The Growing Requirements for Lavandula Angustifolia Herbs

Sun and Heat

• English lavender thrives in hot, dry climates, or at least locales where the summer growing season gets hot. True lavender doesn’t do well in summer humidity. Planting it in front of south-facing stone walls or near hot concrete sidewalks and mulching the soil surrounding it with rocks and gravel can help cut humidity. Plant English lavender in full sun for best growth, flowering and development of lavender flower fragrance.

Light Soil

• English lavender generally does best in light, sandy and well-drained soil. Drainage is crucial, because these plants do not do well with “wet feet.” Wet soils -- especially during winter – can cause root rot, directly responsible for most plant loss. Gritty alkaline soil with very little organic matter is good for lavender, but various well-drained soils are suitable. Heavy soils need amending -- but not with sand or gravel, which can turn soil to concrete. Instead work in 1 inch of 1/4-inch size bark mulch to improve underlying drainage and then plant on mounds of fast-draining soil. In climates with cold winters, moderately rich, deep soils promote deeper root growth that helps plants survive winter.

Limey Soil

• A fairly neutral pH of between 6.0 and 8.0 is ideal. Lavenders are naturally lime-loving plants, and in France and other Mediterranean locations they thrive in rocky, well-drained calcareous or limestone derived soils. High levels of calcium in the soil are helpful. Many soils will need little if any amendment or fertilization, though a soil test will help you make that decision. If needed, add lime and well-balanced compost to the soil in the fall. Avoid strong animal manures and nitrogen fertilizers.

Regular Watering

• Lavender prefers fairly dry soil and is a drought tolerant plant suitable for xeriscaping. But for best growth and flower production it needs water too. Where summers are dry, plants need at least 1 gallon of water per week, though weather and soil conditions may modify that. Provide supplemental irrigation with drip irrigation if possible. Where the air is dry, overhead irrigation can be fine, though it can sometimes damage flowers. Young and older plants suffer more stress from under or over watering. Drought stress directly correlates with lower amounts of lavender oil production and lower quality.