How To Grow Lavender Plants

Lavender is a refreshing herb with multiple benefits. Every garden should have at least a few bushes of this pretty, purple, fragrant plant wherever possible! If you too want this fragrant specimen in your home and garden, learn all about How to Grow Lavender ahead!

Is It Possible To Grow Lavender In Tropics? Click here

Lavender Plant Information

Varieties of Lavender

1. English Lavender

2. Spanish Lavender

3. French Lavender

Propagating Lavender

Cut a 3-4 inch segment from a healthy, mature shoot using a clean, sharp knife. Hardwood cuttings should be made just below a small bump, the leaf node.
Get rid of all the leaves from the bottom 2-3 inches of the cuttings.
Plant the cutting in a container filled with moist seed-starting mix.
Use a clear plastic bag to cover the container and place it in a spot that receives 6-8 hours of filtered sunlight. Softwood cuttings will begin to root in 2-4 weeks, and the hardwood ones can take a bit longer.

Learn about Growing Lavender from Cuttings here

Requirements For Growing Lavender

Light

Soil

Water

Temperature and Humidity

Lavender Plant Care

Fertilizer

Pruning

Diseases and Pests

Harvesting Lavender

Lavender Uses

Stops Hair Loss
Soothes Wounds and Pain
Tames Your stomach
Salt Substitute
Helps Treat Burns
Soaks Up Toxins
Freshens Your Floors
Eases Motion Sickness
Treats Eczema and Dry Skin

