Fertilizing lavender
Lavenders and lavandins are lime loving plants (they grow on limestone-based soils in their natural habitat). Therefore they grow and yield best where there is adequate calcium in the soil. Lime may be added in autumn or be incorporated before planting. If in doubt, have the soil tested before applying any fertilizer.
For the home garden, application of well-balanced compost and some lime will benefit the plants. If this is not possible, lavender will grow happily without any externally added fertilizer for awhile, but if your soil is poor, older plants may start showing signs of nutritional stress.
Fertilizing lavenders with a formula high in nitrogen as they get older will encourage growth and will increase stem length for cut-flower production, but it does so at the expense of oil quality. If you’re not concerned about harvesting your lavender for oil, then you can apply a balanced fertilizer at the start of each growing season. Blood and bone meal is beneficial as a nitrogen source in the spring and again after flowering. Apply prior to rain or watering. Avoid using excessive amounts of fertilizer.
| Climate | Soil Requirements | Watering | Pruning |
| Fertilizing | Growing in containers | Planting | Using in landscaping |