The lavender flower embodies the purity of the mountain air, the fullness of aromas and the beauty of the southern climate. Lavender bushes are easy to grow at home, following a number of rules - choose the proper type of soil, container, watering regime, maintain the temperature. The inflorescences in the form of ears, formed by whorls of flowers of purple, blue, white or red, add color to the interior of the kitchen or balcony. Let's analyze the rules for growing lavender in a room.
According to its biological characteristics, lavender is a thermophilic evergreen perennial shrub, therefore, at home, lavender plants feel good, provided that optimal lighting, moisture and temperature are created for them.
In the family, lavender can be used and useful as an essential oil crop with a pleasant aroma and as a medicinal plant. Bouquets are placed in a bed with a newborn for a restful sleep; it is useful for the elderly to drink herbal tea to normalize the heart rate and good blood supply to the brain. Lavender baths have a calming and rejuvenating effect.
Suitable varieties
The botanical genus Lavender includes about 50 species. The most common and suitable for growing in an apartment are:
- narrow-leaved, with elongated pubescent leaves and spikelets of inflorescences from pale blue to purple;
- toothed, with fleshy jagged leaves, like succulents;
- woolly - the leaves are whitish, covered with tomentose pubescence, the inflorescences are high;
- broadleaf - the most rich in aromatic oils;
- multi-cut - triple inflorescences, leaves - fern-like;
- petiolate - tall peduncles with purple flowers, the whole plant is fragrant;
- stekhad - pinkish-purple flowers on rounded inflorescences.
All these species belong to the Lamiaceae family, which are widespread in regions with a temperate and maritime climate.
Narrow-leaved lavender varieties
Seed producers offer domestic lavender varieties Izida, Sineva, Stepnaya and Yuzhanka for purchase with flowering periods from mid-June to early August. However, at home, plants can bloom earlier, and with good care, they can produce flowering shoots throughout the year.
It is important to remember: in autumn and winter at home, flowering will not be plentiful, as with the arrival of spring and summer.
English and Dutch hybrids are of particular interest. The cost of hybrid seeds is higher, but the variety of colors and aromas is wider: Manstead (purple), Headcoat blue (blue-blue), Alba (snow-white), Rosea (pink), Grosso, Elizabeth, Havana (purple).
Woolly lavender varieties
Densely pubescent leaves allow plants to evaporate less moisture and tolerate periods of drought well, at the same time, this type of lavender does not tolerate waterlogging at all, and if there is stagnant moisture in the container, the roots can get wet, which will lead to the death of the bush. The most common varieties are Richard Gray, Silver Frost, Sawyers.
Lavender varieties
These varieties are both highly aesthetic and contain many aromatic substances and essential oils. In room culture, the varieties Royal Crown, Blue Cushion (pale purple), Blue Ice (light purple), Christiana (blue-purple), Havenly Angel (white) are great.
Lavender varieties
The upper petals, like a tuft, above the head of the flower give the impression of an exotic plant, many varieties of Stekhad lavender are two-colored: Fathead - a dark blue spikelet with a scarlet tuft, Rocky Road - a purple spikelet with a pink tuft, Tiara - a blue cone with a white tuft, Q Red - a bright red spikelet with a white tuft, Lilac Wings is a purple spikelet with a pink tuft. Monochromatic varieties are no less beautiful - Helmsdale is red, Snowman is white.
Growing conditions
In nature, wild lavender bushes are found on the sandy coastal plains of the Mediterranean, in the arid mountain regions of Africa, Australia and India. The plant is very fond of heat and does not tolerate stagnant moisture in the soil. Let us consider more similarly what conditions must be created at home for the successful cultivation of lavender.
Flower pot
The root system of all varieties of lavender is deeply penetrating, pivotal. At the surface, the root branches, thickens and over time becomes covered with a dense crust. Therefore, for lavender, you should take a deep pot, the minimum container depth should be 12-14 centimeters. It is necessary to select containers on the basis that the flower will stay in the container for at least 3-4 years. In shape, these can be round, square or rectangular pots.
Vertically growing lavender bushes, planted at a distance from each other in elongated oval or rectangular containers, look spectacular. Bushes with drooping shoots are more effective in rounded or square pots. The color scheme of the container is also important - it is necessary to take into account the color of the flower and the details of the interior, creating harmony. It is advisable not to clutter the room with lavender with other flowers, otherwise the plant will not look good.
Placement and lighting requirements
To grow lavender at home in pots, choose south or southwest windows, which are warm and light during the day. In winter, it is advisable to insulate the window sill; on cloudy days, additionally illuminate the culture with a phytolamp. Lavender should be exposed to light for at least 6-7 hours a day in winter and at least 12 hours in summer. The room should be ventilated more often, but without creating drafts.
In the summer, the pots are transferred to a balcony or loggia, trying to prevent direct sunlight from falling on the delicate plant, otherwise it may burn out. It is preferable to find a bright place for the container in the back of the balcony.
Soil selection
Lavender grows on alkaline soils with a predominance of sand, so coarse river sand should be added to the soil mixture.
Important! When choosing a soil mixture, pay attention to the pH of the soil, it should be above the 7.0 mark.
If the substrate is mixed independently, then you should take garden soil, sand and peat in a 2: 2: 1 ratio. You cannot take a lot of peat, since it has an acidic reaction in the environment. On sale there is a soil for cacti with a pH of 7.5-8.0, which contains sod soil, ceramic chips and vermicompost. It works great with lavender.
Basic rules for growing lavender on the window
For growing in a pot culture, lavender can be sown with seeds, root cuttings taken from friends or acquaintances, layering or divide the finished bush.
Seed sowing rules
Sowing is best done in early spring, since at this time the plants show the greatest growth activity. The seeding depth is half a centimeter. A film is stretched over the container with the sown seeds to avoid moisture evaporation and drying out of the seeds. Seedlings appear within 10-20 days.
Immediately after the emergence of sprouts, the film is removed and the plants are provided with access to light, ventilation and loosening of the soil. If the seedlings are overly compacted, it is advisable to split them into separate containers.
Rooting cuttings
Shoots 2 to 4 years old with bark root well in water or sandy substrate. To do this, the stalk must be freed from the lower leaves and placed in a container with clean water or the lower end must be powdered with Kornevin or KorneStim powder, and then planted in a substrate, deepening by 2-3 centimeters. Cuttings can be stored in the refrigerator for about a month.
