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Q: I have got a number of lavender plants growing in beds in my backyard. They are around three years old and I water them regularly during the summer. I was wondering if I am looking after my plants properly and, if not, how often should I water lavender?
Lavender is a hugely popular plant that is very versatile. It offers delicate foliage and blooms together with a fantastic fragrance and is often seen in flower beds and herb beds, while it also works as a plant to line paths or for informal hedging.
If you already grow this aromatic herb, or want to learn more about how to grow lavender, then it is important to know the correct guidelines for watering lavender. It is a plant that does not require lots of water, whether being grown in the ground or pots, and overwatering lavender can lead to many problems.
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant flower that many gardeners like to grow in pots. With its gray-green foliage vibrant flowers and pleasant scent, lavender makes a great addition to any outdoor space. However, caring for lavender in pots does require paying close attention to watering. Lavender is adapted to hot, dry climates and does not like soggy soil. Knowing when and how much to water lavender in pots is key to keeping it happy and healthy.
Understanding Lavender’s Water Needs
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region It thrives in hot, sunny locations with dry, well-drained soil Lavender actually prefers some drought stress. Too much water can easily damage or kill lavender plants. The roots will rot if left in damp soil for too long.
When growing lavender in pots, it is essential to mimic its natural environment as much as possible. This means using free-draining soil, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, and not over-watering. Lavender grown in pots usually needs more frequent watering than in the ground, but it still does not like excessive moisture.
How Often to Water Potted Lavender
There is no single watering schedule that will work for potted lavender in all situations. Proper watering frequency depends on factors like climate, pot size, soil composition, and sun exposure. However, there are some general guidelines to follow:
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Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Test by sticking your finger 1-2 inches into the soil.
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Small pots will need more frequent watering, as often as every 5-7 days. Larger pots may only need water every 10-14 days.
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Hot and dry climates cause faster soil drying. Check pots daily in very hot weather.
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Lavender in full sun dries out quicker than in part shade. Adjust watering accordingly.
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Water less frequently in cooler weather, as little as every 2-3 weeks.
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Look for visual cues like drooping leaves or dry soil.
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Newly transplanted lavender may need more water as it establishes.
Watering Methods for Lavender Pots
When watering lavender in pots, proper technique is just as important as scheduling. Here are some tips:
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Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. This encourages deep root growth.
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Water at soil level, avoiding wetting the foliage.
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Water in the morning so leaves dry out during the day.
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Place pots in a saucer of water to soak from the bottom up. Remove once moist.
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Add water-retaining crystals to the soil to help reduce watering frequency.
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Consider using self-watering pots to maintain soil moisture.
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If the pot feels light when lifted, it likely needs water.
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Automatic drip irrigation systems work well for potted lavender.
Signs of Underwatering
It is easy to underwater lavender, especially in hot weather. Watch for these signs that your lavender needs more water:
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Leaves are curled, dry, and brittle.
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Foliage looks dull, grayish or bluish.
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Plant is drooping, with limp stems.
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Entire plant is stunted or not growing well.
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Soil is very dry when checked 1-2 inches down.
Signs of Overwatering
While lavender can tolerate short periods of drought, long periods of wet soil are fatal. Watch for these signs of overwatering:
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Leaves are yellow or brown on the lower part of stems.
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Leaves fall off easily when rubbed.
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Base of plant stems are black or mushy.
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White fungal growth on base or roots.
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Standing water in pot or saucer.
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Soil still feels wet 1-2 days after watering.
Tips for Healthy, Well-Watered Potted Lavender
Follow these tips and pay close attention to soil moisture to maintain beautiful lavender in pots:
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Choose pots with drainage holes and use well-draining soil.
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Add sand, gravel, or perlite to improve drainage.
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Lifting pots helps you gauge their water needs.
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Group pots together for easier watering.
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Put pots on drip irrigation timers.
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Water early so foliage dries completely.
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Check soil frequently, especially in summer.
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Less water is needed in cooler months.
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Transplant into larger pots as the plant grows.
With the right watering technique, potted lavender will reward you with lasting beauty and fragrance. Pay attention to signs of underwatering and overwatering to keep your lavender healthy. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the perfect watering regimen.
Can lavender be overwatered?
Yes, lavender can be overwatered both in the ground and when it is being grown in pots. Watering the plant too regularly, or failing to provide it with soil that drains very well, can both contribute to lavender becoming overwatered. The signs that a lavender plant is being overwatered will include yellowing or browning leaves, drooping leaves and stems, mold on the surface of the sodden soil, or a rotten smell.
How often do you need to water lavender in pots?
When growing lavender in pots it will need more regular watering than when planted in the ground. However, you still need to be careful not to overwater. Judging when to water plants in containers can be tricky to master, especially as lavender has lower water requirements than many other plants.
Tabar Lindsay Gifford, Customer Experience & Partnership Cultivator for American Meadows, says that overwatering, also known as ‘the loving it to death method’, is one of the most common mistakes when caring for lavender.
She says: ‘Lavenders in pots do need to be watered regularly but let them dry out completely between waterings. It’s best to do deep and less frequent waterings to keep your lavenders happy, healthy and thriving.’
When watering plants in containers, use your fingers to check the moisture levels down in the pot. It may look dry on the surface but still be very moist down near the roots.
Lavender in pots should be left to get moderately dry between watering and will need a deep water every two weeks. You should see the water run out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, that ensures the root ball will have had a good soak. Wait a few weeks until the soil looks dry again before another deep watering.
If you want to be able to precisely measure the moisture levels deep down in a container, then a soil moisture meter can provide quick results. One good example is the XLUX Long Probe Deep Use Soil Moisture Meter, available at Amazon, which can quickly and easily give instant results and is ideal for both deeper pots or for use out in the yard.
Lavender growing in pots should be left to dry out and then watered thoroughly( credit: Jacky Parker Photography / Moment / Getty s)
How to care for POTTED LAVENDER Watering, composting, pruning and more!
FAQ
How often should you water potted lavender?
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Check the soil:Before watering, insert your finger about an inch into the soil to check for moisture.
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Water thoroughly:When you do water, water deeply to ensure the entire root ball is moistened, allowing excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot.
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Frequency:In general, you’ll likely need to water potted lavender every 10-14 days, or even less frequently during cooler months or if the plant is established.
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Consider the environment:Potted lavender in hot, dry conditions may need more frequent watering than those in cooler, more humid environments.
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Avoid overwatering:Lavender is native to a hot, dry Mediterranean climate, so it thrives on well-drained soil and tolerates dry conditions.
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Signs of overwatering:Yellowing or browning leaves can be a sign of overwatering.
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Newly planted lavender:Newly planted lavender may need more frequent watering to establish roots, but gradually reduce the frequency as the plant grows.
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Winter watering:In the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly, or even withhold watering altogether if the soil remains moist.
What is the best way to take care of my potted lavender plants?
PROVIDE AMPLE SUNLIGHT
Lavender plants require full sunlight to thrive and bloom and will not be happy growing in the shade. That means it’s essential to place your potted plants in a location where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
How do I know if my lavender needs more water?
Dry soil is light. If you think it might need water, wait at least another day. If you watch the green leaves closely, they loose their luster and droop a tiny bit when needing water. The roots are near the bottom; it is when soil is dry at that depth that more water is called for.
How do you tell if lavender is overwatered or underwatered?
Drooping, a rotting odor, and of course sodden soil are also indicators of an overwatered lavender dying.Jul 29, 2024