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Transplanting Lavender Plants Outdoors: Easy Tips and Tricks

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Transplanting Lavender Plants Outdoors

Hey there, fellow green thumbs! Ever dream of stepping into your garden and being greeted by the soothing scent of lavender?

Let’s dive into the simple secrets of successfully transplanting lavender plants outdoors—it’s easier than you think.

Transplanting Lavender Plants Key Takeaways:

  • Choose the Right Time: Transplant in the cool hours of morning or late afternoon to minimize stress on the plants.
  • Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining and enrich it with compost to give your lavender a great start.
  • Proper Planting Depth: Keep the lavender’s crown (the part where the stem meets the roots) at soil level to avoid burying the stem.
  • Water Wisely: Water thoroughly after transplanting, but then allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as lavender thrives in drier conditions.
  • Consider Container Options: If soil drainage is a concern, consider using raised beds or containers like GroBuckets to control soil quality.
  • Acclimate Plants: Harden off your lavender by gradually exposing it to outdoor conditions over a week to reduce shock.
  • Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye on your lavender for signs of stress and adjust care as needed to ensure successful establishment.
  • This section summarizes the essential steps and considerations for transplanting lavender outdoors, providing a quick reference for gardeners of all levels.

Transplanting Lavender Plants Video

 

Well howdy everyone. Today I am going to be transplanting lavender plants outside. I started 2 strains Blue Hidcote and Munstead from seed.

They are English Lavender varieties and I chose them because they only get about 2 feet tall. Some varieties can get 3-4 feet tall.

They are slow growers from seed so if you are in a hurry buy a plant or take cuttings from an established plant.

Mine have been indoors for about 9 months and now it’s time to transplant them outdoors. Of the two strains, the Munstead definitely outperformed the Hidcote.

They were grown in small 2 1/2-inch pots, transplanted into 4-inch pots, and finally into 6-inch Rootmaker Pots, spending their final few months in a flood and drain system under LED lights. Read DIY Flood and Drain System – Growing Lavender Indoors – Stay Green Garden

Growing Lavender Indoors in Pots

Read more: Growing Lavender Indoors

So today I’m outside and I have some five-gallon buckets here. These are actually GroBuckets and they are self-watering planters.

I have some lavender which I’m going start to set out. They are in RootMaker pots.

It’s already May 5th. They should make it. I think they will get bit back a bit. I don’t really have a good place to harden them off.

Transplanting Lavender Plants Outdoors

Transplanting Lavender Plants Outdoors -Munstead Lavender

Before transplanting I like to prepare my planting hole. These containers are filled with coco coir so digging is very easy.

Transplanting Lavender Plants in Pots

Preparing soil for lavender is important. If you are not using coco coir in containers or are planting in the ground make sure the soil is well draining.

My lavender plants are in 1-gallon containers and will be transplanted into 5-gallon buckets with GroBucket inserts which convert them into self-watering planters.

Here’s how I transplant : 

  • I take a pot that’s the same size as the one my transplant is in and I create a hole the same size as my pot inside the bucket.
  • In loose soil you may be able to press the pot down to make the hole but I needed to dig down a bit and I placed the fill inside the pot.
  • So then I remove this pot and I have made the perfect hole for my transplant.
  • Then I unpot my transplant and set it in the hole.

Transplanting in a GroBucket

My GroBucket has an insert to separate the soil from the reservoir so I am limited in how deep I can set my transplant.

My plants are sitting on top of the insert and they fit fine in the bucket but I still have some space around the edges of my root ball.

GroBucket Garden Kit (3PK) self-Watering sub-irrigated Planter Insert. Turn Any Bucket into a self-Watering Container Garden. Create an Indoor or Outdoor, Space Saving and Portable Garden in Minutes.

GroBucket Garden Kit (3PK) self-Watering sub-irrigated Planter Insert

So I’ve got the soil I removed and will use to fill in all around the plant. This plant has been transplanted and it should be okay.

I have another one here and I’m going to do the same thing with it.

Okay, so as you can see in the video, I’ve made another hole. And we’re going to take this plant out of its pot and set it in the hole.

Mission accomplished but it is hard to film this with one hand so excuse the video.

And I’ve got 2 more more plants to set out. So the first two lavender plants are Munstead. And it did a lot better than these other two.

The second two are Blue Hidcote. And they didn’t do near as well. But, we’re still going to plant them.

