Secrets to thriving lavender: Easy tips for beautiful blooms

Lavender is a beautiful ornamental plant and a valuable ingredient in many cosmetic and medicinal preparations. With a few simple tricks, you can make your plant bloom abundantly and for a long time. Here are proven methods for a healthy, flower-filled lavender.

Proper soil preparation is the primary step for lavender to bloom abundantly. Lavender grows best in well-drained soil with an alkaline pH. Adding sand or gravel to the soil improves drainage, preventing root rot.

Lavender loves the sun. Plant it in a sunny spot to ensure the best conditions for growth and flowering. At least six hours of daily sunlight is essential. In such situations, lavender will reward you with abundant flowering.

Use this natural fertilizer if you want purple flowers to cover your garden or balcony abundantly. To make it, you will need eggshells mixed with the top layer of soil, then soaked in water and left for a few days. You can water the lavender with the prepared mixture.

Another fertilizer that works great for growing lavender is yeast-based. Dissolve 1.8 oz of yeast in 1.3 gallons of warm water. You can use the mixture after just one hour, but it is important to dilute it at a ratio of 1:10 beforehand.

Did you know bananas can also help you care for lavender and stimulate its bloom? Soak bananas in water and leave them for 24 hours. The ready fertilizer should be diluted at 1:10 before watering the flowers. Bananas are a rich source of proteins and potassium.

Besides fertilizers, regular pruning is worth remembering. This is one of the most essential maintenance tasks for ensuring plant health and stimulating blooming. The best time to prune lavender is early spring or late summer after flowering. Removing faded blossoms allows the plant to direct its energy toward developing new buds.

Although fertilization is beneficial for many plants, lavender is an exception. Over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen fertilizers, can lead to lush leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A small amount of organic fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season is sufficient. For this reason, it is recommended to use organic fertilization only once a year, preferably in the spring.

When choosing lavender for a balcony, paying attention to the seedling you buy is essential. The plant should have colored flower buds and a few already-developed flowers. The soil in the seedling should be moist, and the leaves should not be dry. Also, make sure the seedling does not have gray mold. If such a residue appears, do not buy that flower. And finally, though it may seem obvious, inspect the leaves and stems for any pests.