How do I grow lavendar?

Question

I have tried and tried growing lavendar in my garden with no success. How do I plant them, direct sun or not?, watering, growing feeding etc. Its my favorite plant and love the smell.

Answer 1

lavender is not hard. i've grown roses for years--lavender is a walk in the park compared to those prima donnas!

they like slightly acidic soil (most soil is, but if yours looks pasty, just add compost and small mulch), they are drought tolerant ONCE ESTABLISHED (meaning: don't put it in the ground and walk away--it needs regular watering for the first year). they like full sun. mulch them, they will thank you. otherwise, just clip of the dead heads when they happen. that's about it. they don't need much feeding, just give some blood and bone meal, fish emulsion, bat guano and/or compost every year. maybe some iron (NOT ironite brand--full of lead).

Answer 2

Not all lavender is winter-hardy Hon; make sure you are purchasing a cultivar that is. The "Munstead" types are a good choice.
Lavender demands FULL bright sunshine, and like all other herbs, prefers poor soil. Do not fertilize it. Another reason for your lack of success may be poor drainage; if possible, elevate your plants just a bit from the surrounding area, and if you have clay, add sand or gravel to improve the drainage.
I suggest that you purchase your next lavender from a reputable nursery Hon, staffed by people who actually know what they're talking about. Avoid places like Home Depot and Wal-Mart...please!

Answer 3

Perhaps you need to do a soil test to see whether your plot is suitable.

Then follow this guide:
http://landscaping.about.com/cs/flowerseed/p/lavender.htm