A Detailed Guide to Lavender Sowing Time and Potted Care Methods

Many people love lavender, loving that dreamy purple sea, where a gentle breeze blows and fragrance fills the air. As a precious natural fragrance, lavender is widely used in perfumes and essential oils. In addition, lavender also has certain medicinal value. Now, more and more people grow it as a potted plant at home, not only to decorate the environment, but also for visual enjoyment. So when is lavender usually sown? How should potted plants be cared for?

I. When is lavender usually sown?

Lavender is generally commonly planted in parks or homes. Sowing is a crucial step; choosing the right sowing time and mastering the sowing method are what allow it to bloom smoothly.

Lavender is a flower that likes warmth, so it is generally planted in spring or autumn, that is, from March to June or from September to November each year, provided it is in the warm southern regions. If it is in the cold north, sowing from April to June is best. It is worth noting that it is best not to grow lavender out of season; although it likes warmth, it is not tolerant of heat or cold. Of course, with the development of cultivation technology today, greenhouse cultivation can also be used, in which case the sowing time is not restricted.

Lavender seeds are relatively small, so we generally choose broadcast sowing, and the soil covering the surface should not be too thick; sow in soil with good air permeability and moisture. Before the seeds germinate, they must be placed in a cool, ventilated place, and they will germinate in about a week. After germination, you can thin the seedlings appropriately to prevent overly dense growth and an unattractive plant shape. At this time, place them in a spot with diffused light for care, and do not let water accumulate in the pot.

II. How should potted lavender be cared for?

1. Suitable soil

For planting lavender, generally choose neutral or slightly alkaline sandy soil; it must be soil with good drainage, good air permeability, and a certain level of fertility. To ensure its water permeability, we can use certain media, such as mixing perlite and peat moss together.

2. Sufficient light

Lavender is a light-loving plant. Only with sufficient light can the flowers have true color and the plant shape be good. If there is insufficient light for a long time, flowering may be abnormal or the whole plant may be rather small. One thing to note here is that the summer light is too strong and can easily scorch potted lavender, so appropriate shading is needed to lower the temperature. In winter, sufficient light is needed, and if conditions permit, it can be cultivated under full sun, for example by providing a certain amount of artificial lighting.

3. Water according to the moisture of the potting soil

If there is too much water accumulated at the roots of lavender, it cannot breathe, leading to the death of the whole plant. So before each watering, observe whether the surface of the soil is dry before watering. You can also decide whether to water based on the degree of wilting of the leaves.

Watering time is also key. Generally, choose to water in the morning, and when watering, do not wet the leaves or flower buds, otherwise it is easy to cause pest problems. At the same time, an environment that is too humid also easily breeds pests.

4. Suitable temperature

Although lavender can grow in an environment of 5-30°C, it grows best between 15-25°C. If it is in high or low temperatures for a long time, it can easily cause the leaves to turn yellow or enter a growth dormancy period.

5. Apply fertilizer monthly

Lavender is a flower that does not need much fertilizer. Basically, the base fertilizer in the soil can maintain its normal growth. Generally, when it reaches the period of vigorous growth, you can apply fertilizer monthly, using nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer, and the concentration should not be too high to avoid burning the roots.

6. Pruning and shaping

Potted lavender is often pruned to maintain its overall shape, so after flowering, simply cut at the first node. Of course, you can also prune the shape according to your own preferences, such as into a round shape. Pruning also has the function of making it send out new branches and buds and removing old branches and buds.

Finally, potted lavender also requires attention to the prevention of pests and diseases. A common disease is root rot, which generally occurs easily in high-temperature weather and should be prevented and treated promptly.