Lavender typically blooms twice a year, with one bloom in the spring followed by another in the summer or early fall. The exact timing of each bloom varies depending on the local climate and location, and may occur as early as late May or as late as September.
Typically, the first bloom period lasts 2-3 weeks, and the second typically lasts 4-6 weeks. Additionally, high-altitude lavender may experience a third bloom in the early fall. Generally speaking, the flowering times for lavender in the United States are highest in the mid-Atlantic and the Pacific Northwest.
What month does lavender come back?
Lavender typically returns in late spring and early summer, although this can vary depending on the region. It generally starts to bloom in May and can flower through early August. As temperatures begin to warm in late spring, lavender will begin to break dormancy and the full season of flowers can begin.
Many types of lavender will remain in bloom until early autumn, although flowering decreases as temperatures continue to cool. In areas with mild temperatures, some varieties may remain in bloom until the end of October.
What is the blooming season for lavender?
The blooming season for lavender typically falls between June and August, although this can depend on the type of lavender and the climate in which it is grown. Generally, lavender begins to flower as the days become longer and sunlight intensity increases, and the flowers can remain on the plant all the way until the start of fall.
In colder climates, the blooming season may start a month later, while in warmer climates the blooming season could start as early as May. Additionally, depending on the soil and exposure to sunlight, some lavender plants may not bloom until late August or early September.
Is lavender all year round?
No, lavender is not typically available all year round. Lavender is primarily a seasonal flower, with its peak season typically occurring in the summer months from May to August in the Northern Hemisphere.
During this season, many gardens, farmer’s markets, and local nurseries will have a wide selection of lavender plants and flowers available, but once autumn and winter arrive, availability will likely be much more limited.
Some cultivators of lavender are able to prolong their harvest season by covering the plants with growing fabrics during the cold months, but lavender is usually not available to purchase after September.
Can lavender survive the winter?
Yes, lavender can survive the winter in many climates. In areas with mild winters, the plants can stay outside, though they may need some extra protection. In colder climates, it is recommended to bring the lavender inside during the winter or grow them in a protected area, such as a greenhouse or hoop house.
It is also important to give lavender plants adequate shelter when they are in the winter environment and it’s also beneficial to mulch them, as this will protect their roots from the cold. Lavender plants usually need some pruning in the late fall or early winter, and the pruned plants will be able to survive the winter much better.
Additionally, lavender appreciates some light fertilizer in the fall in order to prepare for the winter cold, as this will help to ensure the plant has enough energy and resources to survive until spring.
Do I need to cut back my lavender for winter?
Yes, for most types of lavender, it is best to cut back the plants and trim off the old flowers in order to prevent diseases and encourage new growth. This process should be done in early autumn, before the first frost arrives in your area.
When pruning/ cutting back the lavender, you should remove the flower spike and trim off any old or dead foliage. Additionally, you may want to trim the plant down to about 1/3 of its total height to reduce its size and promote healthy new growth in the spring.
It can also help keep the plant from becoming overcrowded, especially if the lavender is planted in a container. As a general rule, you should avoid pruning more than 1/3 of the total height so that the plant will be able to survive the winter without damaging too much of the healthy foliage.
Can I leave lavender outside in winter?
Yes, you can leave lavender outside in winter. Lavender is a hardy perennial plant and it can tolerate cold temperatures. Generally, lavender can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F), so in many areas of the world, it can still remain outside in winter.
It’s important that lavender be planted in well-drained soil, preferably a sandy loam, and be located in a sunny spot. It’s a good idea to mulch your lavender plant in late autumn. This will protect the roots from frost and snow and give your lavender some extra protection from cold weather.
Moreover, lavender is drought tolerant, but it’s important to keep in mind that if temperatures drop below freezing, the plant won’t be getting the necessary water and nutrients it needs to thrive. If you live in an area with especially harsh winters, it’s best to bring your lavender inside and keep it in a bright location, such as a south-facing window.
Will lavender come back every year?
Yes, lavender is an evergreen perennial plant meaning that it will come back every year. In mild climates, lavender blooms from late Spring to early Fall, and can come back year after year without any additional planting or care.
In colder climates, lavender can be planted in areas with well-drained soil, as it does not tolerate wet roots or soil. Lavender will thrive and come back year after year with good care and regular maintenance including proper pruning and trimming, adequate water, and plenty of sun.
Additionally, mulching lavender in the winter months can help to protect the plant from cold winter temperatures and ensure that the plant returns the following Spring.
How many years do lavender plants last?
The longevity of a lavender plant depends on a number of factors, including the variety, growing environment and care provided. With the right conditions and care, lavender plants generally last between 7-15 years.
Some species and varieties may last longer and can live up to 20 years.
The amount of sunlight and water, along with the temperature, humidity and soil conditions are all important to maintain a healthy, thriving lavender plant. Additionally, proper fertilization and regular pruning can also extend the life of a lavender plant, allowing it to reach its full potential and live longer.
With proper care lavender plants can become a lasting element in your garden or home.
Does lavender stay in bloom all summer?
