How often should lavender be watered after pruning?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Proper watering of lavender after pruning will alleviate root stress and aid in the healing of the plants. Immediately after making cuts to my plants, I raise my watering can and lightly water them. This equates to approximately one cup per mature plant. Avoid saturating your plants or drowning the roots. Proper watering alleviates stress on the root system, helps heal cuts, and prevents the formation of fungal diseases on sensitive stems.
Initial Watering
- Water within 2 hours after pruning
- Use 1 cup per mature plant (½ cup for young)
- Apply directly to soil avoiding stems
- Check soil moisture at 2-inch depth before watering
Ongoing Maintenance
- Monitor new growth as hydration indicator
- Reduce frequency during cool weather
- Increase during heat waves above 85°F (29°C)
- Always water at soil level never overhead
The type of soil will dictate how often you water. My sandy soil is watered every 3-4 days in the summer, while my clay soil is watered weekly. I perform a finger test before watering. Stick your finger in the ground 2 inches. If the soil is dry, you can proceed with watering. If it is not dry, wait. Lavender is more negatively affected by excessive water than by insufficient water.
Look for signs of recovery to verify the right amount of water. I try to see if I have any new silvery green shoots within three weeks. If the plant wilts, provide water immediately. If the leaves are yellow, it may mean you have overwatered. Modify your schedule according to the plant's feedback. Recording your observations in a garden journal is a useful practice. This can simplify your practices season after season.
Utilize drip irrigation for uninterrupted moisture control. I set the drip lines 6 inches from the base of the plants. It allows moisture to be applied directly to the roots, without wetting the leaves. Timers are set for early morning watering. Opting to water in the evening will leave your plant wet overnight. Watering appropriately allows lavender to last longer than 10 years.
Read the full article: When to Prune Lavender for Best Results
