Position – Full sun is ideal for Lavender plants to thrive. Plant lavender in Spring or Autumn when the soil is hot or cold. Space the plants 50cm apart to allow for proper circulation and growth.
Size – Lavender bushes grow to about 1 mt in height and spread outwards.
Soil Type – Lavender prefers loose, well-drained soil. Very damp conditions will cause root rot. The ideal pH is between 6.7 and 7.3. Add organic compost or sand to improve drainage if your soil is heavy or clayey. Dig a hole 50cm square and backfill it with compost and soil. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil. Do not bury the stem.
Mulch – Use a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. Mulch helps retain moisture. It also insulates the roots from heat and cold—organic mulch like pine bark, straw, or wood chips is ideal. Never place mulch on the stems of plants, as this leads to root rot.
Watering – When planting, water the lavender plant deeply. Ensure the soil does not dry out and water when necessary, without over-watering. Lavender is drought-tolerant once established.
Fertilising – A general fruit and flower fertiliser in spring and autumn will suffice.
Pruning – Lavender needs regular pruning. Pruning keeps the plant compact and encourages healthy growth. In spring, cut back the previous year’s growth to about one-third. After flowers have bloomed, prune lightly to encourage more buds.