Hopefully, they’ll grow and do well. It’s a little bit cold. It’s rainy out. But it is supposed to warm up later in the week.

So, hopefully, these will hang on. I expect to see some die back because they weren’t hardened off. But, other than that, I think they’re ready to go.

Blue Hidcote Lavender

Don’t Try To Divide Lavender

Hey there! Splitting or dividing lavender plants isn’t usually recommended, and there are a few good reasons for this.

First off, lavender has a woody base and does not have the fleshy, divisible roots that many other perennials have.

This makes it pretty tricky to divide without causing significant harm to the plant.

Lavender plants grow from a central, woody root system that can get pretty tough as they age.

When you try to divide a mature lavender plant, you’re likely to end up with pieces that don’t have enough roots to survive.

This can seriously stress the plant, leading to poor growth or even death.

Try Transplanting Lavender Cuttings Instead of Dividing

Instead of dividing, if you want more lavender plants, it’s more effective to propagate them from cuttings.

This way, you can grow new, healthy plants that will thrive, keeping your garden smelling amazing without the risk of harming your existing lavender beauties.

Just snip off a healthy piece of the plant, remove the lower leaves, dip it in some rooting hormone, and plant it in well-draining soil.

With a bit of care, these cuttings will root and grow into new plants that you can enjoy all over your garden!

Propagating Lavender

Howdy, garden enthusiasts! If you’ve ever been enchanted by the soothing scent of lavender wafting through the air and thought, “Hey, I want more of that in my garden!” then you’re in the right place.

Propagating lavender can be a rewarding gardening project, and there are a couple of ways you can go about it—growing from seeds or using cuttings.

Let’s dig into both methods so you can choose the best one for your garden or maybe even try both!

Read my article: How To Grow Lavender in Pots:13 Easy Care Tips And Tricks – Stay Green Garden

Growing Lavender From Seed

Seed Needs, Munstead Lavender Seeds - 500 Heirloom Seeds for Planting Lavandula angustifolia - Non-GMO & Untreated Fragrant Flowers to Attract Pollinators (1 Pack)

Before you start sowing, it’s a good idea to give lavender seeds a little cold treatment, known as stratification.

This mimics the natural winter conditions that lavender seeds would experience in the wild and can really improve germination rates.

Here’s how you can prechill your lavender seeds:

  1. Moisture and Refrigeration: Mix your lavender seeds with some moist sand or a damp paper towel, seal them in a plastic bag, and pop them in the refrigerator. They need to stay there for about a month to get the full chilling effect.
  2. Timing: Plan this step so that you can sow the chilled seeds in late winter or early spring, ready for the growing season. This timing helps ensure they experience the gradual increase in temperatures that naturally encourages germination.
  3. After Chilling: Once they’ve had their chill time, you can sow the seeds on top of your seed starting mix as previously mentioned, ensuring they get plenty of light and warmth.

Prechilling can be that little extra step that takes your lavender growing game from good to great, helping ensure those tiny seeds wake up refreshed and ready to grow.

Give it a shot and see if it helps your lavender seeds sprout more effectively. Here’s to your success in bringing more beautiful lavender into the world!

Be Patient Lavender Starts Off Slow

Starting lavender from seeds can be a test of patience but oh-so rewarding when those tiny sprouts start to appear.

First things first, lavender seeds can be slow to germinate and require a bit of a setup to get going. Here’s how to make magic happen from those little seeds:

  1. Seed Quality: Grab some high-quality seeds from a reputable supplier to increase your chances of success.
  2. Sowing: Since lavender seeds are pretty small, you can sow them on top of a light seed starting mix, barely covering them. They need light to germinate, so a light sprinkle is all they need.
  3. Temperature and Light: Lavender seeds love warmth and light. Keep them in a warm spot—about 70-75°F—and make sure they get plenty of light. A grow light can help them along if you don’t have a sunny window.
  4. Patience is Key: Keep the soil lightly moist but not wet and be patient. It can take a couple of weeks to a few months for lavender seeds to germinate.

Once your seedlings are a few inches tall and have several sets of leaves, they’re ready to be transplanted into larger pots or your garden.

Remember, it can take a year or more for plants grown from seed to bloom, so keep that in mind if you’re planning for blooms!

Growing Lavender from Cuttings

Seed Needs, Munstead Lavender Seeds - 500 Heirloom Seeds for Planting Lavandula angustifolia - Non-GMO & Untreated Fragrant Flowers to Attract Pollinators (1 Pack)

If waiting for seeds to sprout isn’t your style, growing lavender from cuttings can be a quicker path to success.

