Planting Lavender in the Ground

Lavender Hill Farm’s annual Plant Sale is set to take place the weekend of May 20-22! Mark your calendar and be sure to stop by the farm to check out our selection of lavender plants for sale!

Once you’ve picked out and purchased your new lavender plant, you may be wondering what the next steps are when you get your plant home. Our expert Director of Agriculture has put together some tips and tricks for those looking to plant their lavender in the ground!

Commonly Asked Questions About Planting and Growing Lavender:

What kind of soil does lavender like? Lavender performs best in well drained, slightly alkaline soils. Well drained is synonymous with sandy soils, as opposed to clay soils.

What is lime and what is it used for? Lime is a soil amendment made from ground limestone rock. We offer pelletized lime, which is ground limestone rock, but in a small bead-like form so it is easy to spread and can quickly be delivered into the soil. When lime is added to the soil, it impacts the soil’s pH, making it less acidic and more alkaline. Add lime to raise the soil pH to around 7.0, which is the preferred pH for lavender.

How often should I water my lavender? For the first 3 weeks after planting, water the plant every day to help reduce transplant shock (when the plant is struggling to adjust to its new home). After the first 3 weeks, rainwater alone will suffice. If it hasn’t rained for a while, you can always stick your finger in about an inch of soil to check the moisture level. Wait until the surrounding soil is almost completely dry to water again. The biggest mistake people make is to over water their lavender, so when in doubt, less watering is the way to go!

How much sunlight does my lavender need? Lavender requires full sun, which is 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day.

When do I plant my lavender? The best time to plant lavender is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, or early summer.

How do I prune my lavender? Prune 2-year and older plants in the spring to stimulate new growth. Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or gardening shears, cut the stem around 2-3 inches above the woody base, into the leafy section of the stem. Do not cut into the wood below. You can do handfuls of stems at a time. For hedges you might find it easier to use a hedge trimmer. Try to create a nice rounded shape by pruning the outer stems a little shorter than the inner stems. Any dead, frost-damaged or diseased branches should be completely removed.