Growing Lavender in Framingham, MA: Planting, Care, and Harvesting Tips

Growing Lavender in Framingham, Massachusetts

With its vibrant purple hues and pleasant floral aroma, lavender is a beloved plant grown in many gardens. The town of Framingham, Massachusetts provides an excellent climate for growing lavender. This herb thrives in the temperate New England seasons.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover how to successfully plant, grow, and care for lavender in Framingham and surrounding cities in the MetroWest area. Read on to learn about the different lavender varieties, planting tips, pruning advice, and remedies for common issues like discolored leaves and woody plants.

Why Grow Lavender in Framingham?

Framingham offers ideal growing conditions for lavender. Here are some key reasons to add this fragrant herb to your garden:

• Hardiness - Low winter temperatures in Framingham suit many lavender species. English lavender thrives in USDA Zone 5 cold hardiness zones.
• Soil drainage - Lavender needs well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Framingham has gravelly loam soil that allows for drainage.
• Sun exposure - With high sunny days, Framingham gets the 6+ hours of daily sunlight lavender requires.
• Deer resistance - Deer tend to avoid the strong scent of lavender, making it a good option for Framingham gardens prone to deer.
• Versatility - Lavender has culinary, crafting, aromatherapeutic, and landscaping uses around the home.

Best Types of Lavender for Framingham

Choosing species suited for the climate is key for lavender success. Here are top varieties to plant in Framingham:

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

With pretty purple blooms on long stalks, English lavender thrives in Zone 5. It produces abundant flowers and robust scent. The cultivars 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead' do well in Framingham.

French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

French lavender can handle colder winters and drier conditions than English varieties. Try growing the cultivars Goodwin Creek Grey or Richard Gray.

Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

Topped with showy purple bracts, Spanish lavender varieties like Otto Quast and Kew Red add vibrant late spring color to Framingham gardens.

Fringed Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

The fringed bracts of Lavandula dentata provide visual appeal. Cotton Lavender offers gray-blue foliage and pretty flowers. For drought tolerance, go with SuperBlue.

When to Plant Lavender in Framingham

Lavender grown from cuttings or young plants should be planted in the spring or fall in Framingham. This allows time for roots to establish before winter frosts or summer heat arrive. Focus on these windows:

• Spring - Plant in April or May after the last frost date.
• Fall - September or October planting avoids hot summer temperatures.

You can also plant packaged or potted lavender in summer, but ensure the soil stays moist during establishment.

Selecting the Right Lavender Planting Location

Choosing optimal growing conditions is key to healthy, thriving lavender. Consider these location tips:

• Full sun - Lavender needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for flowers and fragrance.
• Well-draining soil - Heavy, damp soil causes root rot. Pick a spot with sandy loam or gravelly soil.
• Avoid low areas - Low-lying sites collect moisture. Plant on mounded beds or raised rows instead.
• Near walkways - Locate lavender alongside paths and seating areas to enjoy the scent.

Proper site selection provides the light, drainage, and airflow lavender requires in Framingham.

Preparing the Soil for Planting

Pre-conditioning the soil ensures lavender has the proper nutrients and texture to thrive. Here are some tips:

• Loosen soil - Break up compacted earth with a shovel or tiller several weeks before planting.
• Remove weeds - Eliminate competing weeds which steal water and nutrients from lavender.
• Mix in compost - Work 1-2 inches of compost into the top 6-8 inches of soil to enrich it.
• Check drainage - Confirm water drains well by digging a hole and filling it with water. It should drain within an hour.
• Check pH - Test soil pH, as lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil in the 6.7-7.3 range.

With loose, weed-free, nutrient-rich soil, lavender can develop an extensive root system in Framingham.

Planting Lavender in Framingham

Here is a step-by-step guide to planting lavender:

1. Dig hole wider and deeper than the root ball or container. Roughly 12-15 inches wide by 12 inches deep.
2. Optionally add gravel, sand, or stones in bottom of hole to improve drainage.
3. Gently remove plant from container or separate rooted cuttings.
4. Place in hole with top of root ball level with ground. Do not plant too deep.
5. Backfill hole with native soil, firming the earth around plant with hands.
6. Create water basin around the plant to hold irrigation water.
7. Water thoroughly until soil is moist but not soaked. Let excess water drain.

Properly planting lavender sets the stage for healthy growth and abundant blooms in Framingham.

