Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant plant that can be used to add color and scent to any garden. It is also a versatile herb that can be used in cooking, aromatherapy, and more.
In this blog post, we will provide tips on how to grow lavender in Florida. We will also discuss how to prune when growing lavender in Florida. So keep reading for tips on how to get your lavender garden started.
Can Lavender Grow In Florida?
Florida is known for its tropical climate, but did you know that it also has a subtropical zone? This zone extends from the southern tip of the state all the way up to Jacksonville. And within this subtropical zone, there are several microclimates that can support different types of plants. So, can lavender grow in Florida? The answer is yes.
Lavender thrives in warm, dry climates like the one found in Florida. So you should choose the right variety of lavender that is well-suited to the Florida climate. For example, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a good choice for cooler areas, while French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is more tolerant of heat and humidity.
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When To Plant Lavender In Florida?
Depending on the type of lavender you want to grow and the climate zone in which you live, you can plant it anytime from late fall to early spring.
If you live in an area with a very hot summer climate, it’s best to wait until fall to plant lavender, so that the plants have a chance to become acclimated to the heat before they face the full force of summer.
If you live in a warm climate, you can plant lavender in the spring or fall, giving the plants a chance to establish themselves before the heat of summer or the cold of winter sets in.
If you live in a region with mild winters, you can also plant lavender in late winter or early spring.
If you’re planting English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), it’s best to wait until after the last frost date in your area.
For French lavender (Lavandula stoechas), it’s best to plant in the fall or winter. If you live in an area with warm winters, you can even plant French lavender in late December or January.
Spanish lavender (Lavandula dentata) is a little more tolerant of cold temperatures, so it can be planted a little earlier in the fall.
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How To Grow Lavender In Florida
Although it is native to the Mediterranean, lavender will also thrive in other areas with the right conditions. Here are seven conditions that are necessary for growing lavender in Florida:
1. Well-drained soil
This is especially important in Florida, where the soil can often be quite sandy and waterlogged. To ensure that your lavender has the drainage it needs, consider planting it in a raised bed or on a slope.
2. Full sun
Lavender needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. If your garden is shady, consider planting lavender in a pot so that you can move it around to get the best light exposure.
3. Soil pH
Lavender prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. You can test your soil’s pH level with a home testing kit or by taking a sample to your local Cooperative Extension office.
4. Temperatures
Lavender thrives in areas with full sun and well-drained soil. The ideal temperature for lavender is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lavender does not tolerate extreme heat or cold, so it is important to choose a location with moderate temperatures. In Florida, this means avoiding areas that are prone to freezes or located in the hot, humid summer months. The best time to plant lavender in Florida is in the fall or spring when temperatures are more moderate.
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5. Water
While lavender does not require a lot of water to thrive, it does need a consistent supply in order to stay healthy.
During the hot summer, you will need to water weekly, but be sure to check the soil first. It should be dry to the touch before you water it.
In the fall and winter, you can cut back on watering to once every two weeks or so. Again, make sure the soil is dry before watering. Clay soils retain moisture longer than sandy soils, so you may need to water less often if your lavender is growing in clay.
6. Fertilize Regularly
Lavender is a relatively heavy feeder, so it will need regular applications of fertilizer to produce healthy growth.
You should use an organic fertilizer that is high in phosphorus such as bone meal or rock phosphate. This will help to encourage strong root growth and promote abundant blooming.
Once the plants are established, they will need to be fertilized every six weeks throughout the growing season.
In addition, Florida’s soil tends to be fairly sandy, so using a fertilizer that includes some organic matter can also be beneficial.
7. Spacing
Lavender plants should be spaced 18 inches apart. This will give the plants room to spread and fill in over time.
If you’re growing a particularly large variety of lavender, you may need to space the plants 24 inches apart.
If you’re growing lavender in containers, be sure to choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches wide.
How To Propagate Lavender
There are two main ways to propagate lavender: through seed or through cuttings. Both methods have their pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
1. How to propagate Lavender from seeds
Here are the basic steps:
Step 1:
Start with fresh, high-quality seeds. If possible, purchase seeds that were grown in Florida.
Step 2:
Select a planting site that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or have heavy clay soils.
Step 3:
Soak the seeds overnight. This will help to encourage germination and make the hard outer shell more pliable.
Step 4:
Sow the seeds in late fall or early winter, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Press the seeds lightly into the soil but do not cover them with more than a thin layer of sand or vermiculite.
Step 5:
Water the seeds until the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
Step 6:
Place the planting container in a sunny location. The soil should be moist but not soggy until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 2 weeks. Once they have germinated, water only as needed to keep the soil from drying out completely.
Step 7:
Fertilize the young plants every six weeks with an organic fertilizer.
Step 8:
When the plants are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or beds in your garden. Be sure to give them plenty of room to grow – lavender can spread up to 3 feet wide.
2. How to propagate Lavender from cuttings
Propagating lavender from cuttings is a simple and inexpensive way to increase your supply of plants. Here are some easy steps to follow:
Step 1:
Select healthy, non-flowering shoots from established plants. Cut a 4-6 inch piece from the end of a healthy lavender plant using sharp, clean pruners. Make sure the cutting includes several sets of leaves.
Step 2:
Fill a 4-inch pot with a mix of 50% perlite and 50% peat moss and make a small indentation in the center.
Step 3:
Strip off all but 2-3 sets of leaves from your cutting, then dip that end in rooting hormone powder or gel.
Step 4:
Place the cutting in the pot and gently firm the mix around it.
Step 5 :
Water the soil well and then place a clear plastic bag over the pot to create a mini greenhouse effect.
Step 6:
Place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
Step 7:
After 4-6 weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the stem. At this point, you can remove the plastic bag and continue caring for your new lavender plant as usual.
