The ideal soil mix for lavender in pots and containers is 30% course sand or gravel to 70% organic compost or potting soil. Add in a tablespoon of garden lime to the mix to raise the pH so that it is slightly alkaline. This soil mix replicates the optimal soil conditions of the lavenders natural Mediterranean range.
What is the best soil mix for lavender?
The Soil Mix
Two parts non-clay soil (for climates getting more than 40″ of annual rainfall, reduce the soil to one part) One part coarse sand. One part aggregate (pumice, expanded shale or 3/8″ crushed gravel) A few shovels of compost (no more than 5 percent by volume)
How do you make alkaline soil for lavender?
There are several ways in which you can make your soil more alkaline but the simplest and most effective is by adding lime. Garden Lime can be found in most garden centres and is made up of ground limestone, the active ingredient being calcium carbonate which helps to neutralize the acid soil.
Can I use regular potting mix for lavender?
Lavender is a Mediterranean shrub that needs dry, organic poor, and aerated soil. Normal potting soil is not suitable for lavender because it is too compact and water-retaining. A slightly alkaline growing medium obtained as a mix of potting soil, perlite with clay pebble is ideal.
What is the best compost for lavender?
Use a loam-based compost (John Innes No 3), mixed 50-50 with grit. A small dose of slow-release fertiliser in the spring of the second and subsequent years should see it flowering like mad. Remember: more fertiliser means more leaves, not flowers.
Should I add sand to soil for lavender?
Lavenders need the soils conditions that emulate their native Mediterranean soils. Fast draining, pH neutral or slightly alkaline, low to medium fertility sandy soils are the optimal conditions. Lavenders grow well in raised beds, pots and soils amended with sand or grit and multipurpose compost.
Is lavender better in pots or ground?
Lavender tends to be trouble-free, if grown in the conditions it enjoys. A sun-drenched spot with free-draining soil is ideal. However, if grown in wet or heavy soil, lavender can suffer root rots, leading to its premature demise. To prevent this, grow in a raised bed or container if you have these conditions.
Is Miracle Grow good for lavender?
Since potted lavenders cannot get their food naturally, you will need to fertilize. Use Miracle Grow and follow directions. They will need to be watered more often as the pot gets hot and water evaporates quicker.
Do lavender plants need big pots?
Start with large pots, as lavender plants can grow to the size of small shrubs. Twelve- to 16-inch containers do the job nicely. Fill the bottom inch or two of the container with Styrofoam peanuts or gravel to facilitate swift drainage.
Why is my potted lavender dying?
PLANTING LAVENDER in Clay Soil
What is a good fertilizer for lavender?
If your soil is acidic, add lime, because lavender likes a higher pH or alkaline soil. Fertilizers if you are organic: bone meal, blood meal or kelp.
What do lavender plants need to thrive?
Light: Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil to grow best. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade may help them thrive. Soil: Lavender grows best in low to moderately-fertile soils, so don’t amend the soil with organic matter before planting. Lavender performs best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils.
What is a good Fertiliser for lavender?
A low nitrogen fertilizer formulated to encourage blooming is best, but general-purpose fertilizer will also work if it’s diluted. Logee’s Plants recommends feeding only during the spring and summer months with a 7-9-5 or 15-15-15 fertilizer. Dilute 1/2 teaspoon of fertilizer in 1 gallon of water.
Should I put gravel around lavender?
Soil and Drainage: Lavender does best in slightly alkaline soil and loves poor, rocky, well-draining ground. Amend heavy soil with sand or pea gravel to ensure drainage.
What should not be planted next to lavender?
What plants should you avoid pairing with lavender? Because lavender loves full sun and dry conditions, it doesn’t do well with perennials or annuals that prefer shade. Plants such as some types of impatiens, hosta, camellias and fuschia are not as drought-resistant, so their need for water may drown out lavender.
How deep should lavender soil be?
Lavender has a rooting depth of 18-24 inches. In general, apply 1 gallon of water per plant per week after transplanting, until plants are established. Mature/established plants need ½ gallon of water every 2 weeks until flower bud formation.