Caring for Lavender Plants

Follow these tips for looking after lavender plants:

Watering

Water lavender when the top few inches of soil become dry. Apply about 1 inch of water per week. Avoid overwatering which causes root rot. Drip irrigation works well.

Fertilizing

Use a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring. Excess nitrogen causes leggy, weak growth. Mulch with compost to naturally feed plants.

Pruning

Prune lavender in spring once new growth appears. Remove old flowers and trim just above leaf nodes. Don't prune into woody sections. Shape loosely.

Winter Care

Mulch plants in late fall for insulation from cold. Avoid pruning late in the season. Remove mulch when spring growth resumes.

With attentive care when planting and through the seasons, lavender will prosper in Framingham.

Common Lavender Growing Problems

Watch for these potential issues when raising lavender:

Drooping Purple Flowers

If lavender blooms start drooping, insufficient sunlight and too much moisture are likely causes. Improve drainage and ensure 6+ hours of direct sunlight.

Leggy Growth

Leggy, weak stems with few flowers indicates inadequate sunlight. Move to a sunnier location and prune back damaged parts.

Root Rot

Standing water around roots causes fungus and decay. Improve drainage and allow soil to dry between waterings.

Woody Base

A spreading, woody base happens when plants get old and overgrown. Rejuvenate lavender by pruning back to green growth annually.

Discolored Leaves

Issues like nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and cold damage can cause yellow or brown leaves. Address the underlying cause and remove damaged foliage.

Uses for Lavender in Framingham

Lavender has many versatile uses around the garden and home:

• Landscaping - As ornamental plants, hedges, and border plants
• Dried arrangements - Bundle dried lavender for decor and crafting
• Potpourri - Mix dried lavender into fragrant potpourri
• Cooking - Use fresh or dried lavender to flavor desserts, drinks, and entres
• Tea - Brew into floral herbal tea
• Bath & beauty - Make infused bath salts, soaps, oils, and lotions
• Medicinal - Soothe headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and skin irritation
• Repel pests - Deter moths, flies, mosquitoes, and deer with lavenders scent

Lavender is a versatile, fragrant plant with abundant benefits for Framingham gardens and lifestyles.

How to Harvest Lavender

To enjoy culinary, crafting, and aromatherapy uses from your lavender, properly harvest the flowers, leaves, or stems at the right time.

When to Harvest

For best quality essential oil, color, and fragrance, harvest lavender blooms at peak maturity. This generally occurs in mid to late summer when the lower flower buds on the spike begin opening.

How to Harvest

• Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
• Cut lavender flower stems just above the first leaf nodes.
• Gather into small bundles, cutting no more than one-third of each plant.
• Time harvesting for mid-morning after dew dries.
• Gently handle cut stems to avoid bruising.
• Dry or process harvested lavender right away.

Drying Lavender

After cutting lavender, dry it before long-term storage. Here are two options:

• Air drying - Bundle stems and hang upside down in a warm, dark, dry indoor area with good air circulation.
• Oven drying - Spread lavender thinly over racks or trays. Keep oven around 100F with the door ajar to dehydrate.

It takes 1-2 weeks for lavender to fully dry. To check if ready, rub a flower and ensure the petals crumble off the stalk.

Storing Dried Lavender

After drying lavender, store it in sealed glass jars out of sunlight for maximum preservation of color and essential oils. Use within 1 year for optimal potency and fragrance.

Getting a Head Start from Nursery Lavender Plants

For instant enjoyment, establish mature potted nursery lavender plants in your Framingham garden. Here are some top local nurseries to find quality lavender:

Brigham Hill Garden Center

This popular Natick destination has a wide selection of annuals, perennials, and herbs like lavender. They offer helpful advice for New England growing.

Volante Farms Garden Center

Shop homegrown annuals and hardy perennials like lavender at this locally owned Needham nursery. Family operated for over 100 years.

Berlin Country Flower Farm

Browse lavender alongside native perennials, herbs, and flowers at this charming nursery set on a historic farm in Berlin, MA.

The Green Spot Garden Center

This family garden center in Sherborn, MA offers a nice choice of lavender varieties ready for Framingham area gardens.

Visit these excellent local nurseries to find robust lavender plants for an easy planting project.

The Bottom Line

With proper site preparation, planting, care, and pruning, lavender thrives beautifully in Framingham. Add this ornamental herb to your garden for vivid blossoms, pleasant aroma, and abundant uses. Locate lavender in a sunny spot with well-draining soil for healthiest growth and maximum flower production.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.