How to Grow Lavender: Planting, Care, Pruning and Harvest

Lavender (Lavandula) is a Mediterranean shrub that thrives on neglect. It wants full sun, poor and very well-drained soil, and little water once established. Most lavender that fails does so because it is too wet, too shaded or never pruned. Get those three things right and a lavender plant will flower for 10–15 years.

Which Lavender to Grow

• English lavender (L. angustifolia, e.g. 'Hidcote', 'Munstead'): the hardiest, sweetest scent, best for cooking. Zones 5–9.
• Lavandin (L. × intermedia, e.g. 'Grosso', 'Phenomenal', 'Provence'): larger, long stems, the most oil; zones 5–9.
• Spanish lavender (L. stoechas, "butterfly" lavender): showy "ears" on top, less hardy; zones 7–9.
• French lavender (L. dentata): toothed leaves, long flowering, tender; zones 8–10.

Sun and Soil

At least 6–8 hours of direct sun. Soil should be sandy, gravelly or chalky and drain immediately after rain; pH neutral to alkaline (about 6.5–8). In clay, plant on a mound or in a raised bed with plenty of grit. Do not add rich compost or fertilizer.

Planting

Plant in spring after the last frost or in early autumn in mild climates, 30–45 cm (12–18 in) apart for a hedge and 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) for large lavandins.

Watering

Water new plants weekly for the first summer. Established lavender in the ground rarely needs water except in long droughts. Overwatering kills more lavender than drought.

Pruning

Prune every year right after flowering, cutting back by about one-third and keeping some green leaves on every stem. Never cut into old, bare wood: lavender rarely resprouts from it.

Propagation

Take 8–10 cm cuttings of non-flowering shoots in spring or late summer, or sow seed after 3–4 weeks of cold stratification.

Harvest

Cut stems for drying when about half the buds on the spike have opened, in the morning after the dew dries. For oil, harvest in full bloom.

All Lavender Growing Guides

• Planting lavender in the ground and pots
• Lavender hardiness and winter care
• Types of lavender
• Growing lavender from cuttings and seed
• How often to water lavender
• How to prune lavender
• Why lavender dies
• Harvesting and drying lavender
• How long lavender lives
• Lavender farming profit
• Lavender yield per acre

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lavender come back every year?

Yes, lavender is a perennial shrub that lives 10–15 years with annual pruning.

Does lavender need full sun?

Yes, at least 6–8 hours of direct sun.

What is the hardiest lavender?

English lavender (L. angustifolia), hardy to about −25 °C (−13 °F).

Can you grow lavender indoors?

It is difficult; lavender needs very strong light. A sunny window with a grow light can work short-term, but it does best outdoors.