A Beginner's Guide to the Growing Stages of Lavender

Known for its beautiful flowers and fragrant aroma, lavender is a delightful herb to grow. Like any plant, lavender goes through distinct growing stages from seed to mature plant. Understanding the lifecycle and needs of lavender will help you successfully grow it in your garden.

Lavender is a hardy, low-maintenance plant suitable for beginners. Give it plenty of sunshine, well-drained soil, and moderate watering, and it will reward you with years of beauty and use. This guide covers tips and what to expect at each stage of growth for this aromatic herb.

Lavender Plant Basics

Lavandula angustifolia, sometimes called English lavender, is the most common type grown. This Mediterranean herb thrives in hot, sunny climates and dry soil. The silvery-green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for the familiar lavender-purple flower spikes.

Lavender is a perennial herb, returning year after year once established. It grows 1-3 feet tall depending on the variety. Flowers typically bloom in summer.

Choosing a Lavender Variety

With over 400 lavender species, there are plenty of varieties to choose from. Here are some top picks for beginners:

English Lavender

Offers classic lavender color and scent. A common culinary type.

Spanish Lavender

Features pretty pinkish-purple blooms on compact 10-inch plants.

Provence Lavender

A French hybrid with especially fragrant silver-blue foliage.

Hidcote Lavender

A dwarf variety growing 1-2 feet tall, ideal for containers.

Melissa Lilac Lavender

Unique lavender-lilac flowers and a dwarf, bushy form.

Lavender Growing Stages

From seed to mature plant, lavender's growing stages span one to several years. Let's look at what to expect at each phase.

1. Germination

Lavender grown from seed starts with the germination stage. This is when the seed sprouts and the first roots and leaves begin growing.

For the best germination:

Use fresh seeds within 1-2 years of harvest.
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.
Sow seeds just below the soil surface.
Maintain a temperature of 65-70° F.
Keep seeds moist but not soaked.

You should see sprouts emerge in 14-21 days. Lavender has a relatively low germination rate, so sow extra seeds to ensure you get enough plants.

2. Seedling Stage

For the next 4-6 weeks, the tiny lavender sprouts focus on root growth and establishing their stems and leaves. Proper care now gives them the best start.

Seedling tips:

Place in sunny south-facing window.
Use well-draining seed starting mix.
Let soil dry out between waterings.
Monitor humidity and air circulation.
Transplant once 2-4 leaves appear.

3. Vegetative Stage

The vegetative stage follows successful germination and transplanting outdoors after your last frost date. This important stage lasts through the first year of growth.

In this phase, lavender works on:

Establishing an extensive root system.
Growing foliage and branching stems.
Storing energy it needs to thrive.

For strong vegetative growth:

Plant in well-draining, slightly alkaline soil.
Choose a site with full sun - at least 6 hours a day.
Space plants 1.5-3 feet apart depending on variety.
Water only when soil is partly dry to build drought tolerance.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage roots.

4. Bolting & Flowering

Lavender typically begins flowering in its second year in a process known as bolting. This is when the plant sends up taller flower stalks topped by the familiar lavender blooms.

In ideal conditions, flowering occurs:

In early to mid-summer.
After temperatures reach 65°F.
With at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Some varieties bloom lighter in partial shade. Hot climates may trigger earlier blooming. Established plants can continue flowering into fall.

5. Full Maturity

Lavender reaches its mature size in year 3-4 in ideal growing conditions. Mature lavender plants:

Grow foliage and root systems that sustain health.
Feature abundant blooms through summer.
Withstand weather fluctuations more easily.
Can be harvested for flowers and leaves.

To keep your lavender thriving into maturity:

Prune plants after flowering to prevent woodiness.
Apply organic mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Protect from harsh winds and winter precipitation.
Divide dense clumps every 4 years to rejuvenate.

Caring for Lavender Through the Seasons

While lavender is drought-tolerant, it still requires care tailored to the growing season for optimal health:

Spring

Prune old flower stems and shape plants.
Apply fresh layer of mulch around the base.
Fertilize very sparingly, if needed.
Watch for signs of new growth.

Summer

Water deeply if rainfall is lacking.
Harvest flowers for use once they open.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
Monitor for common pests like mites or leafminers.

Fall

Prune plants by up to 1/3 after flowering ends.
Disinfect tools between cuts to avoid disease spread.
Plant new starts or divisions for next season.
Mulch around the base as temperatures drop.

Winter

Protect from excess rain and snow accumulation.
Avoid heavy pruning in cold months.
Remove mulch if prone to rotting.
Apply dormant oil spray to deter pests.

Troubleshooting Common Lavender Problems

Catching issues early makes them much easier to remedy. Here are some potential problems and how to address them:

Leggy Growth

Cause: Inadequate sunlight.

Solution: Move plants or prune leggy stems to encourage compact growth.

Flowering Fails

Cause: Insufficient sunlight, over-pruned, excess nitrogen.

Solution: Increase sun exposure, limit pruning, and reduce fertilizer.

Root Rot

Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, compacted soil.

Solution: Improve drainage and water less frequently but more deeply.

Pests

Cause: Mites, leafminers, whiteflies, or aphids.

Solution: Remove affected parts. Apply organic pest spray as needed.

Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Insufficient drainage, overwatering, or alkaline soil.

Solution: Amend soil with compost, check pH, improve drainage.

Harvesting and Enjoying Lavender

One of the joys of growing lavender is harvesting it for decoration or use in cooking and DIY projects. Here's how to harvest once your plants reach maturity:

When to Harvest

Flowers: When blooms are newly opened for best color, scent, and oil content.
Leaves: Anytime during the growing season.
Stems: After flowering finishes in fall.

How to Harvest

Flowers: Snip stems just below the flower heads.
Leaves: Cut individual leaves or stems back by a third.
Stems: Cut woody stems back to just above leaf growth.

Uses for Lavender

Fresh or dried flowers for arrangements, crafts, and potpourri
Culinary lavender in recipes for desserts, drinks, and entrees
Dried sachets with flowers and leaves for scenting closets
DIY body care items like lavender oil, bath salts, lotions, etc.

Bring the Beauty and Fragrance of Lavender to Your Garden

With proper care through each growing stage, lavender is sure to be a treasured part of your garden for years. Pay close attention in the first season as plants establish roots and foliage. Mature, healthy lavender will reward you with an abundance of fragrant blooms and foliage to harvest.

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.