Reproduction by layering
If you have a lavender bush in mind that you would like to propagate, then one of the old branches that deviate down to the soil can be sprinkled with substrate, and after 3-4 weeks, carefully cut off from the mother bush, dug up and transfer to a new container.
Dividing the bush
The division of the bush can be performed if the plant is adult, and many well-developed shoots are growing from its root, and the root itself has grown in a horizontal direction. In this case, the bush is carefully cut with a pruner along the root and planted in separate containers.
Further care of the culture
When grown at home, lavender needs infrequent watering, dressing and pruning of the bush. In addition, it is important to arrange "seasonality" - in winter it should be cooler and drier, in summer - warmer and more watering. Let's take a closer look at how to care for lavender at home.
Watering
In the summer, watering should be no more than 2 times a week, moderate in volume. If the soil contains a lot of sand, then the soil in the container will dry out noticeably, but this should not be a reason for frequent and abundant watering.
In winter, watering should be done once every 10-14 days, in small portions. The water should be at room temperature, you can not water the flowers with unsettled water coming directly from the water pipes.
Top dressing
Lavender is responsive to potash fertilization. In summer, the soil can be fertilized with 5-7 grams of potassium salt, dissolved in 0.5 liters of irrigation water. In the spring, it is good to give top dressing with potassium humate at the rate of 5 milliliters per 0.5 liters of irrigation water.
Important! Nitrogen fertilizers, as well as manure and chicken droppings, should not be given under lavender.
Diseases and pests
Plants in containers can be affected by gray mold. This fungal disease manifests itself in the form of a white cannon bloom that appears on the shoots. Over time, the plaque grows into a gray-blue mold, and the plants die.
In the initial stage of the disease, the plant can be saved by spraying with Hom or copper sulfate. In the later stages, the drugs are of little effect.
Of the pests, spider mites carried from the street by the wind or with shoes can attack lavender. If a light cobweb is visible on the shoots, this is a sign of the appearance of ticks that are not visible to the naked eye. The bushes will be saved by one treatment with Fitoverm.
Difficulties in growing
When caring for lavender, the most difficult thing is adherence to watering regimes. The plant does not like long periods of waterlogging or lack of moisture in the soil.
To avoid this problem, make it a rule to water the flowers every other day, and the amount of water to irrigate varies depending on the room temperature. If it's hot, give more water and vice versa.
Harvesting
Spikelets are collected at the moment of full disclosure of each flower, tied into small bouquets and dried in a suspended state on the balcony. Store dry grass in paper bags or cotton bags for no more than 1 year. Dried bouquets in vases can be used in interiors as dried flowers. The lavender plant, for its beauty and benefits, deserves to be planted in an apartment. Use our recommendations to grow it and harvest a bountiful harvest of fragrant flowers.
- a lot of sunlight;
- loose sandy soil;
- infrequent watering.
Reproduction methods
Propagation using seeds
Dividing the bush
Lavender: description
Varieties of lavender
Lavender breeding methods
Reproduction by dividing the bush
Watering the plant
Lavender is familiar to many as an essential oil crop that has soothing properties and can help relieve headaches. An evergreen plant that requires an abundance of warmth and light, it grows naturally in the Canary Islands, India and the Mediterranean. This plant, which is successfully used in medicine, cosmetology, interior decoration, is especially popular in domestic spaces.
The endurance of lavender, the ability to withstand heat and frost make it possible to grow such a crop on an industrial scale.
Lavender: description
Lavender at home is an effective insecticide: when planted in orchards and vegetable gardens, it repels pests. In particular, the plant is not tolerated by moths and Colorado beetles.
In gardens and flower beds, lavender creates a chic backdrop, highlighting the individuality of the rest of the plants. Its harmony with roses is gorgeous, as well as the combination of aromas of these two beautiful plants.
Outwardly, lavender, the cultivation of which is not particularly difficult, is a bush with an approximate diameter of 0.5 to 2 meters, with narrow, silvery leaves; flowers (from blue to dark purple) are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences. Dried twigs have a delicate, somewhat bitter aroma. Used at home as an effective remedy against moths. Looks harmoniously in "folk" interiors: chalets, provence, country.
In ancient Greece, lavender was used for washing and washing, which is the reason for its today's name: "lava" from Latin means "wash".
Varieties of lavender
In nature, there are about 25 species of this plant.
Lavender is English or narrow-leaved. Has a strong fresh scent. The bush is about 1 meter in height and in diameter. Leaves are gray-green, narrow, small. The flowering period is in mid-summer. Inflorescences are large, placed on long stems. The variety is quite easy to care for, adapted to low temperatures.
Lavender is French or broadleaf. It is considered the ancestor of decorative varieties. Has a wide range of colors. Flowering begins in May. The aroma is very strong, not always pleasant.
Hybrid Dutch lavender. Popular in Southern and Central Europe. Narrow-leaved tall (up to 2 meters) variety, characterized by large inflorescences located on long stems. Blooms in July. It is widely used in industry.
Lavender toothed. The variety is thermophilic; in the conditions of the domestic climate, it is suitable only for indoor cultivation. It has silvery, soft leaves. The inflorescences are composed of large blue flowers.
Features of lavender care
Lavender at home takes time and some patience. The plant prefers sandy soil, direct sunlight, does not need frequent watering. In the shade, the plant will take root, but it will not please with abundant flowering. Planting lavender near bodies of water is not recommended. Being a long-term plant, lavender needs pruning, the purpose of which is to form a beautiful lush crown of the plant. It is required to produce it in the fall (after wilting of the spikelets-inflorescences), shortening the bush to a height of 3-5 cm above the soil surface. Pruning should be done carefully, until woody shoots.
Lavender, which is easy to care for, needs constant loosening. This will provide good air circulation and get rid of nearby weeds. Also, the earth can be mulched, rotted foliage, needles or wood chips can be used as mulch. The soil should remain open near the base of the trunk, which will protect it from rotting.
The plant is transplanted in spring or autumn, during the dormant period, before the onset of cold weather. For the winter, it is recommended to cover lavender with spruce branches or needles. If the plant is still frozen, the dead parts should be cut off. The bush will recover quickly enough.
