How To Grow Lavender Indoors

Hey there! So, you’re looking to dive into the world of growing lavender indoors for those long, SEO-friendly articles, huh? Awesome! Let’s get right into how you can bring that lovely, fragrant plant inside.

Choosing the Right Lavender Variety

Not all lavender is created equal, especially when it comes to indoor growing. Some types just get too big or need more sun than your windowsill can offer. You’ll want to look for compact varieties. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular choice and often does well indoors, especially the dwarf varieties like ‘Hidcote Dwarf’ or ‘Munstead’. Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) can also be grown indoors, and it has those cute little “ears” on top of the flower. French lavender (Lavandula dentata) with its fern-like leaves is another option that can adapt to indoor life.

Getting the Right Pot and Soil

Just like us, lavender needs a good home and the right food! For a pot, make sure it has drainage holes – this is super important because lavender hates sitting in soggy soil. Terra cotta pots are great because they help the soil dry out. As for soil, lavender thrives in well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. You can buy a potting mix specifically for herbs or mix regular potting soil with some sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Light, Light, and More Light!

Lavender is a sun-lover, plain and simple. Indoors, this means you need to give it as much bright, direct sunlight as possible. A south-facing window is usually your best bet. If you don’t have a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily, you’ll likely need to supplement with a grow light. These special lights mimic sunlight and can make a huge difference in how well your lavender grows and flowers.

Watering Wisely

Overwatering is a big no-no for lavender. It’s much better to underwater than overwater. Let the top inch or two of the soil dry out completely before watering again. When you do water, make sure to water thoroughly until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. Then, don’t water again until the soil feels dry. During the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing, you’ll need to water even less frequently.

Keeping the Air Moving

Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases, which lavender can be susceptible to, especially indoors. Open a window near your lavender occasionally, or use a small fan to create gentle airflow around the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Lavender prefers moderate temperatures, generally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It doesn’t like extreme heat or cold. Indoor humidity is usually fine for lavender, but if your home is very dry, especially in winter, you might want to place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (making sure the bottom of the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water) to increase humidity slightly.

Feeding Your Lavender

Lavender isn’t a heavy feeder. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm it. You can give it a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice during the active growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant is resting.

Pruning for Bushier Growth

Pruning helps keep your lavender plant compact and encourages more blooms. After the flowers fade, you can trim back the stems by about a third. Be careful not to cut back into the woody part of the stem, as new growth may not emerge from there.

Patience is Key

Growing lavender indoors can be a rewarding experience, but it might take some time for your plant to adjust and thrive. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t flower profusely right away. With the right care and a little patience, you’ll be enjoying the lovely scent and beauty of your indoor lavender in no time.

In Conclusion

Growing lavender indoors requires understanding its needs for sunlight, well-draining soil, and careful watering. By choosing the right variety, providing ample light, avoiding overwatering, ensuring good air circulation, and pruning appropriately, you can successfully cultivate this fragrant herb within the comfort of your home. While it might take some patience, the reward of having fresh lavender and its calming aroma indoors is well worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow lavender from seed indoors?

Yes, you can start lavender from seed indoors, but it can be a slow process. It’s often easier and faster to start with a small established plant. If you do start from seed, sow them indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. They need light to germinate, so don’t bury them too deeply.

Why isn’t my indoor lavender flowering?

Lack of sufficient light is the most common reason for lavender not flowering indoors. Make sure it’s getting at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, or supplement with a grow light. Other factors could be overwatering or not enough drainage.

My lavender leaves are turning yellow or brown. What’s wrong?

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while brown, crispy leaves might mean underwatering or very dry air. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering habits. Ensure good drainage and consider increasing humidity if the air is very dry.

Does indoor lavender need a dormancy period?

While outdoor lavender goes through a natural dormancy in winter, indoor lavender’s dormancy might be less pronounced due to consistent temperatures. However, it will still benefit from a slight rest. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during the shorter daylight hours of fall and winter.

Can I move my indoor lavender outdoors in the summer?

Yes, you can definitely move your indoor lavender outdoors during the warmer months once the danger of frost has passed. Gradually acclimate it to the outdoor conditions by placing it in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, increasing the time over a week or two. Just make sure to bring it back indoors before the first frost in the fall.

How to grow lavender indoors