How to Grow Lavender In Florida | Step by Step
How to Grow Lavender In Florida
The humidity is regarded as one of Florida’s most significant resources. This has drawn many tourists and people who desire year-round sunshine and warmth. Nonetheless, there will be a water deficit during dry seasons. In addition, the predominant soil type in Florida is loam. Except for lavenders, this condition is preferred by most plants.
Lavender does not enjoy the excessive heat and humidity. Typically, they grow in rocky, arid regions. Fortunately, there is now a type of lavender called Phenomenal lavender that can thrive in Florida’s climate.
Is lavender a plant for sun or shade?
Lavandula angustifolia is the scientific name for lavender, a member of the Lamiaceae family. The origin of lavender is the Mediterranean region. It has been used as a flavoring and medicinal herb since the Middle Ages. Moreover, lavender essential oil can be utilized as insect repellents, antiseptics, and sedatives.
The stems of lavender flowers are long, slightly gray, and angular. The leaves are opposite one another and lack stalks. Specifically, lavender leaves have a smooth coating. The most fundamental characteristics of lavender are its exquisite purple hue and potent scent.
Lavender is a photophilic tree, thus it must be grown in a sunny environment with adequate humidity. However, in areas where the temperature is too hot or the light is too intense, it must be placed where there is no more than 75% natural light.
Which Lavender Cultivates Best in Florida?
As a result of modern hybridization techniques, there are around 47 different types of lavenders in the world. The ‘Phenomenal’ French Hybrid Lavender is among the most tolerant of species.
As implied by its name, “Phenomenal” is an exceptional variety of lavender due to its winter hardiness, resistance to illnesses and deer, and tolerance of high humidity and heat.
This variety of lavender is well-adapted and resistant, and is therefore produced in areas where ordinary lavender cannot thrive.
In addition, it is between 2 and 5 feet tall. With a body so long and sturdy, it is ideal for drying flowers or cutting.
Additionally, its scent is slightly sweeter than English lavender, making it perfect for sachets and essential oil. It can also attract butterflies, contributing to the creation of a beautiful scene.
How do I cultivate lavender in Florida?
When planting lavender, gardeners should consider these environmental factors to ensure healthy growth.
Soil
The ideal climate for this lavender is soft, alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, which is as close to neutral as possible. Experts and gardeners of lavender advocate utilizing rocky or sandy soil and avoiding clay soil since it retains moisture.
If you decide to plant lavender in a container, you should select one with a drainage hole to improve air circulation.
Weather
Lavender enjoys temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. When it comes to the proper growing season, we should plant lavenders in the spring and summer because this is when they receive the most light, which promotes their growth.
Lavenders are best grown in Florida during the winter months, when temperatures vary between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius.
Before sowing, soak the seeds for approximately 12 hours in water and 2 hours in Gibberellin (a growth regulator available at agricultural supply stores).
Step-2: Plant the seeds
Water to moisten the soil, sow the seeds, and then cover them with a 1/8-inch layer of dirt. Then, cover the soil’s surface with grass or plastic film to maintain soil moisture. Plants typically germinate in approximately three weeks.
Step 3: Take care of the seeds
Small, twice-daily waterings will keep the soil moist and promote the growth of seedlings. Please refrain from over-watering, since this could cause the soil to become too wet and allow mushrooms to grow.
Step 4: Prepare the soil/potting mix
Create the mixture by combining two to three pea gravel stones (2.5cm in diameter), manure, and bone meal.
The stones will improve drainage, the lime will raise the alkalinity of the soil, bone meal will boost the soil’s alkalinity, and the manure will aid in the growth of lavender.
Then, cover the mixture with a layer of dirt and be ready to transplant the seedlings into the container or the ground.
Step 5: Transfer the seedlings
When lavenders reach a height of 5 to 10 centimeters, they should be moved. Before placing the plant in its habitat, carefully shake the roots to eliminate soil. If lavenders are transplanted with their bare roots, they will be able to adapt and grow more rapidly in their new environment.
Note: Ensure that the roots of the lavender do not come into contact with the soil mixture before transferring the containers.
Step 6: Plant lavenders
Place the lavender in the prepared environment with care. Then, add soil to the area surrounding the plant’s roots and pat it about.
If you are planting a large number of lavender plants in a large garden, you must provide 1.5 inches of space between each plant. This ensures that lavender has sufficient area to flourish from seed, cultivating lavender in pots
Lavender Care Fertilizing
Once yearly fertilization is sufficient for lavender. Bone meal and dung make up the lavender’s fertilizer mixture.
The best time to fertilize newly planted lavender is following the initial watering. Before fertilizing your lavender plants, you must ensure that the soil is dry.
In the first two years, lavender requires watering just once or twice each week. It should be adequate but not excessive, as excessive moisture can promote root rot by causing the soil to become saturated. Seven to ten days between waterings is optimal. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage if you are growing lavender in a pot.
Pruning
To avoid impeding the development of new branches, we should prune around one-third of the plant during pruning.
If you are not growing your potted plants indoors, you should bring them inside during the chilly winter months. In addition, if you are planting this sort of flower for the first time, you can seek the advice of a master gardener regarding its cultivation and care.
Lavender is a well-liked flower due to its aroma, attractiveness, and medicinal benefits. The species of ‘Phenomenal’ French Hybrid Lavender is an excellent choice for Floridians who wish to cultivate this flower.
Hopefully, after reading this article on how to produce lavender in Florida, you will have a better understanding of organic gardening techniques, plant growth, and lavender’s maintenance.
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