Lavender breeding methods
Lavender is cultivated in several ways: by seeds, layering, cuttings, dividing the bush. The seed growing method is little used due to its duration. Lavender seeds must be sown in a prepared container with sandy soil, moistened and left for 30-40 days; the recommended temperature for this is + 5оС. After this time period, it is recommended to transfer the box with seeds to a warm, bright place, where to wait for the first shoots to appear. Disembarkation is carried out in May.
Seed lavender will grow better if the seed is stratified. To do this, the seeds should be mixed with a certain amount of sand, placed in a container, which must be wrapped in polyethylene and placed in the refrigerator for a month and a half. This will ensure faster germination of the plant. At the end of this procedure, lavender seeds can be sown. That's the whole procedure.
Lavender at home, planted with seeds, will not bloom soon: at first, the seedlings will develop, grow the root system. The plant will be able to show in all its beauty only after a year, or even two.
The method of propagation by layering is convenient and not laborious. It is required to prepare a groove near the bush, into which to bend several lower branches. The latter must be attached and covered with soil. By next spring, the layering is ready for independent existence, it only needs to be carefully trimmed on both sides, dug up and transplanted.
When grafting, it is recommended to use woody annual shoots. They need to be cut into pieces of 7-10 cm and immersed in a loose earthy mixture, covered with a film and constantly moisten the soil. Rooted branches must be carefully dug out, leaving an earthen lump on the roots, and transplanted to a permanent place of growth.
Reproduction by dividing the bush
The way lavender propagates by dividing the bush requires some preparation. In autumn, the plant must be cut off by 8-10 cm, and then sprinkled with earth. Sprinkle again in the spring: this will lead to the formation of numerous shoots. In the fall, the lavender bush will be completely ready for dividing.
New lavender bushes are planted depending on the size of the latter; the approximate distance is 0.5-1.5 meters between each other.
Lavender in a pot is beautiful, it is fragrant, it is unusual! Growing such a culture indoors is somewhat more difficult than outdoors. In this case, compliance with the temperature regime and careful maintenance will be important components of its high-quality growth. Indoor specimen of lavender is an order of magnitude smaller than its street compatriot, which does not detract from its decorative effect.
Lavender: home cultivation
So, to grow lavender at home, you will need a deep and wide container due to the massiveness of the plant's root system. The bottom of the pot should be covered with a layer of drainage; the soil for planting is recommended to be soft and well fertilized. Moreover, lavender does not like organic and nitrogen fertilizers; good growth will be provided by potassium-containing dressings. Mineral preparations are recommended to be applied to the root area during flowering. The most optimal soil composition is as follows: 3 parts of leafy soil, part of sand and two parts of humus. Sandy soil with added lime will create ideal conditions for lavender to grow.
Potted lavender prefers cool, sunny locations. It will feel most comfortable on a terrace, a cool balcony, from the outside of the window.
Watering the plant
It is enough to water the plant once a week (in the morning or in the evening), in the cool season - twice a month, using additional humidification. To form a lush crown, it is recommended to water it mostly on the green part of the plant. Water stagnation should not be allowed, otherwise the lavender at home will simply die.
It's not a secret for anyone that the world around is constantly changing, only flowers, especially indoor ones, remain unchanged. Many were captivated by their tenderness of blooming lavender in a pot, caring for which at home requires a lot of effort. After all, the homeland of this cute plant is the warm Mediterranean coast, where there are no severe frosts. And snow falls only on mountain peaks.
Today, there are up to 30 types of lavender. The most popular are:
Interestingly, the ancestor of potted lavender was a broadleaf variety that requires special care at home. In addition, the flower is appreciated not only for its lovely appearance, but also for its beneficial properties. 
It is widely used to make aromatic oils, in cooking, and also for medicinal purposes. As a result, the flower fell in love with enterprising fans of indoor plants.
Secrets of growing lavender on the window
For a long time it was believed that it was simply impossible to grow lavender in a pot at home. Unlike other indoor plants, as was previously thought, it is not adapted to such an existence. In fact, the flower takes root indoors if the temperature is carefully controlled and properly cared for.
To grow lavender in a pot, the following conditions must be met:
- The planting capacity should be about 2 liters.
- The diameter of the pot is at least 30 centimeters.
- Drainage from fine gravel or nutshells is laid at the bottom.
- The soil must be alkaline.
Even when these requirements are met, indoor lavender pleases its fans with flowers for a short time.
As soon as the root system of the plant senses the bottom of the pot, it must be transplanted. Otherwise, the lavender will stop growing, start to hurt, and eventually die.
In order for the roots of the flower to gain access to air, it is advisable to leave the hole in the bottom of the pot free. It is better to arrange the drainage carefully and accurately, and not in bulk. In addition, the plant needs feeding, which is carried out from time to time with special fertilizers. As a result, a potted lavender will appear at home, to the delight of indoor plant lovers.
Basic rules for caring for a southern beauty
When lavender grows at their summer cottage, this is a familiar sight. Delicate and cute flowers of blue or purple have won the hearts of many gardeners. But they do not want to part with them for a long time, therefore they are grown in houses on windowsills. The flower amazes not only with its magnificence, but also with a pleasant smell emanating from the buds. So proper home care for potted lavender benefits not only the plant, but also many pleasant minutes for its fans.
Growing a flower indoors is fundamentally different from caring for it in a flower garden. On the street, lavender successfully takes root under the shade of shrubs or trees. Even if it is watered only occasionally, it pleases gardeners for a long time with its flowering. Keeping a potted lavender requires a lot more effort and attention.
Many call the blue mountain flowers a charming visitor from the south. Therefore, for the successful growth of a plant, it is important to observe the following conditions:
- a lot of sunlight;
- loose sandy soil;
- infrequent watering.
If there is not enough sunlight in the house, the flower will starve and eventually die. On average, lavender needs bright light for 6 hours. You should not risk the life of an exotic flower for the sake of experiment.
When transplanting a plant into a larger pot, a suitable substrate is prepared, consisting of one part of humus, sand or gravel and two parts of sod land. First, the container with the plant is abundantly moistened so as not to damage the roots of the flower during transplantation. Together with the earthy clod, lavender is transferred to another container, where it continues to develop successfully.
