Light requirements: Full sun.
Planting: Space 12 to 20 inches apart, depending on variety. (See listing above or check stick tag that comes with the plant for specific spacing recommendations.)
Soil requirements: Lavender demands well-drained soil with a pH of 6.7 to 7.3. To improve soil drainage, add builder’s sand or small limestone gravel, or tuck plants into raised beds or atop a stone wall.
Water requirements: Lavender prefers drier soil. Heavy, wet soil, especially in winter, can kill plants.
Frost-fighting plan: Lavender is perennial in some zones; see listing above for specific zones. Hardier English lavender can tolerate temperatures as low as 23° F.
Common issues: Lavender thrives in heat, but humidity can lead to fungus issues in some varieties. Plant where air circulation is good, and thin plants as you harvest blooms or stems. Add rock mulch to enhance moisture evaporation beneath plants. Lavender is generally pest-free.
Harvesting: Pick lavender leaves and stems at any point in the growing season. Best color occurs before buds open; fragrance strengthens as flowers mature. Avoid creating bare spots when clipping.
Storage: Dried lavender retains its fragrance for months. Fresh stems last in water five to seven days. For longer storage, dry or freeze leaves.
For more information, visit the Lavender page in our How to Grow section.
