English Lavender Lavandula 'Fathead'

Water

Lavender, commonly known by its genus name Lavandula, including the 'Fathead' variety, prefers to be watered infrequently but with thorough soaking. Water established lavender plants every two to three weeks, supplying about 1-1.5 gallons per plant to ensure deep watering that reaches the roots. It's essential to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions as lavender thrives in dry conditions and is drought-tolerant. Overwatering and poor drainage can quickly lead to root rot, so it is critical to ensure good drainage and not to water if the soil is still moist. During the hot summer months, watering frequency may increase slightly, especially for plants in containers.

Light

Lavender requires full sun to thrive, so place the Lavandula 'Fathead' in a spot where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The more sunlight the plants get, the better they will grow and produce fragrant flowers. Partial shade may lead to poorer blooms and a reduced fragrance. Lavender is adaptable to many light conditions but truly excels and blooms best with ample sunshine.

Temperature

Lavender, including the 'Fathead' variety, performs best in temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night. Lavender can tolerate high temperatures up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive short periods of cold down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing conditions normally exclude prolonged periods of extreme cold or heat, as these can damage the plant or inhibit growth.

Pruning

Pruning is vital for lavender, including the 'Fathead' variety, to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and increase air circulation within the plant. It is best to prune lavender after it has bloomed, which is typically in late summer or early fall. Cutting back about a third of the growth will help prevent the plant from becoming woody and encourage dense, bushy new growth the following season. Prune at least once a year, but not in late fall or winter when new growth can be damaged by cold.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for English Lavender (Lavandula 'Fathead') requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 8.0. A combination of sandy or gravelly soil amended with compost or organic material is ideal. Ensure that the soil allows for good drainage to prevent root rot.

Repotting

English Lavender should be repotted once every 1 to 2 years as it can quickly outgrow its container. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous to prevent excess soil moisture. Repot in spring when the plant shows signs of becoming root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

English Lavender prefers a drier environment and does best with low to moderate humidity levels. It can thrive in the average humidity found in most homes without the need for additional humidity control.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in sunny spot, use well-draining pot, water sparingly.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from harsh winter.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Lavandula 'Fathead', commonly known as Fathead English Lavender, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown, germinates in warm conditions usually in late winter or early spring. The seedlings grow into young plants, which are often then transplanted to their permanent locations where they develop strong root systems. Throughout spring and early summer, lavender plants enter a vigorous vegetative growth stage, characterized by the formation of silvery-green foliage and long stems. By mid to late summer, Lavandula 'Fathead' reaches its reproductive stage, blooming with dense, spherical clusters of deep purple flowers which attract pollinators and can be harvested for their aromatic properties. Following flowering, seeds may form, and the plant begins to enter a dormant period through the colder months, although in milder climates the foliage may remain evergreen. Each year, the lavender plant can continue to grow larger and produce more blooms, with a life span that can exceed several years if conditions are ideal and proper pruning is performed to encourage new growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• The most popular method of propagating Lavender 'Fathead', which is a variety of lavender commonly appreciated for its fragrant foliage and bloom, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process involves selecting healthy, semi-ripe stems from the current year's growth in late summer or early fall. Stems should be around 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) long and have the lower leaves removed. The base of the cutting is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and then placed in a well-draining potting mix. Cuttings should be kept in a warm, brightly lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new lavender plant can be transplanted into the garden or into a larger pot.