Guidelines for growing your own lavender

Over the years I've learned a lot about growing lavender and I'd like to answer a few frequently asked questions, based on my own experience.

Where should I plant my lavender?

Lavender prefers full sun, but 6 hours of filtered sun should be enough. They like sandy, well drained soil. Most varieties can be planted in containers as long as they get enough sun. Unfortunately they do not grow well indoors.

How often does lavender need to be watered?

Lavender is very drought tolerant and a good choice as we all need to be water wise. Every area has its own needs, but here in Pretoria you can water once or twice a week. When we have very hot summer temperatures, we monitor and water accordingly. Pots have to be checked regularly and might need more frequent watering. Never over water your lavender.

Can I prune my lavender bushes?

Picking the flowers is a natural way of keeping plants looking neat. Dead-heading keeps the bush trimmed.

You can cut back about a third of the bush after flowering. Never prune most of the bush away. Varieties that flower continuously can be lightly trimmed when bushes start looking untidy. Cut away woody stems.

How can I grow my own lavender?

Lavender can grow from seed, but I find that cuttings are more successful. Use strong, healthy plants to make cuttings. Cut 10-15 cm from young top shoots. Strip the bottom two thirds from leaves. Insert into a sandy growing medium. Keep well watered until they start growing well and then reduce watering.

Which lavender is best to plant?

Choosing a lavender is a personal matter. Choose one that makes you happy. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

• All lavender need full sun and well drained soil.

• The Dentata does well here in our area and flowers almost all year round. They make beautiful posies.

• The lovely Margaret Robberts lavender is a bigger plant and needs more space in your garden. They are very hardy and drought resistant. They are also known for their culinary use.

• Spanish lavender (Stoechas) are beautiful and come in different colours. They only flower during spring time.

• Fern Leaf lavender (Lavandula Pterostoechas) is gorgeous in the garden. I find that they are not as hardy as the others. They are quite sensitive to our warm summers and only stay pretty during the cooler months.

"Lavenders always make people better, happier; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul."

Anonymous