 |
The Gardener's Almanac |  |
||||
| Index | FAQ's | Links | Photos | Guest book | ||
| Lavendula | Common name; Lavender |
Lavenders perform best in full sun and in well-drained fertile alkaline soil(they will not tolerate waterlogging)
Lavenders will grow quite well in containers but as they are deep rooted they will require large pots.
Container grown plants will need regular watering in summer,and kept on the dry side over winter.
During the growing season avoid high nitrogen fertilisers to encourage flowering at the expense of foliage.
To make scented lavender bags ( pot pourri ), harvest the spikes as they mature (circa week 32 ), and hang them up in paper bags in a cool airy position to dry.
Tradition dictates that flowers are best harvested about mid-morning to mid-day when the sun has had time to dry off any surface moisture and bring out the fragrance.
Week 16: Clip hedges to desired shape, and hard prune straggly growth on shrubby plants.
Sow seeds in pots/trays of seed compost and lightly cover, then germinate at 18°-20°C (64°-68°F).
Germination should take around two to three weeks.
Week 19; When seedlings are large enough to handle prick them out into individual 70mm (3") pots of potting compost.
Gradually harden off and grow on in a coldframe until planting out time.
Week 25; Propagate small lavender plants by lifting small plants out by the roots and planting the entire lower half of the plant below soil level.
Note; Established plants do not usually transplant, it is better to replace, or take cuttings.
Week 32; Take 75-100mm (3”-4”) cuttings of non-flowering shoots and insert in a 50-50 mix (by volume) of compost/peat and sharp sand.
Place in a cold frame to grow on, and plant out the following March-April if weather conditions allow.
This is also a good time to prune lavender.
After the flowers have faded remove the flower stalks and about 25-50mm (1"-2") of the current year's growth, ensuring that some green shoots remain.
Week 35; Plant out between now and March in an ordinary, well drained soil, in full sun, 600mm (24") apart.
For hedges set 300mm (12”) apart.
Note; Although they are generally drought tolerant plants they will need watering until established, then the can be left to their own resources.
Divide established plants if required and plant out the divisions immediately
Week 38: Remove faded flowers and lightly trim plants
To give protection to new spring growth, leave hard pruning of straggly growth until March-April.
| About this Site | © The Gardener's Almanac 2005 | Top of page |