Choosing the right variety of lavender and the right material
To successfully grow lavender in pots, it is important to choose the right variety and have the right equipment.
Indeed, certain varieties of lavender are more suitable than others for growing in pots and indoors.
True lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), for example, is ideal for growing in pots. It is particularly resistant and its scent is milder than that of other varieties, which makes it ideal for indoors. Other varieties to consider are butterfly lavender (LavandulaStoechas) and toothed lavender (Lavandula Dentata).
As for the material, you need a pot with drainage holes, a clear and well-permeable substrate, a stake to support the plant and possibly additional lighting if you don’t have any. A sufficiently bright location.
Good drainage is essential for lavender health, as this plant cannot tolerate excess water.
To ensure good drainage, choose a pot with drainage holes and use a light, well-permeable substrate.
Start by placing a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot to facilitate water drainage. Next, prepare the substrate by mixing the following:
- 50% universal potting soil
- 25% coarse sand
- 25% well-rotted compost or dried manure.
- This light and well-permeable mixture allows lavender to grow properly, without risk of root rot.
Planting and positioning lavender
As soon as the pot and the substrate are ready, it is time to plant the lavender.
For that, proceed as following :
- Fill the pot with the prepared substrate and leave approximately 2 cm between the substrate and the edge of the pot.
- Carefully remove the lavender from its original pot and untangle the roots if they are tangled.
- Place the lavender in the center of the pot and add substrate around the roots, compacting it lightly.
- Water thoroughly to moisten the substrate and check that the water drains correctly through the drainage holes.
- Then place the pot in a sunny location, ideally near a south or west facing window. Lavender needs at least 6 hours of direct light per day to grow well. If you do not have a sufficiently bright location, you can use additional lighting, for example a garden lamp or an LED lamp.
Also note that lavender appreciates a cool environment, with a temperature between 15 and 22°C. Do not place the pot near a radiator or heat source.
Caring for lavender: watering, pruning and fertilizing
For your potted lavender to flourish indoors, it is important to provide it with the necessary care by watering it, pruning it and giving it fertilizer.
- Water: Lavender is a drought-tolerant plant, so it is best not to water it. Water moderately and allow the substrate to dry out slightly between two waterings. Reduce watering further in winter as the plant enters a resting phase.
- Prune lavender: To encourage the growth of lavender and keep it compact, prune it regularly. Cut off faded flowers and overhanging stems and, at the end of winter, do more pruning, removing about a third of the total mass of the plant. Be careful not to cut into old wood, however, as this could damage the plant.
- Fertilizing: Lavender does not need much fertilizer, but adding organic fertilizer in spring and summer can be beneficial. Choose a fertilizer high in potassium and low in nitrogen, such as wood ash or potash.
Fight against pests and diseases
- Lavender is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but certain precautions can be taken to prevent their occurrence.
- Pests: The main pests that can attack potted lavender are aphids, mealybugs and red mites. To keep them away, spray the plant regularly with soapy water or use natural insecticides like neem oil. You can also use beneficial insects like ladybugs to control aphids.
- Diseases: Lavender can be susceptible to certain diseases, such as powdery mildew, rust and root rot. To prevent these problems, practice good hygiene (regularly clean the pot and tools), do not overwater and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to successfully grow potted lavender at home. Enjoy its captivating scent and its relaxing properties all year round!