Step 8:
Once your lavender plant has established roots and is growing vigorously, you can transplant it into your garden or into a larger pot.
How To Prune Lavender
Pruning is essential for keeping your plant healthy and encouraging new growth. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the fresh scent of lavender all over again. Here are a few simple tips for pruning lavender:
- Lavender should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins.
- Remove any dead or dying stems. Cut these back to just above where they branch off from the main stem.
- Cut back any stems that are longer than 12 inches. Again, cut these back to just above where they branch off from the main stem.
- Once you have removed the dead and excess growth, you can shape the plant by trimming away any stray stems. Be sure to make your cuts at an angle so that water will run off them easily.
- Give your plant a light shaping with shears or a sharp knife. This will help it retain its shape and encourage new growth.
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Problem of Lavender Plants
Lavender is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and powdery mildew. These problems can be controlled with proper care and treatment.
1. Pests
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause yellowing and stunting of plant growth. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
Whiteflies are tiny, winged insects that feed on the undersides of leaves. They can cause leaf drop and decreased plant growth. Whiteflies can be controlled with Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause stippling and discoloration of leaves. Spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
2. Diseases
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves of plants. Powdery mildew can be controlled with fungicidal sprays.
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on the leaves of plants. Leaf spot can be controlled with fungicidal sprays.
Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown pustules on the leaves of plants. Rust can be controlled with fungicidal sprays.
Botrytis is a fungal disease that causes gray or brown mold on the leaves, stems, and flowers of plants. Botrytis can be controlled with fungicidal sprays.
3. Treatment
If your lavender plant is infested with pests or diseases, you should treat it as soon as possible. There are many effective pesticides and fungicides available at your local garden center. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully.
You can also try some home remedies to control pests and diseases. For example, you can make a homemade insecticide by mixing 1 part soap with 4 parts water. You can also make a fungicide by mixing 1 part milk with 9 parts water.
4. Prevention
The best way to control pests and diseases is to prevent them from happening in the first place. You can do this by planting lavender in well-drained soil and full sun. You should also space your plants so that they have good air circulation.
You should also remove any dead or dying leaves, stems, or flowers from your plant. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
If you have had problems with pests or diseases in the past, you may want to treat your soil with a pesticide or fungicide before planting lavender. You can also buy plants that are resistant to pests and diseases.
How To Harvest Lavender
If you’ve been wanting to harvest your own lavender but aren’t sure where to start, this guide is for you. Here are the simple steps to take to harvest your very own lavender:
1. Start by waiting for a warm, dry day. You don’t want to harvest your lavender when it’s wet, as this can cause the flowers to mildew.
2. Cut the stems about an inch below the flower heads, using sharp gardening shears.
3. Gather the stems together in a bundle, and tie them with twine or ribbon.
4. Hang the bundle upside down in a dark, cool place until the flowers are completely dry. This can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
5. Once the flowers are dry, carefully remove them from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
How To Grow Lavender Indoors
Though often thought of as a plant that only thrives in hot, dry climates, lavender can also be grown successfully indoors.
To grow Lavender indoors, you can do the following steps:
Step 1:
You should choose a sunny spot to place your lavender plant. A south-facing window is ideal, but east- or west-facing windows will also work. Lavender needs at least six hours of sunlight each day in order to thrive.
Step 2:
Fill a pot with well-draining soil. Lavender doesn’t like to sit in wet soil, so make sure your pot has good drainage holes.
Lavender prefers a light, sandy soil. If your potting mix is too heavy, mix in some sand or perlite to lighten it up. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix to begin with, as lavender does not like wet feet.
Step 3:
Plant your lavender seedling or cutting in the pot. Gently firm the soil around the plant and water well.
When watering your lavender plant, be sure to water it deeply but less often. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again. Cut back on watering even further in the winter months, as lavender is dormant then and does not need as much water.
Step 4:
Give your indoor lavender plant a little boost by placing it outside during the summer months. It will appreciate the fresh air and full sun.
FAQs
1. Does lavender grow well in Florida?
The short answer is yes, lavender does grow well in Florida. In fact, it is one of the few herbs that can tolerate the heat and humidity of the Florida climate. Lavender prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil, and it should be watered regularly during the growing season.
2. Where to buy lavender plants in Florida?
You can find lavender plants at some of the larger home improvement stores, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s, and Sunshine Lavender Farm. You can also try searching online retailers like Amazon or eBay.
3. How long does Lavender bloom?
The answer depends on the variety of lavender, but most lavenders will bloom for 3-6 weeks. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) typically blooms in late spring to early summer, while French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) blooms a bit later in the summer, Spanish lavender (Lavandula intermedia), can bloom twice a year.
4. Is Lavender toxic?
Though it is safe for humans, lavender can be toxic to dogs and cats if they ingest it. Symptoms of lavender toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and incoordination. In severe cases, lavender can cause seizures and respiratory distress. If you suspect that your pet has ingested lavender, contact your veterinarian immediately.
5. How often should lavender be watered?
Lavender is the perfect plant for those who don’t like watering their plants. It’s drought-tolerant and can survive with very little water, making it super easy to care of. In most cases, once a week should be sufficient. However, during periods of hot, dry weather, you may need to water your lavender more frequently.
Conclusion
FloridaLavender is a beautiful, aromatic plant that can be grown in Florida. The plants need full sun and well-drained soil. They should be spaced about 18 inches apart. Lavender can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is a drought-tolerant plant and will do well in hot, humid climates.
Lavender is a great addition to any garden. The fragrance of the blossoms is relaxing and the plant is relatively easy to care for. With a little attention, your lavender plants will thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment.
Thank you for reading about How to grow Lavender in Florida.
