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LavandulaLavandula

Lavender is an aromatic subshrub valued for its fragrant flowers and easy-care nature. It is ideal for sunny locations and dry soils, where it adds accents with its blue-violet blooms and attracts bees. Lavender is not only an ornamental plant but is also used in the kitchen, for fragrance extraction, and in folk medicine.

Lavandula (Lavandula): plant portrait for plant portrait - Ornamentals, Lamiaceae, Harvest Jun, Jul, Aug
Lavandula: plant portrait. harvest: Jun, Jul, Aug.

Quick profile

Key data

Planting

Apr, May, Sep

Harvest

Jun, Jul, Aug

Water

low

Good neighbors

RoseRosemaryThymeOregano

Avoid

MintHosta

Growing data

Lavandula Growing data

Seed depth

0.3 - 0.5 cm

Plant spacing

30 - 45 cm

Row spacing

40 - 60 cm

Germination temp

15 - 21 °C

Sowing and germination

Seed depth0.3 - 0.5 cm
Germination temp15 - 21 °C
Germination time14 - 28 days
Seed viability1 - 3 years
Light germinatorYes
Dark germinatorNo
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedNo
Direct sowing possibleYes
Pre-culture recommendedYes

Planting and spacing

Plant spacing30 - 45 cm
Row spacing40 - 60 cm
Plants per m²4 - 6 per m²
Bed widthfrom 40 cm
Spacing1 per sqft

Temperature and site

Soil temperature12 - 18 °C
Growing temperaturefrom 5 °C
Optimal temperature15 - 25 °C
Frost sensitiveNo
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancehigh
Cold tolerancemedium

Water, nutrients and care

Waterlow
Critical water phasesEstablishment after planting, Flower formation
Watering methodwasser sparsam am Boden gießen
Droughtvery_low
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needlight_feeder
Compost recommendedNo
Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container, support and growth

Height30 - 80 cm
Width30 - 60 cm
Root depth20 - 40 cm
Root spread20 - 50 cm

Year plan

Lavandula Calendar

All plants
Indoor sowingDirect sowingPlantingHarvest

Indoor sowing

MarApr

Seed is possible, but cultivars are often propagated by cuttings.

Direct sowing

May

Direct sow only into warm, fine soil.

Planting

AprMaySep

Plant in spring or early autumn into drained soil.

Harvest

JunJulAug

Cut flowers just before or at early full bloom.

Growing

Lavandula Site, soil and care

Spacing

30 - 45 cm

Storage

Dried flowers, Dried leaves, Essential oil

  • Lavender is an easy-care plant that benefits from some basic maintenance. The most important aspect is avoiding waterlogging. Annual pruning promotes flowering and keeps the plant compact. Lavender is well-suited for beginners, as long as the location is sunny and the soil is well-drained.

Pruning

Lavandula Pruning

renewal_pruning

Goal

renewal_pruning

Pruning timing

spring

MarApr

Main pruning for shaping and rejuvenation Before new growth starts, to invigorate the plant and promote summer flowering.

summer

JulAug

Removal of spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming Immediately after the first flush of flowers to stimulate a second bloom.

Remove

  • Dead, diseased, or damaged shoots
  • Spent flower stalks (to promote reblooming and prevent seed formation)
  • Overly long or inward-growing shoots that detract from the shape

Preserve

  • Young, vigorous shoots
  • Buds and young growth below the cut
  • The basic shape of the shrub

Avoid

  • Cutting into old, dead wood
  • Cutting too severely, which weakens the plant
  • Pruning when frost is imminent

Tools and hygiene

Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease and ensure clean cuts.

Companion guide

Lavandula Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

RoseRosemaryThymeOreganoConeflowerSedum

Avoid

MintHosta

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Aphids

Aphids can occasionally appear, especially on young shoots, but are rarely a serious problem for lavender.

Spittlebugs

Spittlebug larvae create foamy nests on stems. They are mostly harmless but unsightly.

Whiteflies

In sheltered, warm locations or greenhouses, whiteflies can appear and weaken plants.

Diseases

Root Rot

The most common disease in lavender, caused by waterlogging and poorly drained soil. Leads to plant death.

Grey Mold (Botrytis cinerea)

A fungal disease that occurs in high humidity and poor air circulation, especially on flowers and leaves.

Septoria Leaf Spot

A fungal disease causing small brown spots on leaves, usually in wet weather. Rarely severe.

