Best Time to Plant Lavender: Going Deeper into the Matter

What’s the best time to plant lavender? The evergreen shrub is actually super versatile. You can plant it in any landscape or areas, such as formal gardens, cottage gardens, and even wildlife gardens. When grown in formal gardens, you will find them being used as the low-growing hedge or beneath roses shrubs. Potted plants are also an option.

Despite the versatility, knowing the best time to plant lavender seeds can be beneficial for you as you can avoid errors and mistakes. Not to mention that you can expect a successful outcome with minimal efforts.

About Lavender as a Plant

Lavender is basically a Mediterranean shrub that is popular for its flowers (which attract bees) and the nice smelling leaves. There are different types of lavender available out there, including the tender ones, the half-hardy types, and the hardy ones. However, most gardeners (especially the advanced ones) go with the hardy types.

People love the aromatic and bright leaves, making them perfect as border shrubs. As a landscape or garden decoration, it’s just simple and yet perfect. But then again, when you don’t plant the shrub at the right time, it may not survive. You will basically risk your plant failing.

The Best Planting Time

So, what should you know about the best time to plant lavender? You should do it within the early spring (around April and May). The shrub will have enough time to become solid, so it will thrive and grow during summer time. During summers, the soil will warm up naturally, which also helps with the proper growth.

If you want to plant lavender as hedges, you must never do it during winters. The shrub is very sensitive and prone to freezing temperature and the extreme cold. Lavender loves drier conditions and sunnier locations, so wet situations and frost would be their worst enemies. Remember, it’s a Mediterranean shrub, which means that it loves fertile soil and plenty of sunlight. Carefully consider the location. You want to avoid damp, cold, and wet sites.

The Varieties to Choose

There is no right or wrong when it comes to lavender. It depends on your personal preference of the shape, smell, shade, and color. Do you know that some lavenders have gray and silvery leaves? If you want to have a unique variant, this one would be perfect.

In general, Spanish and French lavenders (Lavandula stoechas and Lavandula dentata) are gentler and softer than the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Some people believe that English lavender is better at attracting bees than the other two variants.

Lavender loves neutral soil (a bit alkaline is okay). If you happen to have acid soil, you should go with the French lavender. It’s quite hardy, able to deal with dry situations, but it’s also strong enough in heavy and wet soil. If you go with the French lavender, it’s better to grow them in pots. Potted plants are about portability and convenience. In winter, you can find frost free, airy, and light areas.

Some traditional (English) lavenders are quite popular, but hybrid lavenders are starting to gain popularity these days. These hybrids come from Lavandula latfolia and Lavandula angustifolia (they are the parents). Considering that they are tougher than the other traditional lavenders, they are pretty resistant against cold winter months and wet soils.

In terms of flowers and their appearance, these hybrids are bigger than the traditional English type. Plus, they generate flowers longer. It means that you can enjoy more flowers and the bees can enjoy more nectar and pollen. These hybrids are Lavandula x intermedia Grosso and Lavandula x intermedia Edelweiss.

Some Helpful Tips

Aside from knowing the best time to plant lavender, these tips may help you enjoy a more fun experience with a more fulfilling outcome. You should go with dry and fertile soil so your lavender can thrive well. Make sure that you identify the variant correctly, so you won’t be wrong when planting the shrub. Having a small garden? No need to worry. Lavender can grow well in potted sites.

When you plant the shrub in early spring, not only can you establish a good timeline, but you can also attract wildlife, including pollinators. They are incredibly handy, so don’t underestimate their roles and existence.

All in all, lavender isn’t only handy, but also fruitful and beautiful. When you know the best time to plant lavender, you would be able to minimize risks and possibility of failure.