Can lavender grow well in containers?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Lavender grown in containers also benefits from benign neglect, making it a good fit for those with limited time and ability to care for their plants. My old ‘Hidcote' lavender annuals grow in terracotta pots (they're heavy so I give them a drink, along the way). Don't worry if you don't have time to water them; you're just mimicking what they are used to in their Mediterranean home: gritty soil, full sun, and dry branched roots between a rainy drink.
Pot Selection
- 12-16 inch diameter
- Terracotta or unglazed clay
- 3+ drainage holes
Soil Mix Formula
- 60% coarse sand/gravel
- 30% potting soil
- 10% perlite
Placement matters more than the size of the pot. I like to move my pots around weekly so that they have exposure to the sun. Plants on my balcony that face west bloom longer than my plants that sit in place the entire summer. Use saucers sparingly. After I water my plants, I remove the saucer based on the ability to not accidentally get the roots submerged when we get summer storms.
Every 2-3 years, refresh your soil to avoid compacting. I do this around March and use 2 parts old mix to 1 part fresh sand. As for nutrients, I apply worm castings on top every year. Even the lavender dislikes chemical fertilizers, but it welcomes the gentle boost of this organic fertilizer.
Read the full article: How to Grow Lavender: Complete Expert Guide for Success
