When to Fertilize Lavender for the Most Fragrant Blooms

Lavender is a quintessential garden herb known for its fragrant flowers and foliage.

In its native Mediterranean habitat, this aromatic shrub is found growing in rocky, nutrient-poor soils. This means that lavender typically needs little fertilizer to flourish.

Knowing how and when to fertilize lavender will ensure this aromatic plant stays looking and smelling its best.

Understanding Lavender’s Nutritional Needs

Lavender is a hardy plant that grows best in poor, well-drained soil.

Lavender prefers minimal nutrients, with overfeeding leading to too much foliage, fewer flowers, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Excess nutrients can even dampen the plant’s signature scent.

The key to growing healthy, fragrant lavender is to provide just enough nutrients to support healthy growth while keeping its aroma intact.

Best Time of Year to Fertilize Lavender

Lavender plants only need to be fed once a year. Early spring, as the plant emerges from dormancy, is the ideal time to feed lavender. This will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs as it begins producing new growth through the spring and summer.

It is important to avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can spur new growth that won’t have time to mature and become hardy before the colder months.

Also, pruning is a big part of keeping lavender happy and looking its best. I recently put together a guide that breaks it all down, you can read it here: when and how to prune lavender, so it stays healthy and full of blooms.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Lavender

A low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer or organic compost is suitable for your lavender. Stay away from high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can cause the plant to grow too fast, resulting in weak stems, fewer flowers, and a reduced fragrance.

Granular vs Liquid Fertilizer

Fertilizers come in two main forms: granular and liquid.

Granular fertilizers release nutrients slowly, making them a great choice for lavender. They can be applied around the base of the plant and will gradually break down over time.

Liquid fertilizers, on the other hand, provide a quicker nutrient boost.

For lavender, a slow-release granular option is usually the better choice, as it won’t overwhelm the plant.

Organic vs Non-Organic Options

Organic fertilizers are derived from natural materials, whereas non-organic fertilizers are chemically formulated.

If you prefer a commercial fertilizer, look for one made specifically for herbs or flowers. These tend to be lower in nitrogen and offer the right balance of nutrients that lavender needs.

Organic compost is an excellent option for feeding lavender because it breaks down slowly and releases nutrients steadily.

Other organic low-nitrogen options include bone meal and eggshells, which, like compost, can either be applied as a top dressing or incorporated into the soil when planting in the spring.

Signs Your Lavender May Need Fertilizing

Lavender is a low-maintenance plant, but there are a few signs that it might need a little extra attention.

If your lavender is growing slowly, producing fewer blooms, or showing signs of yellowing leaves, it could be a sign of nutrient deficiency. However, most symptoms are likely to be signs of other environmental stressors, so it’s important to rule those out before deciding to fertilize.

Yellow or wilting leaves: could be overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency.
Stunted growth: could be inadequate sunlight, temperature fluctuations, or nutrient deficiency.

In general, if your lavender is producing vibrant blooms and looking healthy, it probably doesn’t need any extra fertilizer. But if you notice any of these signs, a light feed in early spring could give your plant the boost it needs.

Common Mistakes When Fertilizing Lavender

Fertilizing lavender is straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Overfeeding: Using too much fertilizer, especially high-nitrogen varieties, can lead to excessive growth, fewer flowers, and a reduction in fragrance. Lavender thrives in poor soil and doesn’t need heavy feeding.
Fertilizing at the wrong time: Always fertilize in early spring, before the plant starts growing actively. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can encourage new growth that won’t have time to mature before colder weather arrives.
Overwatering: Lavender doesn’t tolerate waterlogged soil. With any plant, always ensure the soil is moist before fertilizing to prevent root burn. However, since lavender is sensitive to excess moisture, make sure not to overwater, and plant it in well-draining soil to avoid waterlogged conditions.

Conclusion

To sum up, lavender grows best with minimal fertilizing. At most, feed it once a year in early spring with a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer.

Keep an eye on the timing, and don’t overfeed—excess nutrients can reduce fragrance and affect the plant’s resilience. If you stick to these simple guidelines, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful, fragrant lavender season after season.