Caring For Lavender
Growing Lavender
 Soil
There are some important factors necessary for growing a healthy lavender plant.
- Most lavender grows in mild winters where the temperatures do not drop below freezing.
- Lavender is generally a hardy, drought tolerant plant but does need certain conditions to thrive.
- Lavender generally grows in well drained, sandy soil with a ph level around 7.0.
- Lavender can be grown in clay soil as well, but must have good drainage.
At planting, it is best to mix the existing soil with a bit of compost and I usually add lime to raise the ph level. I also do this in early spring and fall. Roots go down about one foot, so making sure they have a healthy base is important.
 I have also found that plants do better when they are planted in such a way to allow air to travel throughout the plant. With our rainy conditions, it is necessary for the plant to “breathe” so they do not develop root rot or a bacterial disease.
Watering Lavender
Lavender needs water in the first few years during the hot months of summer to survive but after that, lavender is fairly drought tolerant. It is best to use drip irrigation for watering lavender as overhead watering can cause the plant to split. I tend to water my younger plants two times a week in the summer and my older plants once a week depending on the conditions.
 Pruning Lavender
The most commonly asked question I get is, "When or how should I prune my lavender?"
In the first year, cut off new growth to encourage the plant to grow fuller when it starts to bloom. Do not be afraid to cut the growth down to around two inches above the wood. I cut mine into a mound like shape which gives the plant a full, pretty appearance.
With proper care, a lavender plant can last approximately ten years. Lavender is full grown by the third year and full production may begin to decline after year five or six. When a plant gets too "woody" due to age or improper pruning, it is best to remove it and start with a new plant. I usually prune the lavender in early spring to promote new growth. Pruning significantly in the winter can remove foliage necessary for the harsher winter months.
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