Deficiencies

Nitrogen Excess

Lavender prefers lean soils. Excess nitrogen leads to lush, soft growth at the expense of flowering and fragrance.

Iron Chlorosis

Can occur in extremely alkaline or compacted soils, although lavender prefers calcareous soil. Rarely a problem.

Plant health

FAQ

When is the best time to plant lavender?

The best time to plant lavender is in spring, once the risk of frost has passed, or in early autumn. This allows the plants to establish well before winter.

How often does lavender need to be watered?

Lavender is very drought-tolerant and requires little water once established. Water only during prolonged dry spells and absolutely avoid waterlogging. Young plants need water more regularly initially.

When and how should I prune lavender?

Prune lavender lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage reblooming. In early spring (March/April), a harder prune is done to reduce woodiness and keep the plant compact. Never cut into old, dead wood.

Can lavender grow in a pot on the balcony?

Yes, lavender is well-suited for container growing on the balcony, provided the pot has good drainage holes and the soil is well-draining. Ensure sufficient sun and avoid overwatering.

Why is my lavender not flowering?

Lack of flowering can be due to insufficient sun, overly rich soil (especially too much nitrogen), incorrect pruning, or overly moist conditions. Check these factors and adjust care accordingly.

Related plants

Mint

Same family

Both belong to the Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae) family.

Sage

Same family

Both belong to the Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae) family.

Rosemary

Same crop groupSimilar nutrient needsSimilar water needs

Both are Mediterranean herbs with similar site requirements.

Both prefer lean soils and do not require heavy fertilization.

Thyme

Same crop groupSimilar nutrient needsSimilar water needs

Both are Mediterranean herbs with similar site requirements.

Both prefer lean soils and do not require heavy fertilization.

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-13

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-13

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Lavendel (Gattung)

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-13

  4. English Wikipedia: Lavandula

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-13

Details

More public plant data

Names
Common

Lavandula

Plural

Lavandula

BotanicalLavandula
Synonyms
  1. lavendels
  2. lavender
Common synonyms
  1. lavendels
  2. lavender
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
Misspellings
Search terms
  1. Lavandula
Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
Clades
  1. angiosperms
  2. eudicots
  3. asterids
  4. lamiids
OrderLamiales
Family botanicalLamiaceae
Family

Lamiaceae

GenusLavandula
Classification
Main groupornamental plant
Sub groupfragrant herb
Crop groupherb
Life cyclePerennial
Perennialyes
Woodyyes
Treeno
Shrubyes
Edible parts
  1. flowers
  2. leaves
Nutrient groupherb
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Months
  1. 3
  2. 4
Earliest month3
Latest month4
Notes

Seed is possible, but cultivars are often propagated by cuttings.

Sowing outdoor
Months
  1. 5
Earliest month5
Latest month5
Notes

Direct sow only into warm, fine soil.

Planting out
Months
  1. 4
  2. 5
  3. 9
Earliest month4
Latest month9
Notes

Plant in spring or early autumn into drained soil.

Harvest
Months
  1. 6
  2. 7
  3. 8
Earliest month6
Latest month8
Notes

Cut flowers just before or at early full bloom.

Month tasks
Book content
Overview

Lavender is an aromatic subshrub valued for its fragrant flowers and easy-care nature. It is ideal for sunny locations and dry soils, where it adds accents with its blue-violet blooms and attracts bees. Lavender is not only an ornamental plant but is also used in the kitchen, for fragrance extraction, and in folk medicine.

Cultivation specs
Seed
Seed depth cm min.0.3
Seed depth cm max.0.5
Light germinatoryes
Dark germinatorno
Cold germinatorno
Stratification neededno
Pre soaking recommendedno
Germination temperature c min.15
Germination temperature c max.21
Germination days min.14
Germination days max.28
Seed lifespan years min.1
Seed lifespan years max.3
Direct sowing possibleyes
Pre culture recommendedyes
Spacing
Plant spacing cm min.30
Plant spacing cm max.45
Row spacing cm min.40
Row spacing cm max.60
Recommended density per sqm min.4
Recommended density per sqm max.6
Thinning distance30 cm
Min. bed width40 cm
Square foot gardening spacing1 per sqft
Spacing notes

Plant spacing 30-45 cm, row spacing 40-60 cm. For dense planting 6 plants per m². When thinning, set to 30 cm spacing.

