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Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Herb

Lavender is a drought-tolerant perennial whose fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators while repelling moths, flies, and fleas. It is a beautiful and highly functional addition to any kitchen garden border.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Low

Soil

Well-draining, lean, alkaline sandy or chalky soil; pH 6.5–8.0

Spacing

18–24 inches

Days to Maturity

Harvest flower spikes from year 2 onwards

Growing Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Thrives in USDA Zones 5–10

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Keep Away From

When to Plant

  • Transplant

    Spring or early autumn

  • Harvest

    Cut flower spikes just as buds begin to open for best scent

Organic Growing Tips

  • Plant along vegetable bed borders to attract hoverflies, whose larvae consume hundreds of aphids each.

  • Prune back by one-third after first flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms.

  • Never cut back into old wood — lavender does not regenerate from bare stems.

  • Excellent planted beneath fruit trees to attract pollinators and deter codling moths.

Common Pests

  • Rosemary Beetle
  • Leaf-Hoppers
  • Root Rot

All pest management in Garden uses safe, organic, non-toxic methods only. No synthetic pesticides, ever.