French lavender is a beautiful plant that thrives in pots and requires minimal maintenance when provided with the right conditions. If you want to ensure that your potted French lavender stays healthy and vibrant, follow these simple guidelines.
Potting Mix for French Lavenders Soil
The key to successfully growing French lavender in pots lies in the choice of potting mix. French lavender prefers soil that is quick draining, sandy, and slightly alkaline. To replicate their natural growing conditions, you’ll need to create a potting mix that meets these requirements.
Start with a general potting compost from your local garden center, and mix in approximately one-third horticultural sand or perlite. These materials provide the necessary drainage and structure that lavenders need. They also help to balance the fertility of the soil, which is crucial for French lavender’s optimal growth.
Avoid using ericaceous (acidic) compost, as French lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soils. If necessary, you can increase the soil’s pH by adding a tablespoon of agricultural lime or half a cup of wood ash. These amendments will ensure that the soil meets the alkaline conditions that French lavender thrives in.
Watering
French lavender is a hardy plant that is well-adapted to hot and dry environments. Once established in the pot, French lavender typically does not require additional watering, except for a few specific circumstances.
Native to the arid Mediterranean climate of Southern Europe, lavenders are accustomed to minimal water. To replicate their natural conditions, it’s important to water them infrequently. This will help maintain the health of the plant and ensure a strong, aromatic scent.
Overwatering potted French lavender can lead to root rot, as the roots do not tolerate consistently moist soil. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering, as French lavender is more resilient to drought than excessive moisture.
Place in Full Sun
French lavender is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sun. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun exposure it gets, the more abundant its flowers will be, and the stronger its aroma.
It’s important to note that French lavender does not grow well in partial shade. If you want your lavender to flourish, find a sunny spot for it in your garden or on your balcony. The heat and dryness of full sun conditions will replicate the plant’s natural habitat and help ward off diseases.
Avoid Using Fertilizer
French lavender prefers relatively nutrient-poor soil, so avoid using fertilizer. Additional nutrients can be detrimental to the plant’s overall health and negatively impact the strength of its aroma, resistance to disease, and number of blooms.
Fertile soil or soil with added fertilizer can lead to leggy growth, yellow foliage, and reduced flower production. French lavender is specifically adapted to grow in sandy soils with minimal nutrients. By adding sand to your potting mix, you’ll create an environment in which your lavender can thrive.
Choosing the Right Pot
Selecting the right pot is essential for the well-being of your potted French lavender. Opt for a pot that has drainage holes at the base to prevent water from accumulating around the roots. A pot with a diameter of 12-16 inches will provide enough space for the roots to establish properly and access the moisture and nutrients they need.
Clay, terracotta, or ceramic pots are recommended because they are thicker than plastic or metal pots. These materials help insulate the roots from extreme temperatures and prevent the soil from becoming too compacted. Avoid placing the lavender pot on a drip tray, as it can trap water and create a moisture-rich environment that promotes fungal diseases.
French Potted Lavender Care in Winter
French lavender is not cold hardy and requires protection from frost during winter. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, it’s crucial to bring your potted lavender indoors to ensure its survival.
When the nightly temperatures reach around 5°C (41°F), move the potted lavender into a heated greenhouse, a garage, or a sunny window indoors. Although the plant is dormant during this period, it still benefits from as much sunlight as possible. Water the lavender lightly once every 4-6 weeks to prevent the potting mix from completely drying out.
In the spring, when the risk of frost has passed, you can return your lavender to an outdoor space that receives ample sunlight. This will allow it to thrive and continue to release its delightful fragrance.
Prune in the Spring for More Flowers
Pruning is an essential part of caring for potted French lavender. There are two schools of thought regarding pruning: either in early spring, just as new growth emerges, or in the fall after flowering. While both methods can be effective, pruning in the spring tends to yield better results.
By pruning in the spring, you stimulate the development of new growth that will support the abundant flowers of the season. Pruning lavender annually helps extend its lifespan by slowing down the formation of wood from the base of the plant.
To prune, cut back the top third of the soft, flexible growth while avoiding the woody base. Aim for a mound shape, as it helps the plant resist weather damage and encourages more blooms.
French Lavender Indoors
French lavender is an excellent choice for growing indoors, as it tolerates the hot and dry conditions found in most homes. This species, particularly the variety ‘Anouk,’ can easily fit on a sunny windowsill and emit its delightful fragrance.
When growing lavender indoors, avoid placing it in humid rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom. Lavender prefers drier conditions, and a light breeze from an open window can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Caring for lavender indoors is similar to caring for it outdoors, with a few additional considerations. To learn more about growing lavender indoors, read my article on the topic.
Key Takeaways:
- Use a potting mix that is 2/3 potting soil and 1/3 agricultural sand to ensure good drainage. Add lime or wood ash to create alkaline conditions, which French lavender prefers.
- French lavender typically requires regular watering only after planting. Once established, it is drought-resistant and heat-tolerant, minimizing the need for additional watering.
- Full sun exposure is crucial for stronger blooms and fragrance.
- Avoid using fertilizer, as lavenders prefer low to medium nutrient soil. Additional nutrients can result in leggy growth, yellow foliage, and reduced flower production.
- Choose a pot with drainage holes, preferably made of terracotta, clay, or ceramic. Avoid using a drip tray to prevent moisture retention that can lead to fungal diseases.
- Protect potted French lavender from frost during winter by bringing it indoors. Return it outdoors in the spring, when the risk of frost has passed.
- Prune potted French lavender in the spring to encourage more flowers. Cut back the top third of flexible growth, aiming for a mound shape.
- French lavender is suitable for indoor cultivation, particularly the ‘Anouk’ variety. Ensure it receives ample sunlight and avoid placing it in humid rooms.