Lavender is one of the least demanding of plants, only asking for a well-drained, alkaline soil with plenty of sunshine. This plant is a native of the Mediterranean region but is now grown in many countries in the world. It grows well in most parts of the United States.

It seems to thrive on neglect and once established requires very little irrigation. Some lavender are frost sensitive such as the French and Spanish Lavenders and may only grow in USDA zones 7-11. Most English (L. angustifolia) as well as the hybrids such as Grosso grow well in USDA zones 4-6.

Cross-breeding in plants produces hybrids. Lavender hybridizes readily, so many different varieties occur. Lavender is best propagated from cuttings as the propagated plant has the same characteristics as the parent. Lavender plants grown from the seeds of even one bush vary in size and color. All our plants at Lavender Valley have been propagated from the most colorful and aromatic parent plants.

There are many different types of lavender to choose from. Colors range from dark blues, purple, pink and even white. The foliage, too, is varied from dark green, silver-green, to silvery in color. The size of plants vary from small and compact to large bushes that are over three feet in diameter when in bloom. Each lavender variety has its own slightly different perfume.

Overview of Growing Lavender

Propagation

• Lavender should not be propagated from seed, lavandin seed is sterile.
• Can be easily propagated from softwood cuttings.
• Hardwood cuttings can also be propagated, but is much more difficult.

Soils

• Lavender requires well drained soils.
• Sandy, sandy loam, or gravelly soils, is best.
• Soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5

Establishment

• Plants should be “hardened” off before being put into the ground.
• In mild climates, Fall planting is best
• In areas with harsh winters, Spring planting is the only option.
• Flower buds should be trimmed off during the first year, and sometimes the
  second year to speed up establishment of the root system

Irrigation

• Drip tape recommended
• Needed primarily in the first year
• Some irrigation may increase production in mature plantings. Overhead irrigation
  may increase disease problems or cause older plants to break open in the middle.

Pruning

• Pruning is essential to maintaining a healthy and long-living plant.
• Fall pruning is recommended, except in very cold climates
• Prune the 1/3 but not more than ½ the plant bushes (after the flower stalks are removed).

Fertilization

• Composted chicken manure and Bone meal used at planting.
• Excessive applications of Nitrogen based fertilizers can decrease oil quantity
  as well as make plants unhealthy.
• Periodic liming may be necessary to keep pH at 6.5 or higher.

Weed Control

• Weed control is essential to keeping plants healthy and productive, critical for
  good yield, high quality, and aesthetics.
• Landscape fabric helps with weed control but sometimes weeds grow within
  plant and need to be controlled by hand.