Paul Jendrucko shares everything you wanted to know about growing lavender in your home garden.
Lavender is a delightful plant that adds both beauty and a heavenly scent to any garden. If you’re looking to grow lavender in your own garden, we have the perfect prescription for success. We consulted Paul Jendrucko, also known as “Dr. Lavender,” a renowned lavender expert from Sequim, Washington. He shares his knowledge and practical tips for tending your own lavender garden. So, let’s get started!
Lavender Basics
Lavender is a woody or bushy perennial, which means it lives throughout the four seasons. It goes through a dormant stage in winter and a flowering stage in summer. This resilient plant requires no fertilizers, pesticides, or chemicals to maintain its vigor. It’s also not preferred by insects or animals as a food source.
Choosing the Right Lavender
When selecting lavender varieties, be inquisitive and cautious, especially with over-the-counter and mass-propagated options from warmer climates. It’s best to choose lavender based on what thrives in your specific growing region. Pay close attention to the information on the plant container, as it can provide valuable insights.
Planting and Growing
Most lavender plants reach a height of 2-3 feet and a similar width when in full bloom. It may take a couple of growing seasons for the plants to reach maturity. Ensure that the soil drains well and doesn’t become waterlogged. Lavender thrives in cool and moderate temperatures, with soil temperatures ideally above 50°F.
Care and Maintenance
In the first growing season, lavender plants focus on establishing a strong root system and foliage rather than on reproduction. Snip off the growth at the base of the flower spikes, leaving a pair of leaves. In the following seasons, you’ll notice substantial growth and abundant blooms. Lavender loves the sun and good air circulation, so provide it with at least five hours of sunlight each day. Avoid overwatering, as lavender doesn’t require regular watering and can survive on rainfall alone.
Attracting Pollinators
Placing lavender outside the perimeter of vegetable gardens is a great way to attract and invite pollinators. The vibrant blooms will not only enhance your garden’s beauty but also support the local ecosystem.
Pruning and Harvesting
Prune lavender in mid- to late October, giving it a “Halloween haircut.” This timing ensures pleasant weather, firm soil, and enough time before holiday activities begin. Remember to leave 2-3 inches of green growth on the plant when pruning. Lavender doesn’t respond well to heavy pruning into the brown woody growth. To harvest lavender for display in a vase or floral arrangement, wait until the buds have swollen to a deep blue or purple color and several trumpet flowers have emerged. Harvest when no more than 25%-30% of the flowers have blossomed for the best results.
More Lavender!
In Sequim, Washington, you can witness the beauty of lavender for miles. The temperate climate and a cluster of small farmers in the area create the perfect conditions for lavender to flourish.
Now that you have these expert tips, you’re ready to start growing your own lavender garden. Enjoy the beauty, fragrance, and many benefits that this wonderful plant brings to your home. Happy gardening!
