Planting lavender: Tips to grow healthy and attractive lavender

Lavender, the best known therapeutic plant is the gardener's favorite since ages due to its aesthetic appeal and sweet fragrance too. The uses of lavender are varied. So, you can find options like lavender soaps, lavender based cosmetic products, lavender based condiments that are used in cookery and lavender based medicines. However, the most primitive use of lavender was as soap. Most surprisingly, the Latin version of lavender "lavare" itself means "to wash". Before you start planting lavender you must know that it was native to the mountains of Mediterranean regions. But today enthusiastic gardeners all over the world have conceived ways of planting lavender in almost any soil and climatic condition. But of course there are some considerations you must take into account if you wish to be a successful lavender grower. So, start reading further on this.

Varieties of lavenderr
If you think that lavender comes in a typical purple color only then you are wrong. There is an array of varieties that come in colors like red, white, royal blue, spring green, yellow, pink and indigo too. Lavender is also segregated into different categories depending upon the form of flowers, size of plants, fragrance and quantity of essential oil. So, as you start with your project of planting lavender you might come across varieties like Angustifolias, Latifolias, Spica, Lavender Pinnata, Lavender Hidcote Giant etc. Now, the most surprising thing to know about this amusing plant is that it is extremely easy to plant lavender. The simple primary needs are good drainage, judicious watering, bright sun and slightly warm soil.

Tips to grow healthy, strong and attractive lavenderr
Choosing a potted sapling is better option when you intend to plant lavender. It will give you quicker response as compared to seeds and you will be successful in planting lavender.

Soilr
Loose, arid soil is ideal for lavender as it promotes good drainage. Prepare the potting mixture by mixing bone meal, chicken meal and thick grained sand together with soil. Add decomposed organic manure to enhance the fertility of the soil. You must go for lean soil if you wish to secure more essential oil from your lavender. Similarly, alkaline soil is perfect if you like abundance of fragrant blooms from your plant.

Drainager
Root rot is a menace that kills lavender. So, ensure that your plant medium encourages good drainage. Thus, in case of container gardening fill the bottom layer of the pot with gravel and sand. Similarly, for flower bed, go for slightly inclined or raised structures that disallow water to stand.

Wateringr
If your plant is tender water it when the soil feels slightly moist. Follow this technique especially during summer when the temperature is extremely high. But as your lavender plant matures insist upon watering it only when the soil is dry. Over watering can kill this drought resistant plant.

Sunlightr
After planting lavender ensure that your plant gets at least eight hours of direct sunlight. This is specially recommended for the varieties that are planted in flower beds. But moderate sunlight is permitted if you plant lavender in a container and fail to water it regularly.

Pruningr
It is best to prune lavender in spring when you witness new growths in the plant. Go for a second pruning only after lavender has blossomed for the first time. Regular and timely pruning will help your plant to retain its shape. It will also encourage increased blooms.

Uses Of Lavender Around Your Homer
Use fresh lavender for fresh flower bouquet and dried flowers for beautiful potpourri. For fresh flower bouquet cut off the flower bearing boughs when half of the flowers have bloomed. Now, for potpourri cut of the branches when one-third of them have blossomed.

Other Usesr
Lavender based oils, balms, fragrances and cosmetic products are widely made using English and Dutch lavender. However, Dutch lavender is more sought after for perfumes as it as a strong aroma. Medicines for allergy, burns, insect bites and skin rashes are also made using lavender extracts. Honey secured from lavender flowers is more nutritious and beneficial for its therapeutic values. Lavender oil can be the best cure for chronic insomnia. You can find wide use of lavender in culinary products as natural flavoring agent. Lavender herbal tea is also instant refreshment.

You will definitely find these tips helpful as you start with your mission of planting lavender in your garden this season. With the minimum of laborious effort but maximum of dedication you will enjoy the fruit of your labor for years to come in the form of healthy lavender in your garden.