Lavender: planting and care

In ancient times, lavender was used instead of soap, as its name suggests. It comes from the Latin word for "wash". Now this flower is used to decorate gardens and as a raw material for obtaining essential oils.

Lavender varieties

There are three varieties of lavender that are cultivated:

• French lavender has a strong aroma and is distinguished by a variety of flower shades. There are varieties with pink, purple, lilac, white flowers. French lavender begins to bloom in April or May, and at the end of summer, a second wave of flowering is possible. This lavender variety is thermophilic, therefore it is grown in the southern regions.

• Hybrid lavender is obtained by crossing the French and English varieties. This lavender is large enough, has narrow silvery leaves and large flowers with long peduncles. The flowering period begins in July.

• English lavender is a perennial with small bluish-lilac flowers. This variety is considered the most resistant to winter cold. Flowering begins in July or August.

Planting lavender

For landing this plant is suitable for both autumn and spring. In October, lavender can be sown with seeds, and in May, it should be done with seedlings. Before sowing, the seeds must be stratified for 2 months, mixed with sand and placed in the refrigerator.

To grow seedlings, you will need a soil of humus and sand mixed in a 2: 1 ratio. There should be no lumps in the soil, so it must be sifted and watered for disinfection with a bright pink solution of potassium permanganate. The soil mixture prepared in this way is placed in boxes on the drainage layer.

At the end of February, the seeds are sown on the surface of the soil and covered with a small layer of sand. After that, the planting must be sprayed with water and covered with a film, placing it in the heat. After the emergence of seedlings, it is necessary to organize additional lighting and daily ventilation. After adaptation of the seedlings to indoor conditions, the film is removed and seated at a distance of 5 cm.

Before planting plants in a permanent place, dig up the area, loosen the soil and add compost or peat. Place lavender bushes at a distance of about a meter, making the hole deep enough to accommodate all the roots of the plant. When planting, deepen the root collar by 5 cm. After planting the plants, water them thoroughly.

Lavender care

The shrub grows rather slowly during the first year of life. This year it does not bloom, and if the buds are tied, then they need to be cut off. For good survival, the plant needs to be constantly to water... It is best to mulch the bed so as not to loosen the soil after each watering.

During the flowering period, lavender requires feeding in the form of an aqueous solution of fertilizers for flowers. In the spring, it is necessary to apply nitrogen-containing fertilizers to form green mass. From the middle of summer, nitrogen fertilizers are canceled so that the plant blooms. In addition, lavender needs organic matter. Humus or compost is good for this purpose.

Pruning lavender is optional, but desirable and beneficial. With the help of pruning, a lush bush is formed, which will then bloom well. Therefore, you should not give up trimming. The first time this is done after the end of flowering, shortening the stems by only a few centimeters. The second time the shoots are cut to half, in the fall.

For winter in the northern regions, lavender must be transplanted into tubs and carried indoors for wintering. If the winter is not harsh, then you can leave the plant in the ground. Previously, it is covered with compost and spruce paws. Do not insulate the lavender with dry leaves, otherwise the bush will simply rot under them.

Lavender: photo