To obtain a loose soil, regular soil is thoroughly mixed with sand and the drainage located at the bottom of the pot is covered.
With proper care for lavender, the main thing is not to overdo it with watering. 
A heat-loving plant does not need constant soil moisture. Otherwise, it will stretch upward, the leaves will first brighten, then wither, and "goodbye lovely lavender." In view of this, it is advisable to water the plant no more often than once every 7 days. In a period of high humidity, the gap between waterings can be increased up to 10 days. The best option is to water when the top layer of the earth is completely dry.
In winter, the bush is pruned and sent to a cool room. The cuts are made several catch higher than the place where the leaves begin to grow. Watering is carried out once every 14 days. 
In order for lavender to flourish on the windowsill for a long time, it needs to be fed regularly at least every 2 weeks. 
Any fertilizer for indoor plants will do.
Indoor plant lovers have noticed that lavender grows best in light-colored pots.
Dark-colored containers attract the heat of the sun, therefore they quickly heat up, which adversely affects the roots of the plant. Such, it would seem, is a trifle, and the life of a gentle southern flower depends on it.
Video about growing lavender in a pot
Lavender is a perennial essential oil crop, a semi-shrub. It is famous not only for its subtle Relaxing aroma, which is not tolerated by moths and mosquitoes, but also for its medicinal properties. Her homeland is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, therefore the plant is quite thermophilic.
Although this useful and beautiful flower is finicky and problematic to grow, it is possible at home in a pot. For good growth of room lavender, it is enough to take into account some subtleties and apply little effort. And these delicate flowers will adorn any balcony or loggia windowsill. Indoor specimens are much smaller than street varieties, but no less decorative.
How to grow lavender at home
For regions where the winter temperature drops below -15 ° C, it is necessary to take care of the safety of the roots, because there are no frosts in the homeland of a flower. The right solution would be to grow the bushes in ceramic pots or other suitable containers in order to be able to quickly hide them from frost. In winter, lavender shoots will do well in a pot on sunny windowsills at home.
Before growing lavender at home, you need to decide on the variety. When choosing one of the many types, it is necessary to take into account the climatic conditions of the area. French varieties are very thermophilic, while England and Portugal offer more resistant varieties.
The most important attribute when planting is the capacity in which the bush will grow. It should be deep and wide, at least 2 liters in volume and approximately 30 cm in diameter. After all, the root system of lavender has a large mass.
For the exuberant flowering of home lavender bushes, compliance with the basic rules of cultivation is required:
- Loosening the soil once a week to ensure the flow of oxygen to the rhizome.
- Laying a layer of mulch on top will help to maintain the moisture content of the substrate. For this, needles, sawdust or store-bought decorative substrate are suitable. Be sure to leave the lower parts of the stems open, otherwise mold or mildew may attack them due to the high humidity.
- To form a lush and beautiful bush, pruning excess, dry and weakened stems will help. Lavender can also be decorated in bonsai style, because it is obedient and shoots grow well in any direction.
- With the onset of winter, pruning of dried stems is carried out. In severe frosts, the plants are covered or brought from the balcony (veranda) into the room.
- To feed and fertilize the bushes, it is suitable to use, according to the instructions, any complex mineral preparation for ornamental plants (with the exception of violets). But at the same time, fertilizers should not contain organic matter and nitrogen. To accelerate the growth and build-up of green mass, the introduction of potassium-containing dressings will help. Top dressing is applied to the root areas during the flowering period.
- In the second half of July, feeding should be stopped, so the flowers can rest and successfully prepare for winter.
Reproduction methods
Lavender propagates by cuttings, cuttings, dividing the bush or seeds. Its layers are able to quickly take root and in the same year they will delight with delicate fragrant flowers. Growing from seeds is more time consuming, but it makes it possible to choose any of the varieties that are commercially available.
Propagation using seeds
After sowing, the first shoots appear in 50-55 days. With a great desire to grow one of the exotic whimsical varieties, strict adherence to all important stages of preparation and sowing is necessary:
- The seeds need to be stratified, for this they are kept in a cold place for at least 45 days. You can fill in the seed material with clean river sand, wrap it in a strong bag and store it on the lower shelf of the refrigerator. Cold hardening provides friendly seedlings, because it creates a feeling of natural conditions for the development of plants.
- Light and soft sandy soils with good fertilization are suitable for sowing. In this case, the seeds are buried no more than 3 cm. Clay soil is categorically unsuitable. The most optimal soil mixture is as follows: 3 parts of deciduous soil, part of sand and two parts of humus. The addition of lime helps to create ideal growing conditions.
- The appearance of the first shoots should be expected no earlier than 30 days. Normal growth should take place at a temperature of about + 15- + 20 ° C and sufficient light with the presence of sunlight. It is better to place containers with seedlings on the windowsill of a well-lit south or east window. Penumbra causes the shoots to reach for the light, resulting in weak, tall stems.
- Lavender does not tolerate severe waterlogging and. Good drainage is essential for stable growth in a container. For this purpose, pebbles, expanded clay, nutshells are used, and the bottom is strewn with shards or fine gravel. In this case, you need to ensure that the drainage does not block the drain holes in the bottom of the container.
- To bring the emergence of seedlings closer, the pots are placed under glass or foil. At the same time, it is important to ventilate twice a day.
- When the shoots grow 5 cm and form a strong, healthy horse system, it is time to transplant them into permanent growing containers. Seedlings are planted at a distance of 10 cm from each other, this is a suitable option for home growing.
- Now it is better to be patient, because in the first year of life the plants are busy forming the root system and are gaining strength. Lavender flowers will delight you with the appearance after a year, or maybe a year and a half.
Now all you need to do is simple maintenance, which consists in maintaining the moisture content of the substrate at a suitable level and regular loosening.
Dividing the bush
For successful reproduction by dividing the bush, some preparation is required. In the autumn, the plant is pruned at a height of 8-10 cm and sprinkled with soil. With the arrival of spring, lavender is sprinkled again. These actions lead to the formation of numerous shoots. With the arrival of a new autumn, the bushes will be completely ready for separation.
When multiplying by division, flowering comes earlier than when using other methods. Adult bushes are carefully dug up and divided into separate parts. Before planting new plants in the ground, the root lobes are cut off so that they receive more moisture from the soil. At home, this breeding method is the most convenient.