No, lavender typically doesn’t stay in bloom all summer. Depending on the type of lavender, blooms generally start in late spring and last into the early part of summer. Once the blooms start to fade, the plant will go into a dormant stage for the remainder of summer.
Lavender plants can often bloom multiple times in a single season, so if the plant is cared for properly, you should be able to enjoy the blooms a few times throughout the season.
Should I cut the flowers off my lavender?
It depends on your intentions. If you are wanting to use the flower heads for dried lavender, then yes, you should cut them off. You will want to cut the flower heads off right when they bloom so that the flowers are still as fresh and fragrant as possible.
If you don’t plan on using them, then it’s okay to let them stay. Deadheading your lavender plants helps to promote more blooms and a better flowering display, so if you like the flowers, it’s worth it to deadhead them.
Whichever you choose, just make sure that you don’t over prune your plants, as this can cause them to become weak and spindly.
What happens if you don’t prune lavender?
If you don’t prune lavender, it won’t reach its full size and a lot of energy will go towards developing foliage instead of flowers. Overgrown lavender will become dense and woody in texture, leading to dying flowers and reduced flowering.
This is because without pruning, the energy that could be used for flower production is instead used towards growing additional foliage which can create overcrowding and shade out other branches. Since flowers are the main attraction of lavender, this reason alone should motivate consistent pruning.
Pruning lavender also promotes bushier growth and helps keep it looking lush and healthy. Additionally, regular pruning helps to establish a shape that is more aesthetically pleasing and can prevent it from becoming gangly and misshapen.
Finally, pruning will prevent the spread and growth of any illnesses or pests that may be present.
What do you do with lavender after flowering?
The most important thing you can do with lavender after flowering is to prune it. Pruning helps to promote a bushy and healthy lavender plant. Deadheading, which involves removing the flower heads, allows the plant to focus its energy on producing more flowers and foliage.
After deadheading, gently trim the plant with sharp and clean pruning shears leaving one-third to one-half of the plant’s length. This will help to encourage new branches and flowering the following season.
If you want the lavender to produce more flowers, you can prune it lightly every few weeks throughout the growing season. In addition to pruning, it is essential that you provide your lavender plant with the proper care after flowering.
Lavender needs ample sunshine and good soil drainage to thrive. You should also water the plant deeply, but avoid over-watering. It is also important to fertilize your lavender throughout the season and keep an eye out for any pests or diseases that can damage the plant.
With the right care, your lavender will reward you with beautiful flowers and fragrance for years to come.
How do you know when to deadhead lavender?
Knowing when to deadhead lavender is a fairly straightforward task. Deadheading is the act of removing dead flower buds from the stem and can be quite beneficial to the overall health of your lavender.
When the lavender is actively blooming, it will be in full bloom with a profusion of flowers, when the flowers start to wilt and die back, it is the ideal time for deadheading. The process should be done in the early morning when the plant is still cool and moist from the night before.
Begin by closely examining the flower head and gently pinching off any dead or dying heads and discarding. Be sure to leave the newer flower heads intact, to ensure the ongoing production of fresh flowers.
Deadheading should be done on a regular basis to help promote continual blooming and to help promote a bushier plant.
What’s the difference between English lavender and French lavender?
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most popular varieties of lavender and is also one of the oldest. It is known for its sweet, floral scent and is often used in cosmetics, candles, perfumes and home remedies.
English lavender flowers are usually a deep lilac color and are commonly dried and added to sachets and potpourris to give off a pleasant scent.
French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) has a stronger scent than English lavender, which is why it is sometimes referred to as Spanish lavender. The leaves and stems have a more distinct grayish-green color and have a sharp point at the end.
The flowers are dark purple in color, and are typically harvested for essential oils. French lavender is sometimes used in cooking to add a unique flavor to dishes such as fish, potatoes, and salads.
Does lavender bloom in August?
Yes, it’s possible for lavender to bloom in August. Depending on the type of lavender, some may have blooms that last from late spring through the summer months into the early fall. Lavenders prefer climates that have plenty of sun and dry, dry weather for flowering and growth, so in a warm summer climate, August can be an ideal time for lavender blooms to peak.
Generally, lavenders reach their full flowering potential in the late spring season, but depending on the type, climate, and weather conditions, blooms may last well into August. Additionally, many gardeners prune their lavender plants in late spring and again in late summer to ensure more blooms as the season progresses.
In any case, the best way to make sure your lavender blooms through August is to choose a suitable variety for your climate and to provide proper care, maintenance, and nutrition throughout the growing season.
Should you deadhead lavender?
Yes, you should deadhead lavender if you want to encourage new growth and maintain its overall health. Deadheading involves pruning off the spent flowers and flower stems from the plant once it has bloomed.
Not only will this help the plant look tidier, but it will also encourage it to keep producing new flowers throughout the season. Additionally, deadheading your lavender will help eliminate the chances of it reseeding, which can reduce its population in your garden.
Finally, the spent flowers and stems can harbor fungal diseases, so deadheading will help you keep your lavender plant healthy.
