Lavender, with its fragrant blooms and soothing aroma, is a favored plant in many gardens. Understanding its growth stages is beneficial for cultivating a thriving plant, optimizing care for consistent beauty and fragrance. This knowledge helps gardeners provide the specific conditions lavender needs at each phase of its development.
From Seed to Sprout
Lavender begins with a small seed, requiring specific conditions. Many varieties benefit from cold stratification, mimicking winter by placing seeds on a damp paper towel in a refrigerator for three to four weeks before planting. Once stratified, seeds are sown lightly on a well-draining, pre-moistened growing medium, as they need light to germinate and should not be buried deeply, typically no more than 1/8 inch. Optimal germination occurs around 70°F (21°C), often requiring a heat mat.
Lavender seeds can take two to four weeks to germinate, sometimes longer. Once emerged, seedlings are small, with true leaves appearing after the initial cotyledons. At this stage, consistent and intense light, ideally 12-18 hours daily from a grow light or a bright, sunny window, prevents spindly growth and encourages a bushy form.
Vegetative Growth
After the seedling phase, lavender enters vegetative growth, developing a robust root system and extensive foliage. This stage builds the plant’s structure and strength before flowering. The plant grows larger, becoming bushier and more established, typically reaching maturity in three to five years.
Lavender thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours daily for healthy foliage. Well-draining soil is important, as lavender suffers from root rot in waterlogged conditions. Sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5 to 7.5) is suitable; adding sand or gravel can improve drainage. While young plants need regular watering until established, mature lavender is drought-tolerant and prefers drier conditions, so avoid overwatering.
Flowering Phase
The flowering phase showcases lavender’s fragrant blooms. This period typically occurs from late spring through summer, with timing influenced by variety. English lavender often blooms from late spring to early summer, usually in June and July. French and Spanish lavenders can begin flowering as early as May and may continue through late summer or fall in warmer regions.
Flower buds first appear as tiny green structures on long spikes, swelling and showing color as they mature. The full bloom displays purple, blue, or pink hues, filling the air with its distinctive aroma. Individual blooms typically last three to four weeks, though some varieties have extended flowering periods. Encouraging prolific blooming involves deadheading, the removal of spent flowers. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to developing new flower buds, potentially leading to a second flush of blooms, especially for Spanish lavender.
Post-Flowering and Dormancy
After flowering, lavender transitions into its post-flowering phase, preparing for dormancy. Pruning after flowering maintains the plant’s shape, encourages new growth, and prevents woodiness. The most effective time to prune is mid to late summer, as soon as flowers fade, usually August or September. This allows for regrowth before winter, preventing vulnerability to cold damage from late pruning.
As colder temperatures arrive, lavender plants enter natural dormancy. Their green foliage may shift to a silvery-green, signaling a resting phase. Minimal care is required; watering should be significantly reduced or ceased, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Many hardy varieties, like English lavender, can overwinter successfully without extensive covering.