When the bushes gain strength and give the first inflorescences, you can try to propagate by layering.
Reproduction using layering
This is a very convenient and time-consuming method. Next to the bushes, grooves are made into which some of the lower stems are bent, fixed in this position and sprinkled with a substrate. Plants will take root in these places. Already next spring the cuttings are suitable for independent growth. They are cut off from the bush, dug up and transplanted.
Potted lavender looks very beautiful and unusual. Although it is not much more difficult to grow bushes at home and take care of it than in the open field. The main condition is the purchase of quality seeds or seedlings. Poor quality seed may simply not sprout. And for good growth, it is important to observe the temperature regime and carefully look after. If it is important to get a plant of a certain variety, then for complete confidence it is better to purchase already flowering bushes. And if you apply diligence and patience, the house will always be filled with the alluring aroma of excellent flowering bushes.
Growing lavender on a windowsill at home
Good afternoon friends!
Lavender is a magnificent and at the same time unpretentious plant that has not left people indifferent for thousands of years. Its flowers create a rich aroma used in perfumery, medicine, cooking, cosmetics, in everyday life ...
How to properly conduct your home? What conditions does she need for flowering on the window?
Growing any plant starts with choosing the right pot. Let's start with a small one, 12-15 centimeters in diameter. It is not worth taking more for now, the young plant will not be able to braid the entire volume of the earth with its roots and the earth may turn sour. When a young lavender seedling grows and it feels cramped in this pot, we will transplant it into a larger pot. It is better to take ceramic pots, without glaze applied to them. A drainage layer is poured onto the bottom without fail.
Lavender does not tolerate acidic soils. Land for planting, slightly alkaline, it is better to choose in a gardening store. Ordinary soil is also suitable, to which add 1 tsp. lime powder (per pot 12 cm). Adding perlite to the potting mix will benefit the plant.
We purchase planting material
The next point for growing lavender on the windowsill will be the acquisition of planting material. There are options here. You can grow a bush from seeds, you can buy a young plant in the store. An even more exotic way to plant lavender at home is to find fresh lavender sprigs (usually wrapped in plastic wrap) in the greenery section of a large grocery store and root them. You can propagate a lavender bush by layering, dividing the bush - but for this there must be a bush itself, but it just does not exist, we are just trying to breed.
It is possible to propagate this plant by seeds, but they will sprout only after stratification. That is, for about 30-40 days, it is necessary to withstand the seeds mixed with moistened sand at a temperature close to +5 degrees. A refrigerator shelf will do. There is another variant of stratification. The soaked seeds are placed on top of the soil in a pot where the seedlings will grow. Sprinkle lightly with sand, put the pot in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. After waiting for the right time, the container with seeds is transferred to the heat and waiting for shoots.
Store-bought green cuttings are fine for rooting. It is only necessary, purchasing them in the store, to try to choose annuals (their stem bark is still green) and the most vigorous. At home, cut them into cuttings from 8 to 10 cm. Free the lower end (2-3 cm) from the leaves, cut off the grassy top. Submerge the resulting cuttings in water for a day. Instead of water, you can use a solution of a root formation stimulator (Kornevin, Zircon or Ribav-extra). For rooting, we use a pot filled with slightly alkaline soil, and replace the top layer, 3-4 cm, with washed coarse sand. Rooted cuttings are placed in the sand at a slight slope. The plantings are covered with polyethylene and tightly tied. The method is not 100%, but with an increase in the number of cuttings, the probability of rooting will increase.
There is a seedling, how to care for it?
Water. Watering should be regular. Irrigation water must be defended. The watering regime is selected empirically, it depends on many factors: the material and size of the pot, the composition of the soil, the location of the plant, the weather and much more. In any case, it is better not to add a lavender bush growing in a pot than to water it.
On hot days, spraying will be very helpful. One condition is that the plant should not be in the sun at this time.
After waiting 10 days after transplanting, you can start fertilizing. You can start with fertilizers for decorative deciduous flowers. Diluted according to the instructions and used as irrigation water.
In the warm season, the pot with lavender growing in it is taken out into the open air. India, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands are considered the birthplace of this flower, the sun is always abundant there. She will benefit from sunbathing in our climate.
The lavender bush begins to bloom in July and lasts almost a month. The bush that has finished blooming is cut off, peduncles, thickening, broken and damaged branches are removed. With the onset of a steady cold snap, the lavender pot is transferred to the warmth. For a safe wintering, you need to put the bush in a cool room, water it rarely and little by little.
The young plant should be replanted annually for 4-5 years.
By pursuing growing lavender on the windowsill, the collection of flowers is carried out in the morning, when the lower flowers open on the inflorescence. Dry in a dark place.
What to do with the harvest?
We can:
A) Brew like tea.
B) Flavor the dough.
C) Take as a sedative.
D) Fight colds.
E) Aromatize laundry storage areas and get rid of moths.
See you, dear friends!
It's not a secret for anyone that the world around is constantly changing, only flowers, especially indoor ones, remain unchanged. Many were captivated by their tenderness of blooming lavender in a pot, caring for which at home requires a lot of effort. After all, the homeland of this cute plant is the warm Mediterranean coast, where there are no severe frosts. And snow falls only on mountain peaks.
Today, there are up to 30 types of lavender. The most popular are:
Interestingly, the ancestor of potted lavender was a broadleaf variety that requires special care at home. In addition, the flower is appreciated not only for its lovely appearance, but also for its beneficial properties. 
It is widely used for manufacturing, cooking, and medicinal purposes. As a result, the flower fell in love with enterprising fans of indoor plants.
Secrets of growing lavender on the window
For a long time it was believed that it was simply impossible to grow lavender in a pot at home. Unlike other indoor plants, as was previously thought, it is not adapted to such an existence. In fact, the flower takes root indoors if the temperature is carefully controlled and properly cared for.
To grow lavender in a pot, the following conditions must be met:
- The planting capacity should be about 2 liters.
- The diameter of the pot is at least 30 centimeters.
- Drainage from fine gravel or nutshells is laid at the bottom.
- The soil must be alkaline.
Even when these requirements are met, indoor lavender pleases its fans with flowers for a short time.
