Grow the Largest Lavender Bush in a Pot with This Step-by-Step Guide.

 

1. Select the Right Lavender Variety 🌿

To grow a large, thriving lavender bush in a pot, choosing the correct variety is essential:

• English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Hardy and highly fragrant. Perfect for cooler climates and areas with frost.

• Lavandin (Lavandula intermedia): A vigorous hybrid known for abundant flowering and a larger size. Slightly less cold-tolerant.

• French or Spanish Lavender (Lavandula dentata or stoechas): Best suited to warm climates. These produce colorful, decorative blooms and are heat-resistant.

Tips:

• For the biggest possible plant, choose a Lavandin or robust English variety like ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’.

• Use a mature transplant (1-gallon or bigger) rather than seeds—it’s faster and easier to grow large.

---

2. Choose a Spacious, Well‑Draining Pot

Size:
Select a pot at least twice the width of the lavender’s rootball. For large specimens, aim for a diameter of 18–24 inches and a depth of 12–16 inches to support root growth.

Material:
Use breathable pots like unglazed terracotta, clay, wood, or fiberglass. These help wick moisture and allow air circulation.

Drainage:
The pot should have several drainage holes. A thin bottom layer of gravel or pebbles can help avoid water pooling.

---

3. Prepare a Superior Potting Mix

Lavender needs dry, loose, and nutrient-light soil. Create a custom mix:

• Base: Use 2–3 parts quality potting mix.

• Aeration: Add 1–2 parts coarse sand, pumice, or perlite.

• Optional: Mix in clay pebbles to enhance airflow.

Maintain a slightly alkaline pH (6.7–7.5). Add a tablespoon of dolomite lime if the soil is too acidic.

Avoid heavy mulching. A thin top layer of pebbles works well to retain just enough moisture without overdoing it.

Planting steps:

• Water the plant 1–3 days before transplanting.

• Loosen the rootball slightly to promote outward growth.

• Position the lavender with its crown just above the soil surface. Backfill and gently firm in.

• Optionally add a small amount of worm castings (not compost if you live in a humid area).

---

4. Watering Wisely to Encourage Robust Growth

Overwatering is the main enemy of potted lavender. Use these strategies:

• New plants: Water deeply after planting and every few days until established.

• Mature plants: Let the soil dry nearly completely between waterings. Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil—water only if it feels dry.

• Avoid watering the foliage; morning watering is best to prevent diseases.

---

5. Provide Full Sun & Optimal Climate

Lavender loves light. For strong growth:

• Place the pot in full sun—ideally 6–8 hours daily.

• In very hot climates (above 85°F / 30°C), give it light afternoon shade to avoid heat stress.

• Ensure good air circulation. Avoid placing the pot in dark, damp, or crowded areas.

---

6. Feed Sparingly, But Strategically

Lavender thrives in poor soil. Fertilizer should be minimal:

• Spring: Add a handful of worm castings or a balanced slow-release fertilizer when repotting.

• Mid-Season: Use diluted kelp or seaweed solution if the leaves begin to look pale.

• Do not fertilize while the plant is blooming—too much nitrogen leads to leafy growth instead of flowers.

• Re-pot every 2 years or top off with fresh potting mix to replenish nutrients.

---

7. Pruning: The Secret to a Bushy, Large Lavender

Pruning encourages shape, growth, and flowering. Follow this schedule:

• After Transplanting: Lightly trim the tips to stimulate side branches.

• Late Summer (post-bloom): Cut back about one-third of the plant, avoiding old wood.

• Early Spring: Trim the new wood to shape the plant before it begins growing again.

• Ongoing: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage rebloom and keep the bush neat.

Proper pruning prevents legginess and helps the plant grow wide and full.

---

8. Harvesting Flowers to Encourage More Blooms

• Harvest flower spikes at the bud stage, just above the first set of leaves.

• Regular harvesting encourages more blooms and keeps the plant vigorous.

• Tie stems in bundles and hang them upside down in a dark, dry area for drying.

• Dried lavender can be used for sachets, oils, tea, or decoration.

---

9. Overwintering & Seasonal Care

Container lavender needs protection in winter, especially in colder zones.

• Mild Winters (Zone 7+): The pot can remain outdoors. Prune lightly after blooming and reduce watering.

• Colder Zones (Zone 5–6): After the first frost:

  • Prune the plant back.

  • Move the pot to an unheated garage or porch.

  • Wrap the container in burlap, straw, or frost cloth to protect roots.

  • Resume outdoor placement in spring when temperatures rise.

---

10. Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Overwatering / Root Rot:

• Signs include yellowing leaves or mushy base.

• Solution: Repot into fresh, airy, dry soil. Use well-draining pots.

Pests:

• Lavender is rarely affected, but spider mites or whiteflies may appear. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Leggy or Woody Growth:

• Result of poor or infrequent pruning. Cut back soft stems in spring and prune annually.

Soil Acidity:

• Lavender prefers alkaline soil. If the soil is too acidic, flush with water mixed with a small amount of baking soda.

• Add lime or crushed limestone to maintain balance.

---

11. Expert Tips for Massive Container Lavender

• Use a bigger pot: Starting with a 20-inch pot gives the plant room to grow large.

• Train the roots: Gently untangle root spirals when repotting.

• Companion planting: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme around the lavender to mimic dry, Mediterranean conditions.

• Elevate the pot: Place on bricks or stands to improve airflow and drainage.

• Harvest in waves: Cut flowers early and again mid-season for continual blooming.

• Lift to check moisture: Learn the pot’s weight when dry and wet to gauge watering needs.

• No saucers: Avoid letting water sit beneath the pot.

• Winter wrapping: Use bubble wrap or insulation under the pot in colder climates.

• Rejuvenate yearly: Refresh soil annually to prevent salt buildup.

• Propagate: Take softwood cuttings in late spring to grow new plants for your garden or gifts.

---

12. Summary of Care Timeline

Phase	Action
Planting	Use 18″+ pot, high-drain soil, prune lightly after planting
Summer	Full sun, water when dry, light mid-season fertilizing, deadhead regularly
Late Summer	Major pruning (trim ⅓ after blooming)
Fall	Reduce watering, clean plant, protect pot if frost is coming
Winter	Shelter pot in cold zones, water sparingly
Spring	Prune new growth, refresh topsoil or repot, resume regular care

---

Final Thoughts

By following this thorough guide, you can grow a lush, large lavender bush in a pot that becomes a highlight on your patio, balcony, or garden. With careful attention to variety, soil, sunlight, pruning, and seasonal care, your container lavender can thrive for years—rewarding you with color, fragrance, and even a harvest of dried flowers.