The good news is that lavender likes alkaline soil — a given in most Houston gardens. Lavender also loves sun. No problem here, either. Excellent drainage is essential, so we must take steps to make sure the herb doesn’t drown when heavy rains saturate our heavy soils.
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What kind of lavender grows best in Texas?
English Lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia) are actually from the Mediterranean. They are called English Lavender because they are the variety that grows best in England’s climate (and in Central Texas, too)! They are quite cold-hardy and bloom in late spring/early summer in Central Texas.
Does lavender grow year round in Texas?
Not every type of lavender will grow in every Texas garden.It is winter-hardy in much of Texas but unfortunately is also more susceptible to fungal diseases brought on by our relatively high humidity. Gardeners in the Dallas area have had the most success with ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ varieties.
How do you keep lavender alive in Texas?
Lavender needs a very well drained, gritty, alkaline soil (ph 6.5-7.5 or even higher). They do not tolerate heavy, wet, or poorly drained soils. To improve drainage, plant on raised mounds or beds to drain away excess water.
Does lavender tolerate full sun?
Light: Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil to grow best. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade may help them thrive. Soil: Lavender grows best in low to moderately-fertile soils, so don’t amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
Is lavender safe for dogs?
Lavender contains a small amount of linalool, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Lavender poisoning is possible and results in vomiting, reduced appetite and other symptoms. However, mild exposure to lavender is not generally harmful and may help with anxiety, depression and stress.
How fast does lavender grow?
Growth Rate From Seed
Seeds may take two weeks or more to germinate and several months to reach transplantable size, or about 3 inches tall. Once transplanted into the garden, lavender grows several inches per year, flowering in the second or third year after transplant.
How do I care for a lavender plant?
Your job is to keep soil consistently moist—don’t let it dry out too much and don’t keep it overly wet. Aim to let soil dry to a depth of 1 inch between waterings. Prune your lavender tree frequently, giving it a basic clipping to maintain the shape.
How do you grow lavender well?
Grow lavender in full sun in well-drained soil. Half hardy and tender lavenders, such as Lavendula stoechas, should be grown in a sheltered spot. Cut back after flowering to prevent stems becoming woody.
Is lavender an invasive plant?
Although lavender (Lavandula sp.) does not currently appear on any invasive species lists, I urge you to read When is a Guest a Pest? and plant any non-native species responsibly.
Will lavender come back every year?
Lavender is a Low-Maintenance Perennial
And this beauty will come back to your garden every year, for about 3-5 years, so it’s a great investment. What is this? Before you make any plant purchases, however, I want to remind you to always choose plants that thrive in your plant hardiness zone.
How does lavender spread?
Given a sunny, well-drained site, lavenders will thrive in dry, poor soil and even self-seed.Follow the spacing recommendations on the plant tag (some lavenders spread up to 1 metre in diameter) when planting in a flowerbed, but shave off about a third of that when planting a row for a hedge.
Is growing lavender easy?
Growing lavender is easy and rewarding. Lavender can be grown in garden beds or in pots. To grow lavender successfully it needs well-drained soil and full sun. In arid climates lavender grows well as a perennial, but in humid climates it is often grown as an annual.
How do you grow lavender in Georgia?
Plant in full sun in a light, well-drained soil. Pick the flower stalks before the last flower on the spike has opened. Harvest on a dry day before the sun is too hot. Hang in bundles upside down in a shady, airy place.
Does lavender need lots of water?
Lavender is drought-tolerant, which means mature plants don’t need to be watered all the time like your other garden plants. Too much water can leave them susceptible to root rot and fungal disease. Young, newly planted lavender does need regular watering until established (either by irrigation or adequate rainfall).
Can lavender plant survive winter?
English lavender species are hardy, so can survive outdoors throughout winter and tolerate frost. Whereas Spanish, French and Italian lavenders are not frost tolerant and will need to be transferred to pots and taken indoors over winter, if they’re in a climate that receives regular frosts.
Does lavender oil repel bugs?
Lavender is such a versatile oil with so many benefits, including repelling insects and bugs. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to heal bug bites and stop the itching. Most Effective for Mosquitos, Ticks, Fleas, Spiders, Ants, Fruit Flies, Lice, Gnats and Bed Bugs.
Does lavender grow in part shade?
Lavenders need full sun and they do not grow well if at all in partial shade or full shade. Lavenders are a relatively short lived garden plant (4 years is typical) so do not do them a disservice by placing them in unfavourable shade.
Can I eat lavender leaves?
Yes, you can eat lavender! Lavender is an herb just like rosemary and thyme and you can eat lavender in endless dishes, drinks and sides!Culinary lavender means it has been cleaned extensively to remove spent blooms, leaves, stems, dust, and other bits of nature.
Does lavender bloom all year round?
Due to its Mediterranean origins, lavender prefers hot summers and dry winters.Guaranteed to flower through most of the year, they take a well-earned break in summer and come back in autumn, winter and spring.
Does lavender bloom the first year?
Some types of lavender will bloom the first year when seeded in springtime, but they might be more mature the second year.Depending on species or cultivar, flowers are purple, pink or white and bloom midsummer.