As soon as the root system of the plant senses the bottom of the pot, it must be transplanted. Otherwise, the lavender will stop growing, start to hurt, and eventually die.
In order for the roots of the flower to gain access to air, it is advisable to leave the hole in the bottom of the pot free. It is better to arrange the drainage carefully and accurately, and not in bulk. In addition, the plant needs feeding, which is carried out from time to time with special ones. As a result, a potted lavender will appear at home, to the delight of indoor plant lovers.
Basic rules for caring for a southern beauty
When lavender grows at their summer cottage, this is a familiar sight. Delicate and cute flowers of blue or purple have won the hearts of many gardeners. But they do not want to part with them for a long time, therefore they are grown in houses on windowsills. The flower amazes not only with its magnificence, but also with a pleasant smell emanating from the buds. So proper home care for potted lavender benefits not only the plant, but also many pleasant minutes for its fans.
Growing a flower indoors is fundamentally different from caring for it in a flower garden. On the street, lavender successfully takes root under the shade of shrubs or trees. Even if it is watered only occasionally, it pleases gardeners for a long time with its flowering. Keeping a potted lavender requires a lot more effort and attention.
We provide comfortable conditions
Many call the blue mountain flowers a charming visitor from the south. Therefore, for the successful growth of a plant, it is important to observe the following conditions:
- a lot of sunlight;
- loose sandy soil;
- infrequent watering.
If there is not enough sunlight in the house, the flower will starve and eventually die. On average, lavender needs bright light for 6 hours. You should not risk the life of an exotic flower for the sake of experiment.
When transplanting a plant into a larger pot, a suitable substrate is prepared, consisting of one part of humus, sand or gravel and two parts of sod land. First, the container with the plant is abundantly moistened so as not to damage the roots of the flower during transplantation. Together with the earthy clod, lavender is transferred to another container, where it continues to develop successfully.
To obtain a loose soil, regular soil is thoroughly mixed with sand and the drainage located at the bottom of the pot is covered.
With proper care for lavender, the main thing is not to overdo it with watering. 
A heat-loving plant does not need constant soil moisture. Otherwise, it will stretch upward, the leaves will first brighten, then wither, and "goodbye lovely lavender." In view of this, it is advisable to water the plant no more often than once every 7 days. In a period of high humidity, the gap between waterings can be increased up to 10 days. The best option is to water when the top layer of the earth is completely dry.
In winter, the bush is pruned and sent to a cool room. The cuts are made several catch higher than the place where the leaves begin to grow. Watering is carried out once every 14 days. 
In order for lavender to flourish on the windowsill for a long time, it needs to be fed regularly at least every 2 weeks. 
Any fertilizer for indoor plants will do.
Indoor plant lovers have noticed that lavender grows best in light-colored pots.
Dark-colored containers attract the heat of the sun, therefore they quickly heat up, which adversely affects the roots of the plant. Such, it would seem, is a trifle, and the life of a gentle southern flower depends on it.
Video about growing lavender in a pot
Lavender (lat.Lavandula)- a representative of the genus of plants of the family of lamines (Lamiaceae or Labiatae). The name comes from the Greek. Lava, which means to wash, is due to the fact that in ancient Greece lavender was added to baths. Botanists identify about 47 varieties of this plant. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean. Since lavender has not only a pleasant smell, but also certain medicinal properties, people fell in love with the plant and adapted lavender to life at home, or rather, began growing lavender flowers in pots and in flower beds.
Growing lavender at home involves choosing an appropriate place, preparing seeds, and stratifying them. An important feature of growing lavender at home is the ability to apply organic fertilizers.
It is much easier to grow lavender at home if you are the happy owner of a summer cottage where lavender can be grown on an industrial scale, experiment with varieties. At home, everything seems easier, since you can pick up a special container, experiment with the use of drainage. And most importantly: at home, you have the opportunity to plant lavender in a sunny place where it will not need additional growth enhancers.
Many people think that potted lavender is a very whimsical plant and gives a lot of trouble, but this is a myth. It is quite possible to grow lavender from seeds in a pot on your windowsill: the plant itself is unpretentious. On average windowsills and flower beds, we can most often find 2 types of lavender: broadleaf and narrow-leaved. Both of these species germinate and bloom beautifully. We will talk in more detail about the main subtleties and secrets of lavender, about the rules of planting and care in this article.
Did you know? If you live in the North or closer to the North, then narrow-leaved lavender is better for you, as it is more winter hardy.
In which pot to grow lavender, we select the size
The roots of mature plants require a lot of space to be able to feed flowers and leaves. In order to properly care for and plant lavender, you should first choose the right pot or container, because even if your flower spends spring, summer and early autumn in the open field, you still want to remove it for the winter (which is not at all necessary, you can simply shelter the lavender from the wind) in the correct and comfortable “shelter”. This plant, from the very beginning, loves large pots and containers.
Important! Even if you are just planning to plant lavender, choose medium-sized forms for this.
In order for lavender to receive proper care and planting, one pattern should be remembered - the smaller the pot, the less space for nourishment and growth, the smaller the flowers. The container (pot) must have a volume of at least 2 liters and a diameter of about 30 cm. The pot must have sufficient holes for water drainage, but gravel or drainage should not "close" these holes when planting.
How to choose a place for lavender
Many people think that lavender is not meant for indoor living, but this is a myth. Yes, lavender requires some special care, but all plants require care! So, the main factor in the quality of your flower will be the place for its "life". Here the opinions of botanists differ: some believe that lavender feels best in the open field, others - in apartment conditions.
Either way, the best shelter for lavender is a sunny, wind-sheltered place. If you leave the flower outside for the winter, you can cover it. The soil in which lavender is planted also requires special attention: it is best to use a mixture of peat and sand and remember that the soil must be alkaline.
Did you know? It is better not to plant lavender on a windowsill where there is a battery, as this will dry it out.
Lavender requires proper care and planting, which is carried out in a comprehensive manner throughout the entire growth and development of the plant. We have already mentioned the need for constant access to the sun's rays to the leaves and flowers of the plant, so it is best to place the pot of lavender on the south side. In the summertime, lavender is taken out for a walk on the balcony. But walking should start at an hour, because if you leave the plant outdoors for a long time, it can fade from an excess of oxygen.
