Are you a passionate lavender grower? Are you struggling with How to Grow Lavender Indoors? What are the top care and maintenance practices and how long does it takes to grow the herb indoors?
Trust me you have reached the right spot and you are not far away from growing your own lavender indoors.
Lavender (Lavandula) is an illustrious and odorous perpetual flowering plant with grey-green leaves and erect blossom spikes that produces deep blue flowers in summer. The lavenders are native to the Mediterranean region plus Europe and you can plant these alluring and glittering herbs in spring.
Can lavender be an indoor plant?
Naturally, the lavender is an outdoor plant that loves and adores growing in full sun and warm climates but with precise care and sufficient light; it is possible to grow lavender indoors.
Sunlight and warm temperatures are crucial to growing lavender indoors.
To meet the light demand you can position the pots/containers on the west or south-facing windows because these windows receive maximum sunshine during the day.
If you are still struggling with providing sufficient sunlight, you can provide supplemental light by hanging standard fluorescent tubes or high output luminous light (T5 type) 6 to 12 inches above the plant.
Second, the right pot/container size is decisive.
Choose a pot that is 1 to 2 inches wider and deeper than the root ball of lavender. Using awfully large pots will do more harm than good. Larger pots will hold more water which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
To grow lavender indoors, use plastic, clay, or ceramic pots.
Fill your pots with well-draining, slightly alkaline, and lean soil. Further, you can sprinkle some fertilizers onto the soil. This practice keeps the lavender plant thriving and flourishing.
Finally, water the pot with fresh tap water. Periodically you can check the soil with your fingers or a toothpick for the soil moisture content. If the top 4 to 5 inches of soil feels dry then you can add water otherwise leave it. As mentioned, excessive watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
How do I care for lavender indoors?
Concerning care for lavender following points are crucial:
- Sunlight works as a catalyst for lavender growth and success. Endow your lavender plants with as much light as you can.
- Avoid over and under-watering. Fill your pots with lean and well-draining soil. Add supplemental high-quality potting mix with limestone.
- Always grow short stature lavender varieties. You can grow French lavender in pots for immense success.
- Do not skip pruning your lavender in early or mid-spring. Pruning allows new prominent growth.
- Avoid splashing the water onto leaves and stems. Always apply water at the base of the main stem. Splashing water onto leaves and stems leads to pest infestation and mold.
How long does it take to grow lavender indoors?
Lavenders are slow growing herbs. The seeds usually take around 2 to 3 weeks to sprout. The herb reaches the mature size in 2 to 3 months.
Do lavender plants need direct sunlight?
About 6 to 8 hours of direct blazing and scorching sunlight is crucial for the vigorous growth and development of lavender in pots. To promote even growth and blooming rate rotate the pot weekly.
If you don’t have access to direct sunlight, you can meet the light demand by hanging fluorescent tubes above the pots for 8 to 12 hours daily.
No matter where you live and where you grow lavender herb proper care and full attention are always indispensable. The container lavender gardening success depends on daily care and protection from unfavorable environmental conditions.