What To Do With Lavender After It Blooms – Get Your Lavender To Bloom Again!
Introduction
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is often grown for its flowers, which can be used in cooking, crafting, and home remedies. After lavender blooms, it is important to know how to care for the plant so that it can bloom again and remain healthy. In this article, we will discuss what to do with lavender after it blooms and share some tips on how to get your lavender to bloom again.
1. Deadheading
One of the first things you should do with your lavender after it blooms is to deadhead it. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from the plant. This helps redirect the plant’s energy into producing new blooms instead of setting seeds. To deadhead your lavender, simply pinch off the faded flowers just above the foliage. Be sure to remove the entire flower stalk to encourage new growth.
2. Pruning
Pruning is another important step in caring for lavender after it blooms. Pruning not only helps maintain the shape and size of the plant but also encourages new growth and blooming. Prune your lavender by cutting back one-third of the plant’s overall growth, including both flowers and stems. This will promote new growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody and leggy. It is best to prune lavender in early spring or immediately after it finishes blooming.
3. Watering
Proper watering is crucial for the health and blooming of lavender plants. While lavender is a drought-tolerant plant, it still requires regular watering, especially during the first year of planting. Water your lavender deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and hinder blooming, so be sure to provide adequate drainage for your lavender plant.
4. Soil and Fertilizer
Lavender thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. If your soil is heavy or clayey, consider adding organic matter such as compost or sand to improve drainage. Lavender plants do not require much fertilizer and can actually be harmed by excessive nutrients. However, a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring can promote healthy growth and blooming. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
5. Sunlight
Lavender is a sun-loving plant that requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Make sure your lavender plant is placed in a location that receives ample sunlight. Insufficient sunlight can result in weak growth, fewer blooms, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. If you live in an area with hot summers, provide some afternoon shade to protect your lavender from scorching.
6. Mulching
Applying a layer of mulch around your lavender plants can help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch such as straw, wood chips, or pine needles and spread it evenly around the base of the plant, leaving a small gap around the stem to prevent rot. Avoid piling mulch too close to the stem, as this can create a moist environment that favors disease development. Mulching also adds a decorative touch to your lavender garden.
My 2 Cents
Taking care of lavender after it blooms is essential to ensure that your plant remains healthy and continues to produce beautiful blooms. Deadheading and pruning are vital tasks to redirect the plant’s energy and promote new growth. Remember to provide adequate water, well-drained soil, and ample sunlight for your lavender plants. By following these care tips, you can keep your lavender blooming year after year, adding a touch of beauty and fragrance to your garden. Lavender is not only a lovely addition to any landscape, but it also has numerous practical uses. Its flowers can be used in cooking, tea-making, crafting, and even for relaxation purposes. So, don’t let your lavender go to waste after it blooms. Get creative and explore the various ways you can utilize its blooms. Whether it’s making lavender-infused oil, dried flower arrangements, or lavender-scented sachets, there are endless possibilities. Remember to harvest your lavender flowers when they are fully open but before they start to wither. Hang them upside down in a cool, dry place to dry. Once dry, you can store the blossoms in an airtight container or use them immediately. So, put those lavender blooms to good use and enjoy the benefits they bring.
Remember:
– Deadhead lavender after it blooms to redirect energy for new blooms.
– Prune lavender in early spring or after blooming to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
– Water lavender deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions.
– Provide well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal lavender growth.
– Place lavender in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
– Mulch around lavender plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
