Unlike countless other plants such as hydrangeas and roses, lavender generally doesn’t need fertilising as less proves more with this stunning herb. Overfeeding it can merely encourage leafy growth instead of flowers. Should excessive quantities of the nutrient nitrogen penetrate lavender soil, it will hamper flower production and instead focus on creating numerous soft green stems that don’t look as appealing.
Instead, Annette Thurmon, a homesteader and founder of Azure Farm Life, has revealed that the best method gardeners can assist their lavender to bloom is to supply it with sand or gravel mulch. She explained: “If your soil is too fertile, you may have fewer blooms. You can either move your plants or add sand or gravel to aerate and reduce nutrient density.”
Lavender in the wild flourishes in rocky, dry environments, so adding gravel or sand mulch mimics its natural surroundings and can help it prosper.
Mulch is the simple gardening method of blanketing a plant’s topsoil with organic matter, which helps make the soil more robust.
Mulch that consists of sand or gravel reflects sunlight back, keeping soil warmth and encouraging the plant to focus more on flower production rather than leafy stem growth.
It’s also remarkably easy to accidentally overwater lavender, as this is one of the most common mistakes people make when cultivating this plant, but gravel or sand mulch improves water drainage in the soil. If lavender remains waterlogged for extended periods, its root system can become saturated, weakened, or even struck down with disease.
However, mulching helps in maintaining healthy roots, which in turn encourages better flowering.
When buying this type of mulch, look for builder’s sand or pea gravel, as they offer excellent air flow.
Try to avoid mulches such as fine sand, as they clump together and make it harder for water to reach the roots.
When laying it down, ensure you spread the gravel or sand mulch around the lavender’s base, leaving a gap near the stem to prevent water from pooling in that area.
Annette said: “Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the lavender plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.”
Make certain that water can easily drain through the soil rapidly and doesn’t gather in a puddle, and the soil around your lavender should be prepared for the remainder of this blooming season.