When to plant Lavender?

Lavender thrives in full sun and demands excellent drainage, so choose the sunniest spot in your garden where water never sits. It performs best in sandy, chalky or loam soils with a neutral to alkaline pH; heavy clay is its enemy. If your soil is dense or moisture-retentive, dig in plenty of horticultural grit or sharp sand before planting—aim for at least a third by volume—to open up the structure and prevent root rot. Plant lavender in April, May or September when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild. Container-grown plants can go in at any of these times, but spring planting gives them a full season to establish before winter. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, set the plant at the same depth it sat in its pot, and firm the soil gently around the roots. Space plants 40 cm apart centre to centre; this allows air to circulate freely and reduces the risk of fungal disease as the plants mature and fill out. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil, then water every few days for the first fortnight if conditions are dry. After that, lavender needs very little irrigation; overwatering is a common mistake. Avoid adding organic matter such as compost or manure at planting time—lavender evolved on poor, stony hillsides and too much fertility encourages soft, leggy growth at the expense of flowers and fragrance. A light mulch of gravel or grit around the base helps suppress weeds, reflects heat, and keeps the neck of the plant dry, which is especially useful on heavier soils.