The secrets to growing lavender

Growing lavender isn't difficult, even just on a balcony: the important thing is that it gets good exposure to the sun and the soil is well-drained.

The exposure

Lavender loves:

• Full sun (at least 6–8 hours a day)
• Ventilated positions
• Dry climate

The terrain

The soil for growing lavender must be:

• Well drained (essential!)
• Sandy or slightly calcareous
• Not too rich in organic matter

If the soil is heavy or clayey, mix in sand or gravel to improve drainage.

Healing properties

From this plant it is possible to obtain an essential oil which is useful in cases of anxiety, insomnia, and to fight influenza, cold and cough: it has analgesic, antiseptic and antibiotic properties. Not to mention that lavender essential oil is also able to relieve muscle pain, it has a soothing action diuretics and properties healing: a few drops are enough to provide relief from cuts, wounds, mosquito bites e jellyfish rash.

The watering

Lavender is more sensitive to overwatering than to drought. Watering occurs during two phases of the plant's life cycle: after transplanting and when it becomes mature.

• After transplanting: Water regularly for a few weeks.
• Once an adult: little water.

Pruning

This is a fundamental step to keep the lavender compact. It should be done:

• After flowering (late summer): shorten the branches by about a third.
• In spring: light adjustment of the shape.

Flowering and picking flowers

Lavender blooms from late spring until late summer (depending on the variety).
You can pick the flowers when they have just bloomed for:

• Scented bags
• Essential oils
• Herbal teas (edible varieties only)

How to grow in a pot

To grow lavender in a pot, choose terracotta containers with drainage holes, filling them with a mix of soil and drainage material (expanded clay, lapilli).

The most common lavender species

• Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender): very fragrant, resists the cold well.
• Lavandula Stoechas: recognizable by the purple “ears” at the top of the flower.
• lavandula dentata: serrated leaves, suitable for mild climates.

Read also:

• How to grow roses at home
• Petunias: How to Grow Them in Pots and in the Garden
• How to grow geraniums