Lavender: New News and Grower Tips
At Roadstead Farms, our leading cultivar is Sensational! Lavender, a next-generation member of the Phenomenal® family. It combines impressive flowers with improved tolerance for the heat, humidity and variable moisture common to Cape Cod summers.
When to Fertilize
Lavender generally prefers lean soil, so more fertilizer is not necessarily better. We recommend one modest feeding in spring, after active new growth appears.
Use either:
15-10-15, or
20-20-20
Follow the product’s label rate and apply the prepared fertilizer in a broad circle around the plant—not against its stem or woody crown. Water it into the root zone. Avoid heavy late-summer fertilization because it can stimulate tender growth before winter.
A Water-Friendly Lavender—with One Important Rule
Sensational! is more water-friendly and humidity-tolerant than many traditional lavenders. However, “water-friendly” does not mean it likes wet feet. Its roots still require excellent drainage and oxygen.
For container growing and young plants, we favor PRO-MIX HP, with HP meaning High Porosity. Its increased drainage and air space help prevent the waterlogged root conditions lavender dislikes. In the landscape, raised beds and rapidly draining soil provide the same advantage.
Later-Summer Pruning
Prune after the principal flowering and harvesting period, generally in late July or August. Remove the spent flower stems and lightly shape the green growth into a rounded mound.
Never cut deeply into the old, leafless woody base. Lavender may not reliably regenerate from wood that no longer carries green growth.
For a few plants, hand pruners offer the greatest precision. They allow you to inspect each plant, remove damaged stems and preserve a natural shape.
For a large homestead planting like ours, a clean, sharp electric hedge trimmer can save many hours. Trim lightly across the planting, maintaining a softly rounded form rather than creating a flat top. Finish by inspecting plants by hand and correcting any missed or damaged stems.
Clean and disinfect the trimmer blades before moving through the planting, especially if any plants appear unhealthy.
The goal is simple: feed modestly, drain freely, prune carefully and preserve enough green growth to carry each plant successfully into winter.
Until next time...
I am...
Phil Wilson...
and Here’s to sharing our herbal life-style with you!