Lavender is one of those plants that just makes sense in a garden. It smells incredible, looks beautiful, and once it’s established, it’s surprisingly low maintenance. But if you want to grow it successfully, timing is everything.
Plant it at the wrong time, and you could end up with weak, struggling plants that never quite thrive. Get it right, though, and you’ll have a garden filled with fragrant blooms that attract bees and butterflies all summer long.
Picking the Perfect Time
The best time to plant lavender in the UK is spring, ideally between March and May. This gives the plants plenty of time to establish roots before the colder months roll in. If you plant too early, late frosts can damage young plants. Too late, and they might not have enough time to get settled before winter.
Autumn planting is possible too—September and early October can work well, especially in milder areas. But there’s a risk. If the weather turns cold too quickly, young plants might not get a strong enough start, leaving them vulnerable to frost and excessive dampness over winter.
Why Spring Works Best
Spring is the sweet spot because the soil is starting to warm up, and the worst of the frost is usually behind you. The longer, sunnier days help lavender establish itself before it has to deal with the challenges of winter. By the time temperatures drop, your plants will be strong enough to handle the cold.
It’s also easier to care for young lavender in spring. You can keep an eye on watering, make sure they’re not sitting in soggy soil, and help them settle in without the extremes of summer heat or winter damp slowing them down.
What About Summer?
It’s tempting to pop a few lavender plants into the ground in the middle of summer, especially when garden centres are full of blooming, fragrant plants. While it’s not impossible to plant lavender in summer, it’s definitely not ideal.
The heat can make it harder for young plants to establish roots, and you’ll need to water them more often to keep them from drying out. If you do plant in summer, try to do it on a cooler day and give them plenty of water until they’ve settled in.
Avoiding Winter Planting
Winter is a definite no-go for planting lavender. The combination of cold temperatures and wet soil can quickly lead to root rot, and young plants are unlikely to survive the season. If you buy lavender in winter, it’s best to keep it in pots in a sheltered spot until the weather improves.
Picking the Right Spot
Timing matters, but so does location. Lavender needs plenty of sun—at least six hours a day—so choose a bright, well-drained spot. If your garden has heavy clay soil, consider planting lavender in raised beds or containers with free-draining compost to prevent waterlogging.
Preparing the Soil
Lavender hates wet feet. If your soil holds onto water, mix in some sand or grit to improve drainage. Adding a bit of garden lime can also help if your soil is on the acidic side, as lavender prefers a slightly alkaline environment.
Caring for Young Plants
Once you’ve planted your lavender at the right time, it’s all about giving it a good start. Water regularly for the first few weeks, but don’t overdo it—lavender prefers dry conditions. A little liquid seaweed feed can help encourage root growth, but after the first few months, it won’t need much in the way of feeding.
Pruning for Success
To keep your lavender healthy and encourage plenty of flowers, give it a light prune after flowering. Cutting back about a third of the plant stops it from getting too woody and helps it stay neat and productive. Just be careful not to cut into the old, woody stems, as these don’t always regrow.