Growth dimensions
Height cm min.30
Height cm max.80
Width cm min.30
Width cm max.60
Root depth cm min.20
Root depth cm max.40
Root spread cm min.20
Root spread cm max.50
Growth speedmedium
Final size notes

Height 30-80 cm, width 30-60 cm. Medium growth, compact to broadly bushy depending on variety. Root system up to 40 cm deep, laterally spreading.

Temperature
Min. growing temperature5 °C
Optimal temperature c min.15
Optimal temperature c max.25
Max. heat tolerance35 °C
Soil temperature for sowing c min.12
Soil temperature for sowing c optimal18
Frost sensitiveno
Late frost sensitiveyes
Heat tolerancehigh
Cold tolerancemedium
Temperature notes

Hardy to -15°C, but young plants sensitive to late frosts. Optimal growth at 15-25°C. Heat and drought tolerant.

Water
Water needlow
Critical water phases
  1. Establishment after planting
  2. Flower formation
Drought tolerantyes
Drought sensitivityvery_low
Waterlogging sensitiveyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Water notes

Water only during prolonged drought, otherwise low water demand. Avoid waterlogging - quickly leads to root rot. Water young plants regularly until established.

Nutrition
Nutrient grouplight_feeder
Heavy feederno
Medium feederno
Light feederyes
Nitrogen needlow
Phosphorus needmedium
Potassium needmedium
Calcium needmedium
Magnesium needmedium
Compost recommendedno
Mulching recommendedyes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow
Nutrition notes

Prefers nutrient-poor soil. Overly rich soil leads to lush but less fragrant growth. Light compost application once per year in spring is sufficient.

Site

Full sun, warm location with good air circulation. Ideal on south-facing slopes, wall tops, or in gravel beds. Avoids shady, damp locations.

Soil

Well-draining, chalky, lean soil. Sandy-loamy with pH 6,5-7,5. Improve heavy, clayey soil with sand and lime. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.

Watering
Frequency

sparingly after establishment

Method

at the root zone

Notes

Waterlogging is one of the main causes of failure.

Nutrition
Fertilizer type

very light

Frequency

as needed

Notes

Lean soil supports compact, aromatic plants.

Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Possibleno
Bed planning notes

Lavender is perennial and remains in place for 5-10 years. Not suitable for crop rotation, but as a permanent planting in perennial beds, herb spirals, or rock gardens. Keep at least 40 cm distance from other plants.

Rotation prioritypermanent
Interplanting potentiallow
Mechanization relevancelow
Deficiencies
  1. Slugnitrogen_excess
    Name

    Nitrogen Excess

    Description

    Lavender prefers lean soils. Excess nitrogen leads to lush, soft growth at the expense of flowering and fragrance.

    Severitymedium
    Symptoms
    1. Very lush, dark green growth
    2. Fewer flowers
    3. Reduced fragrance
    4. Increased susceptibility to diseases
    Control
    1. Stop fertilizing
    2. Amend soil with sand or gravel to lean it out
    3. Leach soil in potted plants
  2. Slugiron_chlorosis
    Name

    Iron Chlorosis

    Description

    Can occur in extremely alkaline or compacted soils, although lavender prefers calcareous soil. Rarely a problem.

    Severitylow
    Symptoms
    1. Yellow leaves with green veins (especially on young leaves)
    2. General stunted growth
    Control
    1. Check soil pH
    2. Apply iron chelate fertilizer (cautiously, as lavender prefers lean soil)
Problems
  1. Slugwaterlogging
    Name

    Waterlogging

    Description

    The greatest danger for lavender. Quickly leads to root rot and plant death.

    Severityhigh
    Symptoms
    1. Wilting leaves
    2. Yellowish discoloration
    3. Soft stem base
    4. Foul odor
    Causes
    1. Poor soil drainage
    2. Excessive watering
    3. Heavy, impermeable soils
    Management
    1. Choose a site with good drainage
    2. Improve soil with sand/gravel
    3. Water sparingly
  2. Sluglegginess
    Name

    Leggy Growth and Bareness

    Description

    Without regular pruning, lavender becomes woody from below and bare, leading to an unsightly shape.

