When to plant lavender: what are the types and features of care

In recent years, lavender has become increasingly popular among Ukrainian gardeners. This plant takes root well in our climate, blooms extremely beautifully, and can bring additional benefits if harvested and dried. But is it difficult to grow lavender?

Experienced gardening enthusiasts say no - it is a relatively unpretentious plant that even a beginner can handle. OBOZ.UA asked what exactly needs to be done to create a bright flower bed with lavender on your site.

What kind of lavender is there?

The most common color of the flowers of this plant is purple. Even this shade is called "lavender". But you can find varieties with blue, pink and even white flowers. They get along well together and create beautiful compositions in the flowerbed.

According to external characteristics, the plant itself is divided into two types - English and French. Here are their main differences:

English lavender has narrow leaves and elongated spike-shaped inflorescences. It is most often used in landscape design, because caring for it facilitates the plant's winter hardiness. English lavender does not need to be dug up for the winter.

French lavender - the leaves of this species are wider and the inflorescences are shorter. The plant is much more sensitive to winter frosts, so with the onset of cold weather, the bushes need to be moved to warmth. But French lavender can be grown like indoor herbs - in pots.

What place to choose for lavender

Lavender loves the sun, so it is better to choose unshaded areas for it. In a semi-shaded area, it will bloom less well and look less lush.

The best soil for the plant is neutral sandy loam, loam is less suitable. In any case, the soil should be well drained and fertilized with organic matter. Before planting, acidic soils should be neutralized, for example, with a lime solution.

Heavily moist areas are not suitable for lavender - the roots of the plant can rot. Therefore, you should avoid planting it in wetlands and in places where groundwater is close.

When to plant lavender

It is best to dig the plant into the ground in early spring, as soon as the night frosts stop. You can also do it in September to give the flower time to take root. You should choose the right place right away, because lavender does not tolerate transplanting. Do not forget to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the selected variety - whether it is suitable for your climate.

Before planting, soak the lavender roots in water for 30 minutes. The depth and width of the hole for the plant should be about 30 cm. A bush is dug into it, and then watered abundantly. It is best to leave 30 cm between the rows of lavender if you have chosen a low-growing variety, and 1-1.5 meters for tall ones.

How to extend the flowering of lavender

The plant's flowering season is from June to November and lasts several weeks. To extend it, you can use two life hacks. Landscapers often cut off the tops of the plant after the first flowering. In 3-4 weeks, it blooms again, although it does not bloom as abundantly. The second method is more time-consuming - you need to regularly walk through the garden and pick off individual faded flowers. In this case, the plant will delight with flowers continuously throughout the season.

How to care for lavender

Keep watering moderate but regular. Lavender does not need to be flooded, but it does not like drought either. When the soil around the bush starts to dry out, it's time to add water.

The flower needs timely weeding from weeds so that it has good air circulation and root nutrition. It is also important to loosen the soil around the bushes.

Mulching is good for lavender. Organic matter such as humus, leaves, straw, grass clippings, compost can be used as mulch, and spread in a layer of about 10 cm. However, the root zone should still be left free for air and sun.

After flowering and before the onset of cold weather, lavender is pruned. The third pruning can be done in the spring. You need to cut the stems 2 cm below the inflorescences.

In spring, the plant is best fertilized with nitrogen fertilizers, and during the bud formation period - with complex mineral fertilizers for flowering plants. In the fall, lavender fertilization is stopped.

In winter, the plant is covered to protect it from frost and snow. In areas with mild winters, this stage can be skipped.

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