Lavender is very thermophilic, but does not like dryness. For the winter, it is better to put lavender on the windowsill on the south side (if possible), but a temperature of 10-15 degrees will be optimal. But the temperature regime, lighting and the place of growth are not everything. In order for the lavender to receive proper care and planting, it is also necessary to regularly feed the plant, cut the cuttings, transplant the flower from time to time and loosen the ground. It is also important to remember about humidifying the air, if you do not have a humidifier, you can use a regular spray bottle and spray the plant with clean water.
Important! If your flower does not have enough light, then for the winter period you can provide it with additional lighting, including a fluorescent lamp next to it.
Top dressing
The main thing to remember about lavender is the plant does not tolerate organic and nitrogen fertilizers. The necessary preparations for the growth and development of a plant are those that contain potassium as the main component. The first time (8-10 weeks) after sowing seeds / planting a seedling, you need to fertilize the plant once a week with liquid fertilizers, based on the calculation of 2 g (1 plug) of fertilizer per liter of water. An effective fertilizer will be crushed eggshells, which will maintain the alkali balance in the soil. If your lavender grows in open ground, then it should be fertilized at the beginning of flowering with the same fertilizers (for example, Agricola) and after flowering (any mineral fertilizer) with the calculation of 3 liters per 1 bush.
Features of watering in winter and summer
Lavender only needs watering during dry periods, but don't think about watering lavender once a week. Of course, the flower will rot from too much watering, but the soil for room lavender should always be moist. Water for irrigation must be filtered or settled. If your plant is still young, then you need to water it twice a day: in the morning and in the evening.
Important! It is necessary to water not only the roots, but also the upper part of the plant, so many growers recommend arranging a "rain" for the flower: once a week, take the plant outside (put the pots in the bath) and water the whole plant with a watering can, with a thin stream of water. But in this case, you need to be extremely careful not to damage the leaves or color.
In summer cottages, caring for lavender also depends on the correct pruning of the plant, because if you cut the plant incorrectly, then there will be nothing to care for. The lavender pruning procedure is best done in 3 stages: summer (most important), fall and spring pruning.
Let's start with summer pruning. In order to prune lavender, we need gloves and regular garden shears. First of all, we cut off those branches that have small sprouts on the sides. We cut to these sprouts, then they will grow into a flower. If the branches of your plant have a tendency to bend, then you need to cut such a branch to the very bottom shoot. We also carefully check the plant for the presence of completely dry branches, which also need to be cut, usually such branches appear due to weather conditions or the age of the plant.
Did you know?Summer pruning allows you to harvest the product, namely flowers and leaves, which are most useful during this period.
During the autumn pruning of lavender, the main task is to cut off all flowers from the "falling" branches - cut to the point of bending. You can cut the lavender very shortly, you can not really, the time of the "rise" of the buds in the spring depends on it.
Spring pruning of lavender is best done in late March (weather permitting). Spring pruning is more like cleaning, as it is aimed at removing dry branches, broken, rotten. Pruning in spring is also done with the aim of "modeling" the shape of the plant.
How to plant lavender at home, plant propagation
Frequently asked question: how to plant lavender at home is as easy as shelling pears! All you need is a sapling, stalk, seeds, lavender cuttings, soil (container), fertilizer, shovel, soil baking powder and some basic knowledge and skills.
With air layering
The method of propagation of lavender by air layers is best used in cool weather, when the soil moisture is highest. When using this method, you do not need to prepare cuttings or buy seeds, just select the oldest branch (but alive) on an adult plant, cut a flower from it, dig a small hole and bend this branch there, sprinkle it with earth, water it every two days and fertilize a little 5-7 days after planting. This method sometimes works without your help: if you look under a bush of a mature flower, you will find several sprouts there, as a result of self-sowing lavender.
Lavender cuttings
Many inexperienced growers immediately undertake to plant lavender flowers with seedlings. Most make mistakes, because you need to know not only how to plant a lavender seedling, but also how to get it right. For cuttings, you need to take only young, but already lignified annual shoots from a healthy bush. It is necessary to cut off the color from the cutting (although it is advisable to choose shoots that have not yet bloomed) and clean the lower leaves by 3-4 centimeters.
For grafting, we need a medium-sized pot, clay shards, soil (a mixture of turf, leaf and sand in equal amounts) and dry sand. We spread the shards at the bottom of the pot, then we spread the moistened sand (for better drainage), then we tamp the earth. We put another layer of wet sand on top of the ground 1.5 cm. Next, we take the finished cutting, process it with growth stimulants and insert it into the ground with the cleaned side.
Growing lavender from seeds at home is not difficult as long as you have free space on a southern windowsill or balcony and, for starters, a two-liter pot. It is used and valuable is extracted from it.
How to grow lavender from seeds
A lavender pot must have good drainage and drainage, lavender does not tolerate stagnant water. The soil should be sandy-peat, with an alkaline reaction. You can add to the mixture. You can also add crushed eggshells to easily alkalize the mixture.
The seeds must pass before planting. During planting, the seeds should be sprinkled with soil 3 mm thick and placed in a bright, cool place, covered with foil until the first shoots. Seed germination is weak, so it makes sense to send 15-20 seeds to the refrigerator.
Pour the seeds onto a damp cotton pad, cover with another wet cotton pad. 
The first sprout to hatch 
Before leaving to the refrigerator, place the wet discs with seeds in a bag. We air it every 2-3 days for a couple of minutes. 
Sprouted lavender. 1 month
Grown lavender, about 2 months
When lavender has grown to six pairs of leaves, the top should be cut off or pinned to help it bush. Young plants require gentle but regular watering early in the morning and evening, remembering to water the green part of the plant. Lavender needs fertilization.
The light should be at least 10 hours a day - you can help the plant in the evenings or on cloudy days. Make sure that the leaves do not burn from the hot sun.
My lavender falls asleep before wintering.
The first year lavender is rather ordinary-looking, weakly branching, and in the second year it already blooms. The plant needs to be ventilated, but strong drafts should be avoided.
A year after sowing, the lavender should be cut to 15 cm above the ground, then your bush will be beautiful and thick. You need to prune the same after flowering.
In winter, lavender can be relaxed, for example, on the glassed-in balcony. The temperature should not drop below 5 degrees.