    Severitymedium
    Symptoms
    1. Long, sparsely leaved shoots
    2. Few flowers
    3. Woody base without new shoots
    Causes
    1. Lack of pruning
    2. Insufficient sunlight
    3. Aging plant
    Management
    1. Annual pruning in spring and after flowering
    2. Ensure sufficient sunlight
  3. Slugpoor_flowering
    Name

    Poor Flowering

    Description

    Lavender flowers sparsely when conditions are not optimal.

    Severitylow
    Symptoms
    1. Few or small flower spikes
    2. Short flowering period
    Causes
    1. Insufficient sun
    2. Too much nitrogen fertilizer
    3. Incorrect pruning time
    4. Too moist soil
    Management
    1. Choose a full sun location
    2. Maintain lean soil
    3. Prune correctly
  4. Slugfrost_damage
    Name

    Frost Damage

    Description

    Although many lavender varieties are hardy, severe winters or late frosts can cause damage, especially to young plants.

    Severitymedium
    Symptoms
    1. Brown, dead shoots
    2. Split bark
    3. Death of entire plant sections
    Causes
    1. Severe frosts without snow cover
    2. Late frosts after early sprouting
    3. Insufficient winter protection
    Management
    1. Winter protection (brushwood, fleece) in harsh areas
    2. Select varieties based on hardiness
    3. Do not prune too late in autumn
Problem management
Common pest groups
  1. Sucking insects (aphids, whiteflies)
  2. Spittlebugs
Common disease groups
  1. Fungal diseases (root rot, grey mold, leaf spot)
Prevention principles
  1. Site selection: Full sun, warm, and well-ventilated.
  2. Soil: Well-drained, lean, and calcareous.
  3. Watering: Absolutely avoid waterlogging, water only during prolonged drought.
  4. Pruning: Regular pruning promotes vitality and prevents woodiness.
  5. Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing for good air circulation.
Diagnosis notes

Look for wilting leaves, discolorations, unusual growth patterns, or visible pests. Most problems with lavender are due to incorrect site conditions or overwatering.

Disease graph
Scopecommon_lavender_problems
Profiles
  1. Slugroot_rot
    Severityhigh
    Conditions
    1. Waterlogging
    2. Poor soil drainage
    3. High humidity
    Affected parts
    1. Roots
    2. Stem base
    3. Entire plant
    Prevention
    1. Ensuring excellent soil drainage
    2. Planting on mounds or in raised beds
    3. Sparse watering
    Organic control
    1. Remove affected plant parts
    2. Loosen soil and improve with sand/gravel
    3. Stop watering immediately
  2. Sluggrey_mold
    Severitymedium
    Conditions
    1. High humidity
    2. Poor air circulation
    3. Dense planting
    4. Cool temperatures
    Affected parts
    1. Flowers
    2. Leaves
    3. Shoots
    Prevention
    1. Adequate plant spacing
    2. Regular pruning to promote air circulation
    3. Avoiding overhead watering
    Organic control
    1. Immediately remove and destroy infected plant parts
    2. Improve growing conditions
  3. Sluglegginess
    Severitymedium
    Conditions
    1. Lack of pruning
    2. Insufficient sunlight
    3. Aging
    Affected parts
    1. Stems
    2. Leaves (lower area)
    Prevention
    1. Strong annual pruning in spring
    2. Light pruning after flowering
    3. Planting in a full sun location
    Organic control
    1. Prune woody shoots back to green wood (not into old wood)
Diagnostic rules
  1. Symptom

    Plant wilts, leaves turn yellow, stem base is soft and smells foul.

    Possible causes
    1. root_rot
    First checks
    1. Check soil moisture
    2. Assess soil drainage
    3. Examine roots for rot
  2. Symptom

    Grey, fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves, dying shoots.

    Possible causes
    1. grey_mold
    First checks
    1. Check humidity and air circulation
    2. Assess planting density
  3. Symptom

    Plant becomes bare from below, long, sparsely leaved shoots.

    Possible causes
    1. legginess
    First checks
    1. Check last pruning date
    2. Assess sunlight exposure
  4. Symptom

    Few or small flowers, reduced fragrance.

    Possible causes
    1. poor_flowering
    2. nitrogen_excess
    First checks
    1. Check sunlight
    2. Review fertilization history
    3. Check soil moisture
  5. Symptom

    Brown, dead shoots, split bark after winter.

