How do you care for lavender?

Lavender is a hardy perennial that can survive long droughts similar to conditions the Ohio region have had this summer. The younger field planting has only been watered once this season and we expect to only water one additional time before the end of the growing season.

You must choose your planting variety well and stick to the Angustifolia varieties. Winter protection is important for your oil producers. Two of our varieties we grow called 'Grosso' and 'Twickle Purple' may need a sheet covering during ice storms, depending on how windy the planting area will be.  Snow will provide insulation for your lavender so you will not need to cover during this time. Just watch out for ice! An overall well rounded Angustafolia plant would be Munstead or English which makes a great addition with an elegant aroma pretty much year round.

Plant lavender in well drained soil. A Loamy mix of sand, soil (clay soil around here) and composted manure or organic matter from a wild field or wood lot (any organic matter will do) is beneficial. Add 2 hand fulls of gravel, a little lime and Nitrogen starter fertilizer when you plant.  You can use a plastic weed guard, gravel or oyster shell mulch to help reduce weeding. Fertilize with Nitrogen the first 2 years then let the plant thrive on its own with just a little lime added every year to keep the PH up high, preferable 6.9 or higher!