Sarah O. Richards
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Soil Preparation and Fertilization for Lavender

Native lavender

Short Tips for Successful Growth

by Sarah Richards

Soil in Western Washington

Understanding Soil and Micro-Climate

Preparing soil for lavender is crucial for a thriving plantation. Lavender prefers well-drained soil with a balance of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. The micro-climate, including local temperature, humidity, and wind conditions, significantly influences lavender growth. Choose a planting site with abundant sun exposure and protection from strong winds.

Importance of Soil Structure and Texture

Soil texture affects water movement and root respiration. Sandy soils drain quickly, while clay soils retain moisture. Lavender thrives in soils with good structure that promotes root growth and oxygen availability. Avoid compacting the soil and swamping your planting sites with water to ensure that the soil remains aerated for optimal plant health.

Natural Amendments for Healthy Soil

Using natural amendments like coarse compost, wood chips, or bark mulch enhances soil structure and microbial activity. These amendments help form macropores, allowing better water and air movement. Avoid fine materials that can clog soil pores and manures that are high in soluble salts, which can harm lavender plants. Be aware that excessive organic material combined with excessive water is a formula for oxygen depletion that results in root injury.

Nutrient Management

While lavender isn’t highly demanding for nutrients, ensuring balanced soil fertility is essential. Conduct soil tests to determine nutrient deficiencies and adjust accordingly. Avoid excessive nitrogen late in the season to prevent winter injury. Phosphorus and potassium should only be added based on soil test results to avoid nutrient imbalances. Some soils suffer from specific micronutrient deficiencies that hinder plant growth, but these too can be identified with soil testing, and corrected as needed. Soil pH for optimal lavender growth is near a neutral 7.0, or slightly higher (mild alkaline). In the Northwest, our soils tend to be on the acidic side, making supplementation with agricultural lime a beneficial maneuver.

Soil in Nyons, France

Practical Tips for Soil Preparation

  • Avoid Soil Pulverization – Maintain macropores by not overworking the soil.
  • Work Dry Soil – Never work wet soil to preserve its structure.
  • Use Coarse Organic Matter – Enhance soil structure without clogging pores.
  • Test Soil Regularly – Monitor nutrient levels and soluble salts.
  • Raised Beds – Consider raised beds for better drainage and root health.

Practical Tips for Fertilization

Lavender generally requires minimal fertilization once established. A balanced approach to nutrient management is critical:

  • Nitrogen (N) Essential for plant growth but should be applied cautiously. Apply one pound per 1,000 square feet before planting and more after harvest if necessary, but avoid mid to late-season applications to prevent winter injury.
  • Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) Should be added based on soil test results. Excessive phosphorus can disrupt beneficial mycorrhizal fungi, so only add if deficiencies are detected.
  • Organic Amendments Regular additions of coarse organic matter like compost can improve soil structure and microbial health without over-reliance on chemical fertilizers.

When first planting your lavender, try this mixture: 

  • 4 parts bone meal
  • 3 parts lime (adjust according to your soil’s pH)
  • 2 parts blood meal
  • 1 part kelp meal to help new plants get established.

This combination provides essential nutrients and supports healthy root development.

By following these guidelines, lavender growers can create an optimal soil environment, ensuring robust and healthy lavender plants.

Lavender in natural habitat
Wild Lavender in Provence, France

Extra Tip

If you are growing lavender for distillation of its essential oil, consider the origins of the plant (hot and dry Mediterranean area) and let your plants get stressed (thirsty) before you harvest. The plants produce more oil when stressed this way.

For more detailed information on many of these points, you can visit the US Lavender Growers Association’s guide on soil preparation.

Other articles that might be useful are:

https://roweorganic.com/potting-soil-lavender

https://www.bloominganomaly.com/the-ultimate-lavender-soil-mix-recipe-guide

The Encyclopedia of Herbs: A Comprehensive Reference to Herbs of Flavor and Fragrance, by Arthur Tucker and Thomas DeBaggio

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