lavender in a pot is not only possible, but it's also a great way to enjoy this beautiful herb even if you have limited garden space. With the right container, soil and care, your lavender plant will thrive and provide you with fragrant blooms for years to come.