Grow Lavender Like a Pro

Throughout much of the West, few plants are easier than lavender. Most varieties perform best within 100 miles of the Pacific, but English lavender and allies (used in cooking) tolerate moderately cold, snowy winters.

Choosing Plants

Look for cutting-grown, not seed-started, plants (especially for hedges), as seed-grown size varies. Most thrive ~12 years before needing replacement.

Planting

Full sun, well-drained soil. In poor drainage, use raised beds. Space full-size varieties 3–4 ft apart, dwarfs 18 in. Mulch with decomposed granite or gravel, not compost.

Watering & Feeding

Irrigate deeply but infrequently, when soil is almost dry. Little or no fertilizer needed.

Pruning

Prune yearly immediately after bloom. Cut back 2–4 ft varieties by a third; low-growing types by 2–4 in. For repeat bloomers like Spanish lavender, remove faded flowers to encourage new ones.

Harvesting

Snip stems when bottom third of blossoms are open. Remove leaves, gather in bunches, secure with rubber band. Max 100 stems per bundle.