What are the cultivation methods and precautions of lavender?

Lavender Introduction

Lavender belongs to the Lamiaceae family, and its reproduction methods are sexual and asexual. Common cultivated varieties include Betty Blue, Monshid, Graf, Purple Bouquet, Hidcote, French lavender, green lavender, and true lavender.

Lavender cultivation method

Lavender prefers a dry environment and cannot tolerate waterlogging. An annual rainfall of 600-800mm is more suitable for it. Lavender has a strong adaptability to the environment and is resistant to both low and high temperatures. It can withstand high temperatures of around 40°C and can also tolerate an environment of -21°C. After being buried in the soil and covered with snow, it can withstand low temperatures of -37°C.

Lavender is a long-day plant and needs sufficient light during its growth period. If the maintenance environment is dark, it will develop poorly and age quickly. It has a well-developed root system and is suitable for planting in deep, loose, fertile, well-drained, silicon-rich soil. It cannot be planted in acidic or alkaline soil.

Watering method

Lavender cannot tolerate waterlogging environments, and water cannot be retained at the roots. After each watering, wait until the soil is dry before watering again. Water should be applied in the morning, away from sunlight. Be careful not to let water drip onto the leaves and flowers, otherwise it will cause rot and breed diseases and pests.

Fertilization method

Lavender does not require much fertilizer. Do not apply too much fertilizer, otherwise the fragrance will fade. When planting, you can apply some bone meal as base fertilizer. For seedlings, you can apply Huabao No. 2. After the plants mature, you can apply fertilizers with higher phosphorus content, such as Huabao No. 3. Remember to apply thin fertilizers.

Pruning methods

After lavender finishes blooming, the plant can be pruned to 2/3 of its original size, cut off at the first node below the flower, and then trimmed into a hemispherical shape. A heavy pruning can be performed in late summer and early autumn to promote new branches, and dense, crossed, and overlapping branches and leaves should be thinned out to facilitate ventilation.

Lavender cultivation precautions

Lavender cannot tolerate heat and humidity, so drainage measures need to be taken during the rainy season. After May, it needs to be moved to a place where direct sunlight cannot reach it. It needs to be ventilated frequently and sprayed with water appropriately to keep it moisturized so that it can safely survive the hot summer. Pay attention to sunlight, water, temperature, and be patient.