Check out How to Care for Lavender in Winter here

Look at the Best Purple Houseplants here

Find out the Best Lavender Varieties here

Find out the Best Flowering Houseplants here

Check out the Best Perennial Herbs here

Find the Herbs that Grow from Cuttings here

Mary ann
March 7, 2017 At 4:32 pm
Couple things I learned about lavender: grows best where your auto sprinklers can’t reach. Loves ‘hot’. That’s why it grows nicely next to a sidewalk or a gravel path. If it’s happy, it seeds itself. Use tiny plants to replenish when old plants look tired. Trimming is essential if you want it be happy.
And don’t do what I did only once, because all my neighbors thought I’d started a wild fire! Never use your ‘propane weed burner’ anywhere near lavender! It is full of oil and goes up like a bomb!
Secondly, grow enough to share. Folks will stop and ask. It’s a great conversation starter. We’ve shared many a glass of wine on the front porch over lavender sharing! Enjoy!
Did you ever notice how gardeners talk about plants as friends they cherish?
Reply
Cindy
August 11, 2019 At 6:57 pm
Love your tips and story! Thank you!
Reply
Emi
January 29, 2020 At 5:30 am
Agree 100% I sip wine while I have a plant conversation with hubby! And now neighbors plants bring such a nice vibe to your home !!
Reply
Jimmy
December 13, 2020 At 2:27 am
Disagree, herein AZ my lavender are sprinkled twice daily 24/7 365 and they thrive.
Reply
spanish for kids nyc
March 7, 2017 At 11:40 pm
Thank you so much! It is definitely an wonderful web site.
Reply
Guadalupe Zorola
March 15, 2017 At 1:53 am
Great information. I’m excited about planting lavender. Thank you very much!
Reply
Cathy Germain
March 25, 2017 At 10:32 pm
Can lavender be grown in pots?
Reply
Susan Laven
April 7, 2017 At 3:33 pm
I’m in hot, dry El Paso. I have sandy soil, but everything seems to wilt even after watering every other day. What can I do? 7% humidity here, at about 3700 ft.
Reply
Norma Jean
April 28, 2017 At 10:32 pm
I’m in EP too, i’ve tried lavender several times always died in the pot. I’m going to phone in and ask the master gardeners on the ‘good to grow’ radio program on Saturday morning at 88.5 fm
Reply
Monja Smith
May 12, 2019 At 11:14 am
I grew Lavender in El Paso Texas. It loves the heat. I planted French lavender, base soil was a good darrk soil which I covered in a mount of sand. I watered often until the plant was established and then reduced the water to avoid rot. My lavender grew into a huge shrub and thrived for many years. Now I live in Kentucky and can’t grow it here at all. It keeps dying no matter what I do.
Reply
Denise
April 7, 2017 At 6:46 pm
Lucky you! I live in a zone 5 and planted about 10 lavender plants that were already fairly mature , They came iin plastic pots from a reputable nursery and we had two different types ( both purple) but one grew better than the other and even lost a few which we replaced. I was so excited to have a long and slightly curvy area to plant them with plenty of sun. One side was the concrete patio walkway and then two feet or so of dirt with a stone wall on the other side! Sounds good, right! Well, those poor lavenders did not do well at all!! I don’t know if it was the dirt or is oil insects or too wet but it was a sad 1st year! I am watching to see what Winter has done and will try again! I don’t know what we did wrong? I had grown lavender at a past house and that did wonderful! Any ideas or suggestions so we can have a walkway of lavender like the beautiful pictures show! Thanks and happy gardening!!!!
Reply
Pam
May 11, 2017 At 3:10 am
Maybe test the ph level of the soil it’s growing in. The article specified it liked a ph of 6.5-7.5 at the very top of the article.
Reply
Carolina
July 23, 2018 At 1:21 am
It seems that only at the first few weeks after planting lavender, it requires to be watered (the soil cannot be dried), but soil has to drain well. It likes sand soil and not rich.
Reply
Robert Winston
April 16, 2017 At 4:18 am
My beginner lavender plant died in its pot. I had good soil and plenty of sun light. Thoughts?
Reply
Helena
April 24, 2017 At 3:18 am
I live in southern Ontario. I love lavender. Can I plant it even though you say zone 5. I think we are in zone 4.
Reply
Claudia
April 27, 2018 At 11:51 am
I also live in southern ON and my lavender plants thrive. I planted them by my driveway where there is a retaining wall. I give them plenty of compost, thourough water only when dry and a heavy pruning in the spring. The smell is so relaxing and makes you smile as you come home.
Reply
Rick H.
April 25, 2017 At 5:00 am
If you are in Windsor or south, you are south of Detroit which is Zone 5. Sandy soil mounded, mild trimming. The lake effect will help, but only with South winds. you may need more sun, so if indoors, South window.
Intermitent water, never daily. Speciman plants best, no crowding. Ex-detroiter, now colorado.
Reply
Amanda
April 27, 2017 At 2:13 am
I am in South Carolina. For the first time I decided to buy couple of lavender plants. I put them in a pot of lofty soil and in the sun. I have had them almost two months now and they have not grown at all!!!!! They are literally doing NOTHING!!! About 6″ tall and holding! HELP!!!!!!
Reply
Joan
April 30, 2017 At 4:01 pm
I grew lavender very successfully in Toronto. Over-wintered very well for last 7 years. Needs pruning to stay happy.
Reply
Priya Khatri
April 25, 2021 At 8:57 pm
Hi just Abit curious did u have lavender or lavendulas and how did u care for it over winter to come back . I have very little luck with that please and thankyou
Reply
diamond halo ring
May 9, 2017 At 10:18 pm
Many thanks very practical. Will share site with my pals.
Reply
Patti
June 3, 2017 At 3:57 pm
I’m in Louisiana. How does lavender grow here? I love the smell and beauty of this plant. Any thoughts on my zone?
Reply
Lynda
July 9, 2018 At 10:11 am
Thank you! I’ve always loved my lavender, but never knew about pruning. My lavender is just a few giant, unruly, colorless shrubs that smell gorgeous. I live in very hot and humid West Virginia but we also get icy Nor’easters.
Can’t wait to get put there (when it cools down) and take my lavender back! :)
Reply
Berglind
July 27, 2018 At 10:56 am
I live in Iceland and am trying to grow lavender but I never suceed…why I don’t know?
Reply
Indra
April 28, 2019 At 6:35 pm
I read the article because I saw the picture of the lavender plant pruned into a tree form. Which variety did you do this with? How did you do it!? I loved the effect!!
Reply
Tim bufton
August 3, 2019 At 2:09 pm
I live in the midlands uk and my lavender plants are huge plenty of flowers full of bees lovely to watch
Reply
TR
June 28, 2021 At 4:47 am
One tip I have for zone 6b is to NOT use wood mulch. Always add some sand for mulch every year.
Reply
Cindy
August 11, 2019 At 6:57 pm
Love your tips and story! Thank you!
Reply
Emi
January 29, 2020 At 5:30 am
Agree 100% I sip wine while I have a plant conversation with hubby! And now neighbors plants bring such a nice vibe to your home !!
Reply
Jimmy
December 13, 2020 At 2:27 am
Disagree, herein AZ my lavender are sprinkled twice daily 24/7 365 and they thrive.
Reply