    Possible causes
    1. frost_damage
    First checks
    1. Check variety's hardiness
    2. Review winter protection measures
Prevention strategy
Cultural
  1. Choose a full sun, well-ventilated location.
  2. Ensure extremely well-drained, lean, and calcareous soil.
  3. Plant lavender on slightly raised beds or in pots with drainage holes.
  4. Maintain adequate plant spacing to promote air circulation.
  5. Perform a strong annual pruning in spring and a light one after flowering.
Monitoring
  1. Regularly check soil moisture to avoid waterlogging.
  2. Inspect plants for first signs of wilting or discoloration.
  3. Look for unusual frothy nests or insects on shoots.
Organic first response
  1. For waterlogging: Stop watering, loosen soil, repot if necessary.
  2. For fungal infections: Immediately remove and dispose of affected plant parts in household waste.
  3. For pest infestations: Rinse with a strong jet of water or apply neem oil.
Notes

The best prevention for most lavender problems is adherence to optimal site and care conditions, especially good drainage and sparse watering.

Phenology
Stages
  1. Germination: 14-28 days
  2. Sprouting: Spring
  3. Flowering: June-August
  4. Fruiting: Late summer
  5. Leaf fall: Not applicable (evergreen)
Notes

Lavender is a perennial subshrub that sprouts in spring and flowers in summer. The flowering period can be extended by pruning.

Harvest
  1. Flowers: June-August
  2. Leaves: Year-round (young leaves most aromatic in spring)
Harvest details
Harvest frequency

Once annually for flowers, continuously for leaves.

Harvest indicators
  1. Flowers: Fully open but not yet faded.
  2. Leaves: Young and fresh, before woody growth.
Post harvest handling

Hang flowers and leaves to dry or spread them on a rack. Protect from direct sunlight. Store in airtight containers after drying.

Storage
  1. Dried flowers
  2. Dried leaves
  3. Essential oil
Storage details
General storage category

Store dry, cool, and dark.

Storage life

Dried flowers and leaves: 1-2 years. Essential oil: Several years with proper storage.

Processing options
  1. Drying
  2. Distillation for essential oil
  3. Infusion in oil or alcohol
  4. Use as a spice
Kitchen usage

Lavender flowers and young leaves can be used sparingly in the kitchen, e.g., in baked goods, desserts, savory dishes (especially with lamb or poultry), or for flavoring vinegar and oil. The flavor is intense and should be dosed carefully.

Safety and edibility
Edible parts
  1. Flowers
  2. Young leaves
Inedible or caution parts
  1. Older, woody plant parts
Toxicity notes

In usual culinary amounts, lavender is considered safe. Excessive consumption or ingestion of large amounts of essential oil can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution.

Raw consumption

Young leaves can be consumed raw in small quantities. Flowers are usually processed dried or fresh in dishes.

Seed saving
  1. Seeds can be harvested from dried flower spikes.
  2. Seeds are viable after drying.
Seed saving advanced

Collect seeds from healthy, mature plants. Allow seed heads to dry completely until seeds drop. Store seeds cool, dry, and dark. Viability is limited (1-3 years). For specific cultivars, ensure no cross-pollination with other lavender species has occurred if true-to-type seed is desired.

Woody crop details
Rootstock relevancenot_applicable
Renewal pruning relevancehigh
Notes

Lavender is a robust, perennial subshrub that requires little special training or shaping. The main care consists of regular pruning to promote flowering and a compact growth habit.

Ecology
Pollinator valuehigh
Wildlife valuemedium
Biodiversity notes

Lavender is an excellent food source for bees, bumblebees, and other pollinating insects. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen, contributing to local biodiversity. The plant itself offers little shelter or food for other wildlife.

Practical notes
  1. Lavender is an easy-care plant that benefits from some basic maintenance. The most important aspect is avoiding waterlogging. Annual pruning promotes flowering and keeps the plant compact. Lavender is well-suited for beginners, as long as the location is sunny and the soil is well-drained.

Seasonal content
Spring

In early spring (March/April), the most important pruning is done to rejuvenate the plant and prepare it for flowering. Young plants can be planted out if needed.

Summer

The main flowering period is from June to August. After flowering, cut back the spent stalks to encourage reblooming. Harvest flowers regularly for fragrance and culinary use.

Autumn

A light pruning can be done again in autumn if necessary to maintain shape. Autumn planting is also possible.

Winter

In harsh areas, light winter protection (e.g., with brushwood) is advisable to protect the plant from severe frost. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.