It is better to replant in early autumn or spring, so that the plant has time to settle down in a new pot before it blooms. Lavender is blessed with extraordinary.
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How to grow lavender from seeds at home on a windowsill: 54 comments
- Natali Waters
Hello)
wanted to ask, I've planted lavender, the seeds have sprouted well, but now the sprouts are beginning to bend and wither (almost a month has passed since planting)
I thought that due to the fact that they had not planted too deeply, they did not have enough land. Then I poured a little on top so that it would hold, but from this they began to die even more.
do not tell me what is wrong with them?
may need to be removed to a warmer place? - Vera
Hello Jane!
Thanks for the detailed information on growing lavender from seed. Let me ask you about the wintering of bushes. Do I need to water them in winter? I read somewhere that you can even put in a cellar ?! It was, however, about young bushes grown in the country house in pots from cuttings (so that they would not freeze). I brought my bushes (three) to the glazed loggia (t is always at least 10 degrees). So now only one of them is left, and that somehow looks very unimportant - it dries up somehow, although I water a little .... How do your bushes overwinter and when (in March, April?) Do they start to feel better? How much light do they need in winter? Thank you if you answer. - Olga
Girls, write how your lavenders wintered?
- Elena
Hello! Thank you for your information and illustrative photos!
I also really want to grow lavender from seeds at home. Only I live in the tropics.
Do you happen to know how to proceed? :) with the sense of winter there is no, the sun is very hot and the humidity is high….
Thanks! I would be very glad for your advice! - Olesya
I just bought seeds. I won't have time to stratify, I'll leave it until the fall. But I just want to plant a few seeds. I did not understand, I should immediately plant in a pot where lavender will grow, or you can put a few things in a glass, wait until they hatch, and then transplant them into a pot (open up) ???
- Marina
Hello, recently I got lavender seeds, please tell me, is there any point in doing something with them now or leaving, as I understood until February?
- Jane Craft Post author
Try sowing a few seeds in the ground at once, and leave some in stock until next season. But it may take up to 4 weeks to wait for the first shoots.
- Jane Craft Post author
- Natalia
Hello! Could you describe more specifically how to trim or pinch the top of a lavender when it has 6 pairs of leaves? It's just that I bought a pot of seeds for the first time, and in general I started a plant for the first time. I would not want to harm him because of my inexperience. Thanks!
- Tatyana
Hello, while planting the seeds, the soil should be moist and how often (and is it necessary at all) to moisten the soil when the seeds are under a film ?? thanks in advance for your reply
- Kristina
Hello!
Can you please tell me how to properly care for lavender in its first winter? This spring I planted lavender in pots, now it is a good green sprout. In what month should it be removed "for the winter"? What is the temperature regime? How often to water? And is it worth cutting it?
Thanks for the answer and article :)- Jane Craft Post author
Sorry to delay the answer. First of all, I just have to say that my lavender did not survive the winter. What was the mistake: instead of a cool, but not freezing balcony, I put it in the closet. Sometimes it is necessary to water - I forgot about it for at least a month and a half. Well, I didn't wait for her to come to her senses - I watched this crouton for two weeks, no leaves appeared, and I parted with her.
I don’t know if I can give advice on wintering lavender now, but the rules are: lavender will dry up by November and it should be covered with a bag and put in a dark place with a temperature of at least 5 degrees and not higher than 15. This is its natural wintering temperature. The soil should not dry out. At the end of February, we put on the sunny side and wait for the young leaves. You can cut it, even in the first season she let out additional shoots thanks to pinching.
If I decide to try lavender again, then I will probably be reinsured - I will leave some of the shoots on the windowsill, some in the refrigerator (there is such an older unit in which the temperature and humidity are just right)))).
- Jane Craft Post author
- Kristina
Thank you very much for your answers :))
- Irina
Hello, we live in a region where it is hot and dry, all my flowers are in the house in a closed area, but with windows to the floor, the air conditioner is working. Not much chilly in winter. The seeds are in the refrigerator for about a month and a half, so I’m thinking what to do - plant now or wait until spring, but this is probably too long time for stratification….
- Olesya
Hello! I would like to ask you for advice. The idea to plant lavender came to me by accident - I saw the seeds on aliexpress, so I decided to order it out of curiosity. In general, I doubted that these were real seeds and did not hope that something would sprout, so I planted half of the package at once in April. No stratification. Almost all of the lavender rose, it turned out to be a lot and I had to plant it in one large pot. I did not pinch the tops, since I was on the road all summer, and my husband sometimes watered lavender. Upon my return, I tried to transplant it, but the roots were closely intertwined and they were so thin that I was afraid to damage something and left everything as it is. I cut off the tops a little, but it was too late, she was already very elongated. New shoots are visible from the ground. Now I am looking at her and I do not know what further actions are needed. It seems to me that she is too cramped in one pot, but I do not dare to transplant. And what to do with thin long stems? They spread like straw all over the pot, lush foliage at the tips, and the stem itself is thin as a toothpick, very long and stiff.
- Natalia
I found a great way to plant lavender for myself after failures with stratification. I prepare the ground, water it with very warm, even bitter water, put the seeds on top and sprinkle it with earth just a little bit ... Then I put the container in a bag and send it to the battery for 40 minutes. And then just on the windowsill. The seeds were strong and did not have to wait long.
- Victoria
Hello everybody!
And I planted lavender without stratification. I had a small bouquet dry. I shook him, got the seeds. Then I cut a pot into a box of 2 liters of juice. And she sowed, watered and covered the whole thing with a transparent bag. I left for 2 weeks, and when I returned there were already boring. I waited for 6 leaves and transplanted them into pots. Some bushes did not take root, but now I have three of them. And two are already blooming)
By the way, in winter, I brought them from the balcony and put them on the windowsill and watered them as the earth dries up. More precisely, I let it dry completely and only then watered it a little. Lavender looked like a bald, nondescript. When the snow melted on the street, I again took it out to the balcony, and also watered it. Now I can't get enough of it)))
Blagodarna, kto pishet o posadke semian lavandochki. Ja chitaju, vnikaju
, budu sazhatj vv fevrale, a poka lezhat na vatnyh diskah konechno vlazhnyh v korobke i v holodilnike.
Spasibo vsem ikonechno, udachi.