Couple things I learned about lavender: grows best where your auto sprinklers can’t reach. Loves ‘hot’. That’s why it grows nicely next to a sidewalk or a gravel path. If it’s happy, it seeds itself. Use tiny plants to replenish when old plants look tired. Trimming is essential if you want it be happy. And don’t do what I did only once, because all my neighbors thought I’d started a wild fire! Never use your ‘propane weed burner’ anywhere near lavender! It is full of oil and goes up like a bomb! Secondly, grow enough to share. Folks will stop and ask. It’s a great conversation starter. We’ve shared many a glass of wine on the front porch over lavender sharing! Enjoy! Did you ever notice how gardeners talk about plants as friends they cherish?

Love your tips and story! Thank you!

Agree 100% I sip wine while I have a plant conversation with hubby! And now neighbors plants bring such a nice vibe to your home !!

Disagree, herein AZ my lavender are sprinkled twice daily 24/7 365 and they thrive.

Thank you so much! It is definitely an wonderful web site.

Great information. I’m excited about planting lavender. Thank you very much!

Can lavender be grown in pots?

Norma Jean
April 28, 2017 At 10:32 pm
I’m in EP too, i’ve tried lavender several times always died in the pot. I’m going to phone in and ask the master gardeners on the ‘good to grow’ radio program on Saturday morning at 88.5 fm
Reply
Monja Smith
May 12, 2019 At 11:14 am
I grew Lavender in El Paso Texas. It loves the heat. I planted French lavender, base soil was a good darrk soil which I covered in a mount of sand. I watered often until the plant was established and then reduced the water to avoid rot. My lavender grew into a huge shrub and thrived for many years. Now I live in Kentucky and can’t grow it here at all. It keeps dying no matter what I do.
Reply

I’m in hot, dry El Paso. I have sandy soil, but everything seems to wilt even after watering every other day. What can I do? 7% humidity here, at about 3700 ft.

I’m in EP too, i’ve tried lavender several times always died in the pot. I’m going to phone in and ask the master gardeners on the ‘good to grow’ radio program on Saturday morning at 88.5 fm

I grew Lavender in El Paso Texas. It loves the heat. I planted French lavender, base soil was a good darrk soil which I covered in a mount of sand. I watered often until the plant was established and then reduced the water to avoid rot. My lavender grew into a huge shrub and thrived for many years. Now I live in Kentucky and can’t grow it here at all. It keeps dying no matter what I do.

Pam
May 11, 2017 At 3:10 am
Maybe test the ph level of the soil it’s growing in. The article specified it liked a ph of 6.5-7.5 at the very top of the article.
Reply
Carolina
July 23, 2018 At 1:21 am
It seems that only at the first few weeks after planting lavender, it requires to be watered (the soil cannot be dried), but soil has to drain well. It likes sand soil and not rich.
Reply

Lucky you! I live in a zone 5 and planted about 10 lavender plants that were already fairly mature , They came iin plastic pots from a reputable nursery and we had two different types ( both purple) but one grew better than the other and even lost a few which we replaced. I was so excited to have a long and slightly curvy area to plant them with plenty of sun. One side was the concrete patio walkway and then two feet or so of dirt with a stone wall on the other side! Sounds good, right! Well, those poor lavenders did not do well at all!! I don’t know if it was the dirt or is oil insects or too wet but it was a sad 1st year! I am watching to see what Winter has done and will try again! I don’t know what we did wrong? I had grown lavender at a past house and that did wonderful! Any ideas or suggestions so we can have a walkway of lavender like the beautiful pictures show! Thanks and happy gardening!!!!

