Lavender Blog Series – Part 3: From Root to Bloom

Lavender is a dream plant—fragrant, beautiful, drought-tolerant, and a pollinator favorite. But growing it well? That’s where many gardeners get tripped up.

In Part 3 of our Lavender Blog Series – From Root to Bloom, we’re getting into the dirt—literally. Here’s everything you need to know to plant, grow, and maintain healthy lavender, whether you’re cultivating a single shrub or a full bed of blossoms.

🪴 Start with the Right Site

Before you even plant, success starts with where you plant. Lavender is not a shade-tolerant plant—it craves sunlight and open air.

Lavender is a sun lover. No matter the variety, the most important factor is full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours a day.

💡 Master Gardener Tip: The more sun it gets, the more oils it produces—meaning better scent, stronger blooms, and happier pollinators.

🌱 Soil is Everything

Lavender thrives in soil conditions that mimic its native Mediterranean roots: dry, lean, and well-drained. Rich or waterlogged soil is a quick path to root rot.

Lavender is picky about one thing: drainage.

• Well-draining soil is non-negotiable. Think sandy or rocky—not rich, heavy, or clay-packed.
• pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5 is ideal).
• If your soil tends to retain water, add gravel, sand, or crushed limestone to improve aeration.
• Raised beds or mounded rows are a great solution in heavy soils.

💡 Master Gardener Tip: Mix a handful of lime or crushed oyster shell into the planting hole to raise pH and mimic Mediterranean soil.

🌿 Spacing and Airflow

Planting lavender too close together is one of the most common mistakes new growers make. It may look fine when small, but mature plants need elbow room.

Lavender hates being crowded. Plant it with plenty of room to breathe, especially in humid climates.

• Space plants 18 to 36 inches apart, depending on the variety.
• Good airflow helps prevent fungal diseases, especially root rot and leaf spot.

Use mulch sparingly—gravel or stone mulch is better than bark or compost, which can trap too much moisture near the crown.

💧 Watering: Less is More

Lavender is drought-tolerant by nature, but that doesn’t mean it never needs water—especially when young. The key is to water wisely and avoid soggy conditions.

Lavender is drought-tolerant once established, but it needs care during the first few months.

• Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.
• Avoid overhead watering. Drip lines or watering at the base are ideal.
• Once it’s established (after the first growing season), watering can be reduced significantly.

✂️ Pruning Lavender: Timing Matters

Regular pruning helps lavender maintain a tidy shape, encourages strong flowering, and prevents woody, bare centers from forming too soon.

Pruning keeps your lavender from getting woody and leggy.

• In spring: Cut back about 1/3 of the green growth when new leaves emerge.
• After flowering: Lightly shear off spent blooms to encourage a second flush (for reblooming varieties).

💡 Master Gardener Tip: Never cut into the woody base—lavender rarely regrows from old wood.

🌿 Bonus: Best Time to Plant Lavender

Timing matters when planting lavender. Choose the right season and your plant will reward you with strong roots and fewer growing pains.

• Spring and early fall are ideal.
• Avoid planting in peak summer heat or soggy winter soil.
• In colder zones, spring planting gives roots time to establish before winter.

🌸 Recap: Lavender Growing Checklist

To keep it simple, here’s a quick summary of what lavender needs to thrive.

• ✅ Full sun (6–8 hrs/day)
• ✅ Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil
• ✅ No heavy mulch at the crown
• ✅ Deep but infrequent watering
• ✅ Light spring and post-bloom pruning
• ✅ Space for air circulation

🌼 Conclusion

With the right planting site, soil conditions, and a little thoughtful care, lavender can thrive in your garden for years—offering not just fragrance and beauty, but resilience and reward. Whether you’re growing a single container or lining a pathway with blooms, remembering its Mediterranean origins is the key to success. Start with sunlight, respect its need for drainage, and give it room to breathe. Lavender will do the rest.

Coming Up Next

In Part 4 of the Lavender Blog Series – From Root to Bloom, we’ll explore harvesting lavender the right way, drying techniques, and the best ways to store and use your blooms—from sachets to oils.