This method lets you clone your favorite lavender plants, keeping the characteristics you love most. Here’s how to propagate lavender from cuttings:

  1. Cutting Selection: In the early morning, snip a 3-4 inch piece from the new growth of an established lavender plant. Make sure it’s a healthy stem with no flowers.
  2. Preparation: Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to expose the nodes where roots will form.
  3. Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end into some rooting hormone. This step isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can help speed up the rooting process and improve success rates.
  4. Planting: Stick the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Coco coir works well for lavender.
  5. Care: Keep the cutting in a warm, bright place and make sure the soil stays damp but not soggy. In a few weeks, your cuttings should start to root and show new growth.

Whether you’re a patient gardener willing to start from seeds or someone who likes the quicker results from transplanting lavender cuttings, growing your own lavender makes a great addition to your green space.

Just imagine all that lovely lavender scent and the beautiful purple hues in your garden. It’s totally worth the effort, right? 

Growing and Transplanting Lavender FAQS

Today, we’re diving into the fragrant world of lavender—whether you’re looking to give your garden a pop of color or just want that delightful scent wafting through your backyard, lavender is a fantastic choice.

However, moving and planting Lavender can bring up quite a few questions. Let’s tackle some of the most common queries about transplanting and caring for lavender, so you can keep your plants thriving and your garden smelling lovely.

Q: Can I dig up a lavender plant and replant it?

A: Yes, you can dig up and replant a lavender plant. The best time to do this is in the spring or early fall. Be sure to prepare a well-draining spot and use a generous amount of compost to give your lavender a good start in its new location.

Q: Does lavender transplant well?

A: Lavender can transplant well if done carefully. Ensure the soil drains well and avoid deep planting. Keep the crown of the plant at soil level.

Q: Why is my lavender dying after transplanting?

A: If your lavender is dying after transplanting, it could be due to root shock or poor soil conditions. Lavender prefers well-drained soil and may struggle in wet or compacted soils. Make sure the roots have enough room to spread and the soil isn’t too wet.

Q: How do you plant potted lavender in the ground?

A: To plant potted lavender in the ground, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Mix some compost into the extracted soil, place your lavender, backfill with the amended soil, and water it well.

Q: What should lavender not be planted near?

A: Lavender should not be planted near plants that require a lot of water or have very different soil needs. Avoid planting it near moisture-loving plants like ferns or hostas.

Q: How to fix lavender transplant shock?

A: To fix transplant shock, ensure the plant is in a location that matches its needs—full sun and well-drained soil. Water it during the early morning or late evening, and consider using a root stimulant or seaweed extract to encourage root growth.

Q: Does potted lavender like sun or shade?

A: Potted lavender loves the sun. It thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. Avoid placing it in shaded areas.

Q: Where is the best place to plant potted lavender?

A: The best place to plant potted lavender is in a location that receives full sun, has good air circulation, and where the soil is loose and well-draining. South-facing locations are often ideal.

Q: What side of the house do you plant lavender?

A: Plant lavender on the south or west side of the house where it can receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day. These sides typically offer the best conditions for sunlight exposure and warmth, which lavender loves.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a thriving lavender garden that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the nose!

Lavender In My Backyard and My Outdoor Container Garden: Final Thoughts

So now I have lavender plants in my backyard container garden. They are in a spot that gets full sun but I have areas that are shady too.

Although I focus primarily on indoor gardening in my apartment I have a little bit of outdoor garden space too, but I don’t have a whole lot. So if you watched my video you will see the rest of my outdoor container garden.

And all that I do have is in buckets or in totes. There are 2 totes with carnivorous plants, although they’re kind of slow to get started this year.

One tote has a Hen and Chicks and one has a Yucca and I have a tote with some Cyclamin that has room for something new.

And I have a planter out front where you can see the hostas I planted. They’re coming up just fine.

Eventually, I will also plant my Siberian Bugloss in there too. It gets morning sun and is shaded most of the day so shade-loving plants are perfect for it.

So this is the extent of my outdoor garden. I prefer to grow my vegetables indoors. They do better inside.

I have a nest of squirrels next store and in the past they have eaten my tomatoes and they have stolen every garlic clove I planted too.

So I go for ornamentals like my English Lavender outdoors that they won’t eat.

That’s about it for today. Take good care of yourselves. Happy gardening. See y’all later. Bye bye.

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