I don’t know about you guys, but I personally find the scent of lavender in my mom’s garden so calming that it makes me want to fall asleep in there every time I’m watering the plants.
Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about growing lavender that has made the whole process substantially easier for us. No more dead or diseased lavender plants for us now.
Allow me to share with you 11 expert tips for growing the best lavender possible. But, first…
Why Does Lavender Grow So Well In Pots?
Well, like I’ve always said, pots and containers allow you to control growing variables best. Factors like water, lighting, and soil are in your hands once you decide to grow something in a pot.
Pots allow for sun-chasing and overwintering flexibility. They can also fit in odd spots, meaning you can put them anywhere you want, be it your patio, balcony, or entryway.
Some Common Challenges In Pots
Despite pots being an awesome growing medium, they do have their fair share of downsides.
Tried & Tested Tips For Thriving Potted Lavender
Tip 1: Choose The Right Lavender Variety For Pots
When it comes to growing lavender in pots, compact varieties like Munstead or Hidcote will work best. If you live in a hotter region, opt for Spanish lavender as it’s a lot more heat-tolerant.
Avoid large woody varieties unless you have deep planters.
Tip 2: Use A Container With Excellent Drainage
Terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots are ideal for this. Look for ones that are at least 12-14” deep and have multiple drainage holes around the sides or bottom. Elevating your pots slightly can drastically help with drainage.
Tip 3: Use Sandy, Well-Draining Soil
Blend whatever generic potting soil you have with coarse sand or perlite for better texture and drainage. Try your best to avoid any peat-based mixes that hold too much moisture.
Also, keep in mind that lavender does prefer more alkalinity for growth, so you might want to raise the alkalinity of your soil by adding some wood ash to it.
Tip 4: Place In Full Sun (6+ Hours)
Lavender needs direct light for healthy foliage production and blooming. Because of this, south or west-facing patios are typically ideal. Rotate your pot every few weeks to prevent leaning.
Tip 5: Don’t Overwater (Let It Dry Between Waterings)
As a general rule of thumb, stick a finger 2″ into the soil.
In the summertime, watering once a week should be enough. In winter, even less.
When you do water, however, keep a light hand as lavender typically doesn’t require a lot of water because of its drought-tolerant capabilities.
Tip 6: Prune Back Once Or Twice A Year
Trim your lavender plants lightly after the first bloom. A harder, more aggressive cut should be done in the late summer/early fall.
Pruning will ensure bushier growth and thorough flowering. Just make sure you DO NOT cut any old wood!
If you want a clearer idea of how much to cut and when, I also put together a full guide on pruning lavender in spring and fall that breaks it all down step by step.
Tip 7: Fertilize Sparingly
Use diluted compost tea or a low-nitrogen fertilizer mix in spring. A higher nitrogen content can trigger more leafy growth, but it will come at the cost of blooms.
Avoid going overboard with fertilization; feed your lavender once or twice during the season only.
If you’re not sure when or how to time it right, I wrote a quick guide on fertilizing lavender for more fragrant blooms, it might help you.
Tip 8: Allow Good Airflow Around The Plant
Try not to crowd pots – space them out at least 18-24” apart. Avoid placing them against solid walls or in corners, as that will limit airflow as well.
Having proper air circulation reduces the likelihood of mold and mildew development.
Tip 9: Protect in Winter (If Needed)
Bring your lavender pot inside or into a garage if temperatures drop below freezing. You can also insulate the pot with straw or bubble wrap if you want to keep it outdoors in the cold.
Just make sure you’re going with a hardy lavender variety if the winters are mild to harsh.
Tip 10: Deadhead Spent Flowers To Prolong Bloom
Snip off previously faded blooms to encourage reblooming in your lavender. Ensure you’re using clean shears and making cuts just above the foliage.
Bonus: Use dried flowers as sachets.
Tip 11: Repot Every 2–3 Years
Refresh the soil, trim roots lightly, and prune the top. Repotting your lavender will keep the plant productive and limit root binding. Do it early in spring before active growth begins.
It’s also a great time to take a few cuttings, here’s how I propagate my lavender while I’m at it.
Conclusion
Lavender is one of those flowering plants that pretty much nobody would dislike in their garden. It’s appealing to look at, adds color to the landscape, gives off a calming scent, and can provide a beautiful contrast against darker, edgy plants.
Now that you know the best tips and tricks to grow lavender in pots, it’s time for you to give them a shot and see what works for you. Good luck!
