Lavender is an incredibly versatile herb, prized for its sweet scent and its numerous health benefits.
Whether youre looking to fill your garden with a stunning array of colors, or you simply want to reap the benefits of lavenders essential oils, knowing when to plant lavender is key.
In this guide, well discuss the many benefits of planting lavender, the different varieties you can choose from, and the best times of the year to get your lavender planted.
Well also discuss planting from both seed and cuttings, growing lavender indoors, and harvesting your lavender.
So lets get started and learn the best time of year to plant lavender!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Lavender is an herb that blooms in the summer months.
It is generally ready for harvest in late June or early July and will continue to bloom until the first frost.
It can be grown in climates with mild winters, where it will flower again in the spring.
In colder climates, lavender can be grown as an annual, and will need to be replanted each year.
Benefits of Planting Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant, flowering plant that has many benefits.
The plant is known for its calming, soothing, and medicinal properties, making it a popular choice for both aromatherapy and natural health remedies.
Its fragrant aroma can help to reduce stress and anxiety, while its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties can help to heal minor cuts, bruises, and insect bites.
Additionally, lavender can be added to teas, potpourris, and essential oils to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere.
Planting lavender in your garden can provide a unique and pleasant fragrance as well as a beautiful, vibrant landscape.
Not only will it attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, but it can also deter pests such as deer and rabbits.
Furthermore, lavender has a long shelf-life, so it can be harvested and used throughout the year.
Choosing Lavender Varieties
When it comes to choosing the best variety of lavender to plant, it is important to consider the climate and environment of the area.
Lavender is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures and conditions, but some varieties are better adapted for certain areas.
For example, French lavender is better suited to regions with mild winters, while English lavender is more tolerant of cooler climates.
Additionally, some lavender varieties are more fragrant and have larger flowers than others, so it is important to do some research to find the best variety for the area.
When to Plant Lavender
When it comes to planting lavender, timing is key.
Lavender is a Mediterranean plant and loves sunshine and well-drained soil.
It needs full sun exposure, and the best time to plant lavender is in the spring, when the soil is still warm but the temperatures are mild.
The temperatures should not be too hot, as this can cause the plant to go dormant or even die.
In general, it is best to plant lavender once the frost has passed and the temperatures stay consistently between 60-70F (15-21C).
In northern regions, this is typically around April or May.
In warmer climates, lavender can be planted as early as February.
In addition to the timing, it is also important to consider the soil when planting lavender.
Lavender prefers a slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.7 8.0.
If the soil is too acidic, it can be amended by adding lime or sulfur to raise the pH.
To ensure the best growth and yield, it is also important to ensure the soil is well-draining.
Clay soils can be amended with organic matter such as compost or peat moss to help improve drainage.
Once planted, lavender requires minimal care.
It is important to water the plants regularly, as they are susceptible to drought.
Depending on the weather, the plants will need to be watered about once every week or two.
Additionally, lavender should be fertilized once a year, in the spring, with a balanced fertilizer.
This will help ensure the plants have the nutrients they need to thrive.
By following these guidelines, gardeners can ensure their lavender plants will grow and bloom in time for harvest.
With proper care and timing, lavender can be a beautiful addition to any garden.
Planting Lavender From Seed
When it comes to planting lavender, the most important thing to consider is the timing.
Planting lavender from seed should be done in the late spring or early summer when the temperatures are warm and the soil is not too wet.
This is typically between June and August, depending on the region.
It is important to note that lavender is a slow-growing plant, so it may take up to a year for the plant to reach maturity.
When planting lavender from seed, it is important to use non-treated seeds from a reputable source.
The seed should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting to encourage germination.
Then, the seed should be planted in a sunny, well-drained spot that has been amended with organic compost.
Lavender needs plenty of light and heat to thrive, so it is best to plant the seeds in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Once the seeds have been planted, they should be kept moist but not overly wet.
Lavender plants need a consistently moist soil in order to germinate, so it is important to water regularly.
Additionally, it is important to mulch around the plants to help keep the soil moist and to protect the plants from weeds.
Finally, it is important to remember that lavender is a perennial plant, meaning that it will come back year after year.
To ensure that your lavender plants will come back in the spring, it is important to prune them back in the fall.
This will help to ensure that the plants will be strong and healthy the following year.
Planting Lavender From Cuttings
When it comes to planting lavender from cuttings, the best time of year to do so is typically in late summer or early fall.
This is when the plant’s energy is focused on root growth, making it an ideal time to take cuttings and propagate new plants.
Lavender cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants that have been growing for at least two years.
The cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant, where the stems are woody and new growth is just beginning.
When harvesting lavender cuttings, it’s important to ensure that the stem has several sets of leaves and a few inches of stem still attached.
The stem should be cut just below a node, or a small swelling in the stem where a new branch may form.
The cuttings should be placed in a container of water until they are ready to be planted.
When planting lavender cuttings, it’s important to use a light, well-draining soil mix that is slightly acidic.
The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and the cuttings should be planted in a spot with full sun exposure.
The cuttings should be planted 8-12 inches apart and the soil should be kept consistently moist until the cuttings have rooted.
Once the lavender cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual containers or into a larger garden bed.
When planting lavender cuttings, it’s important to remember that it can take up to two years for the plants to reach maturity.
During the first year, the plants should be given plenty of water and fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Once the plants are established, they should be watered and fertilized less often.
With proper care, lavender cuttings can be a great way to add color and fragrance to the garden.
Growing Lavender Indoors
For those looking to grow lavender indoors, the best time to plant is in early spring.
Lavender needs plenty of sunlight, so it is important to choose a sunny spot with access to natural light and plenty of air circulation.
When planting, it is important to make sure the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic.
If the soil is too heavy or dense, it is recommended to add compost or mulch to lighten the soil.
Additionally, lavender should be watered regularly, but be sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
When it comes to harvesting, lavender can be harvested at any time, but the best time is when the buds are just beginning to open.
This is typically in the late spring or early summer.
Once harvested, the lavender can be dried and used in various ways, such as in teas, potpourris, essential oils, and more.
Harvesting Lavender
Harvesting lavender is a simple process that can be done at home with a few common tools and materials.
Before getting started, it’s important to know the best time of year to harvest lavender.
Generally, the best time to harvest lavender is in the late spring or early summer when the flowers are in full bloom.
This is typically between June and August, depending on the region.
During this time, the lavender will have the most flavorful and fragrant essential oils, making it the perfect time to harvest.
Once you’ve identified the right time of year, it’s time to prepare for harvesting.
First, make sure you have a pair of garden shears or scissors, a basket or bucket for collecting your lavender, and a tarp or sheet to lay the flowers on for drying.
Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin from the sharp edges of the lavender.
When you’re ready, start by cutting the stem of the lavender at the base near the ground.
Be sure to leave a couple of inches of stem so that the plant can regrow.
Cut each stem as close to the base as possible, and be sure to cut in a straight line.
Once you’ve cut the stem, lay the flowers on your tarp or sheet to dry.
Allow the flowers to dry for a few days before using them in any form.
Harvesting lavender is a rewarding process that can be done with ease.
By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to harvest your own lavender and enjoy its benefits all year round.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know when is the best time to plant lavender, you can start growing your own fragrant, calming, and medicinal plant.
With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the wonderful benefits of lavender all year round.
Whether you’re planting lavender from seed, cuttings, or indoors, you can make sure to reap the benefits of a successful harvest.
So what are you waiting for? Get planting and start reaping the rewards of growing lavender!