{"id":24349,"date":"2020-12-13T14:13:24","date_gmt":"2020-12-13T03:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.airtasker.com\/blog\/?p=24349"},"modified":"2020-12-11T14:20:36","modified_gmt":"2020-12-11T03:20:36","slug":"how-to-prune-lavender","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.airtasker.com\/blog\/how-to-prune-lavender\/","title":{"rendered":"How to prune lavender to keep it growing"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you have a garden, it more than likely contains lavender! This must-have plant not only looks great when it flowers but lavender also offers a calming scent that is said to help you get a good night’s sleep. Learning how to prune lavender correctly keeps the plant healthy and ensures its continued growth for many years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

When pruning, you can also use the cut lavender flowers for fragrant wardrobe sachets, a cocktail garnish, and more when it is dried! Luckily, this is one of the lower maintenance plants on offer. Read on to learn how to prune lavender to keep your garden looking great.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why prune lavender?<\/span><\/h2>\n

While growing lavender is pretty easy, it does still require a small amount of maintenance twice a year to ensure long-lasting results with minimal effort. Pruning lavender is much more necessary for older plants, and the variety you own will have an effect on its lifespan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pruning trains the plant to handle a little more stress while directing the nutrients to new stems instead of trying to repair old ones. This will keep your plant neat and tidy! Shaping your plant correctly will also allow it to grow evenly and maintain its look for longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to prune the different types of lavender<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before pruning, it\u2019s important to understand which type of lavender you have. There are many species, but the two most popular varieties are English and French lavender. They have different blooming times, but the pruning techniques are pretty much the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Lavender
Jess Bailey<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How to prune English lavender<\/span><\/h2>\n

English lavender is the most common and also the most versatile with a lifespan of 25 years or more if taken care of properly. This plant will thrive in the outdoors offering long, slender blooms in the late spring to early summer. It only requires a small amount of pruning after the first harvest, then a slightly more in-depth prune during summer.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best part about this variety is how forgiving it is if you happen to miss a pruning session. It also makes for great hedges, essential oils, tea, or potpourri.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to prune French lavender<\/span><\/h2>\n

French (or sometimes Spanish) lavender will bloom in the middle of spring with the lifespan of around three to five years. It produces shorter flowers with very delicate petals. This variety of lavender will bloom in summer and regenerate much faster than the English variety. This means it only requires a light prune but performed more frequently.<\/span><\/p>\n

This type of lavender does not like cold temperatures but is an excellent decorative indoor plant during winter.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best time to prune your lavender plants<\/span><\/h2>\n

As a general rule across all lavender varieties, you should do the bulk of your pruning during spring, summer, or after harvest. The key is to prune a few months before winter, so the plant is not damaged by frost. Aim for regular pruning twice a year so the lavender can regenerate fresh flowers for the next season.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a young plant, you should always allow it time to establish its roots before pruning. After this, you can clear away the new growth to increase its volume at the end of the first year. Pruning is always much easier as the plant gets older.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the plant reaches middle-age, heavy pruning is necessary, and it is a good idea to clear about one-third of the length. At this point, you can shape the plant to allow for a decent amount of airflow and spacing between the blossoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to a fully-matured plant, it is time for some heavy pruning. This will wake up the dormant older stems so the plant will flower again.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tools you need to prune lavender<\/span><\/h2>\n

Always have your tools prepared before getting started. Sharpen your shears and trimmers to create a clean-cut and ensure they are clean and sanitised to avoid contamination and disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

To prune lavender, it is best if you have:<\/span><\/p>\n