We are often asked questions about lavender: how and when to plant seedlings, how to care for lavender, and so on.
Perhaps it's time to share our experience in growing and caring for lavender.
1. When to plant seedlings in the ground?
It is possible in April-May, but our experience shows that the best result can be achieved by planting bushes in October-November, before the onset of frost. Although, where are these frosts? In any case, where lavender will grow well, there is no particular frost.
2. Do I need to cut lavender bushes and how to do it?
It is imperative to cut. And this must be done twice a year: planted in the fall - trim in the spring, at the very beginning of the growing season, and then a second time - after flowering; planted in spring - cut immediately after flowering, and then also next spring. When cutting, it is necessary to cut off all the stems with flowers, as well as trim the leaves and branches, giving the bush the shape of a ball. In this case, you can safely cut the upper part of the bush by about 1/3 - 1/2 of the height (if you count from the top of the bush). For 5-6 years after planting the seedlings, when the bushes grow, you can carry out a deeper pruning - leaving about 1/3 of the height of the bush before pruning.
3. How and when to water lavender?
It is believed that lavender does not require watering. This is almost the case. And, nevertheless, in the dry season, that is, in summer, it will not be superfluous to water the bushes. And it is better to do this in the evening, when the heat subsides and the intensity of water evaporation decreases.
4. Should pesticides and insecticides be used to protect lavender from diseases and harmful insects?
Our experience has shown that mature lavender bushes are excellent at resisting various diseases that affect other plants. It seems that lavender has no natural enemies. Quite the opposite - bees, bumblebees, butterflies, grasshoppers and ladybugs adore lavender flowers. There is such a noise in the field during the flowering period!
5. What soil is best for lavender?
Lavender does not like heavy clayey wet soils. She needs a loose, well-drained soil, with an acidity index of pH 6.5 - 7.5, that is, soil with neutral acidity.
6. What place to choose for planting lavender?
It's better to choose open sunny or partially shaded areas. Lavender loves sunlight and open spaces.
7. What is the best way to propagate lavender?
As you know, there are two ways of plant propagation: seed and vegetative. The first method involves the propagation of plants using seeds, the second - using cuttings cut from plants during the growing season. Both are quite successfully used for the propagation of lavender. The seed method is more laborious and time-consuming, the vegetative method is simpler and the result will be obtained faster, however, this requires having adult 2-3-year-old healthy plants available.
8. How does lavender handle cold?
In our plantation, the temperature did not drop below -6 ... -8 C in the winter months. At the same time, there is information in the specialized literature that lavender tolerates cold temperatures up to 15 - 20 degrees below zero.
9. Can lavender be kept at home?
Lavender is an open ground plant, it needs space, it has a developed root system and it will be cramped in a pot, it needs air, sun and wind.
Love lavender as we love it, and it will surely reciprocate with you, will delight you with bright colors and a wonderful aroma.
Plant lavender!
Decorate your gardens, porches and balconies with lavender!
Lavender is a symbol of beauty, comfort and good mood.