Lavender Indoors

Elisabeth — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:07:00 GMT

By this time all the virtuous gardeners have put in their bulbs, ordered amaryllis and/or paperwhites for the holiday season, and possibly even put a few bulbs in the refrigerator for forcing at winter's end. If you are thinking of ways to get through the plant-deprived winter months, consider buying a lavender plant to grow indoors.

Generally around holiday time, the stores sell pots of Lavendula dentata 'Godwin Creek Grey'. This lavender, which has toothed foliage that is almost more gray than green, is a variety of a species sometimes called "French Lavender". The name is something of a misnomer, since the plants are native to southern Spain.

The important thing to remember is that 'Godwin Creek Grey' and other French lavenders are too tender for cold-winter climates. Given enough sun, though, they are excellent pot plants. The purple flowers and aromatic foliage have all of lavender's winning traits--especially the wonderful clean fragrance. You can snip of flowers and leaves, dry them on a piece of newspaper and use them in sachets. You can also avoid all of that work and liberate that great scent by simply rubbing the foliage between your fingers every time you pass the plant.

Water your potted lavender only when it is dry and don't over fertilize as the plants like lean soil. When spring comes, take your lavender outside, where it can pretend that it is back in Spain soaking up the sun. Don't let the pot get waterlogged when it rains.

Growing lavender indoors means a winter of lovely fragrance. What could be better?

Caring for Lavender

Elisabeth — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:14:00 GMT

Do you have good luck with lavender? If not, there are a few possible reasons why the plants don't succeed.

Lavender needs the same amount of sun as roses--at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If your lavender doesn't get enough light, move it to a better location.

Lavender must have excellent drainage. If heavy clay soil is a problem, transplant your lavender to a raised or sloped bed. You can also amend your soil with grit. Without soil amendment, the plants will be prone to rot.

Some lavenders are more cold-tolerant than others. Before you buy, check the USDA zone hardiness number on the seed pack or nursery tag. Despite the effects of climate change, you will have better luck with lavender if you match the plant's zone hardiness requirements to the zone in which you live.

Lavender looks beautiful and smells great. It is well worth a little extra care and attention.

Growing Wise : lavender care

Lavender Indoors

Caring for Lavender