Maybe test the ph level of the soil it’s growing in. The article specified it liked a ph of 6.5-7.5 at the very top of the article.

It seems that only at the first few weeks after planting lavender, it requires to be watered (the soil cannot be dried), but soil has to drain well. It likes sand soil and not rich.

My beginner lavender plant died in its pot. I had good soil and plenty of sun light. Thoughts?

Claudia
April 27, 2018 At 11:51 am
I also live in southern ON and my lavender plants thrive. I planted them by my driveway where there is a retaining wall. I give them plenty of compost, thourough water only when dry and a heavy pruning in the spring. The smell is so relaxing and makes you smile as you come home.
Reply

I live in southern Ontario. I love lavender. Can I plant it even though you say zone 5. I think we are in zone 4.

I also live in southern ON and my lavender plants thrive. I planted them by my driveway where there is a retaining wall. I give them plenty of compost, thourough water only when dry and a heavy pruning in the spring. The smell is so relaxing and makes you smile as you come home.

If you are in Windsor or south, you are south of Detroit which is Zone 5. Sandy soil mounded, mild trimming. The lake effect will help, but only with South winds. you may need more sun, so if indoors, South window. Intermitent water, never daily. Speciman plants best, no crowding. Ex-detroiter, now colorado.

I am in South Carolina. For the first time I decided to buy couple of lavender plants. I put them in a pot of lofty soil and in the sun. I have had them almost two months now and they have not grown at all!!!!! They are literally doing NOTHING!!! About 6″ tall and holding! HELP!!!!!!

Priya Khatri
April 25, 2021 At 8:57 pm
Hi just Abit curious did u have lavender or lavendulas and how did u care for it over winter to come back . I have very little luck with that please and thankyou
Reply

I grew lavender very successfully in Toronto. Over-wintered very well for last 7 years. Needs pruning to stay happy.

Hi just Abit curious did u have lavender or lavendulas and how did u care for it over winter to come back . I have very little luck with that please and thankyou

Many thanks very practical. Will share site with my pals.

I’m in Louisiana. How does lavender grow here? I love the smell and beauty of this plant. Any thoughts on my zone?

Thank you! I’ve always loved my lavender, but never knew about pruning. My lavender is just a few giant, unruly, colorless shrubs that smell gorgeous. I live in very hot and humid West Virginia but we also get icy Nor’easters. Can’t wait to get put there (when it cools down) and take my lavender back! :)

I live in Iceland and am trying to grow lavender but I never suceed…why I don’t know?

I read the article because I saw the picture of the lavender plant pruned into a tree form. Which variety did you do this with? How did you do it!? I loved the effect!!

I live in the midlands uk and my lavender plants are huge plenty of flowers full of bees lovely to watch

One tip I have for zone 6b is to NOT use wood mulch. Always add some sand for mulch every year.

Is It Possible To Grow Lavender In Tropics? Click here#

Lavender Plant Information#

Varieties of Lavender#

1. English Lavender#

2. Spanish Lavender#

3. French Lavender#

Propagating Lavender#

Learn about Growing Lavender from Cuttings here#

Requirements For Growing Lavender#

Light#

Soil#

Water#

Temperature and Humidity#

Lavender Plant Care#

Fertilizer#

Pruning#

Diseases and Pests#

Harvesting Lavender#

#

Lavender Uses#

Check out How to Care for Lavender in Winter here#

Look at the Best Purple Houseplants here#

Find out the Best Lavender Varieties here#

Find out the Best Flowering Houseplants here#

Check out the Best Perennial Herbs here#

Find the Herbs that Grow from Cuttings here#

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