Lavender: The Fragrant Perennial for Pots and Borders
Lavender is a fragrant perennial herb that thrives in dry, sunny conditions. It’s slow to grow from seed but lives for years. Excellent for containers and borders.
Lavender wants what most herbs want: sun, dry soil, and drainage. Overwatering kills it.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 14-28 |
| Days to harvest | 90-120 |
| Sun | 6-8 hours |
| Spacing | 12-18 inches |
| Height | 1-3 feet |
| Lifespan | Perennial (5-10 years) |
Why Grow It
- Fragrant. Flowers, leaves, everything.
- Perennial. Lives for years.
- Drought-tolerant. Thrives in neglect.
- Pollinator magnet. Bees love it.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Overwatering. Root rot. #1 killer. Failure 2: Poor drainage. Needs sandy soil. Failure 3: Slow germination. 14-28 days.
Comparison
| Variety | Hardiness | Height | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Zones 5-9 | 2-3 ft | Early summer |
| French | Zones 7-10 | 2-3 ft | Late summer |
| Spanish | Zones 8-11 | 2-3 ft | Spring |
| Portuguese | Zones 8-11 | 2 ft | Summer |
Common Questions
Why is my lavender dying? Overwatering. Let soil dry completely.
How do I harvest lavender? Cut stems when buds are just opening.
Does it come back every year? Yes. Perennial in most zones.
Can I grow it in a container? Yes. Rosemary loves containers.
How do I dry it? Hang bundles in dark, dry place 1-2 weeks.
Is it edible? Culinary lavender is. Use sparingly.