How To Grow Hidcote Lavender

July 02, 2023 Post a Comment

How to Grow Hidcote Lavender

Hidcote lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is relatively easy to grow. It is a member of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region. Hidcote lavender is known for its deep purple flowers and its long blooming period, which typically lasts from June to August.

If you are thinking about adding Hidcote lavender to your garden, here are some tips on how to grow it:

Choose the right location. Hidcote lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil. It will not tolerate wet or humid conditions. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to plant Hidcote lavender in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.
Prepare the soil. Before planting, loosen the soil in the planting area and add some compost or sand to improve drainage. Hidcote lavender prefers a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5.
Plant the lavender. Plant Hidcote lavender in the spring or fall. Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart. When planting, make sure the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.
Water the lavender regularly. Newly planted Hidcote lavender needs to be watered regularly, especially during the first year. Once the plant is established, it will only need to be watered deeply once or twice a week during the summer months.
Fertilize the lavender. In the spring, fertilize Hidcote lavender with a balanced fertilizer. A light application of compost can also be beneficial.
Deadhead the lavender. To encourage new blooms, deadhead Hidcote lavender by cutting off the spent flower stalks. This can be done throughout the blooming season.
Prune the lavender. In the spring, prune Hidcote lavender by cutting back the stems by one-third. This will help to keep the plant compact and encourage new growth.

With proper care, Hidcote lavender can thrive for many years in your garden. It is a low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant and pest-resistant. Hidcote lavender is also a deer-resistant plant, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer problems.

To learn more about hidcote lavender, visit Home Gardening.

FAQ of hidcote lavender

When should I start germinating Hidcote lavender seeds?

Hidcote lavender seeds can be started indoors from February to July. Sow the seeds on the surface of moist seed compost and cover them with a thin layer of vermiculite or finely sieved compost. Place the seed tray in a propagator or seal it inside a clear polythene bag until germination, which can take up to 21 days.

How do I care for Hidcote lavender plants?

Hidcote lavender plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Water them regularly, especially during the first year after planting. In the spring, fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer. To encourage bushy growth, trim the plants back by one-third in the spring.

How do I protect Hidcote lavender plants from pests and diseases?

Hidcote lavender plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and powdery mildew. If you notice any pests or diseases, treat them immediately with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.

How do I harvest Hidcote lavender flowers?

Hidcote lavender flowers are typically harvested in the summer, when they are in full bloom. To harvest the flowers, cut the stems just above a leaf node. The flowers can be dried for use in potpourris or sachets, or they can be used fresh in cooking.

How do I propagate Hidcote lavender plants?

Hidcote lavender plants can be propagated by seed, by division, or by cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds indoors from February to July. To propagate by division, divide the plant in the spring or fall. To propagate by cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings in the spring or summer.