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Growing lavender indoors brings the enchanting aroma and beauty of Provence right into your home. I’ve discovered that these delightful purple blooms can thrive as houseplants with the right care and conditions. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your space or create your own supply of fragrant herbs indoor lavender is an excellent choice.
As someone who’s experimented with various indoor herbs I can tell you that lavender isn’t just about its signature scent. It’s also known for its calming properties air-purifying abilities and versatile uses in everything from cooking to DIY projects. While growing lavender indoors presents unique challenges the rewards of maintaining these lovely plants make the effort worthwhile.
Key Takeaways
- Indoor lavender brings the Mediterranean experience home, requiring 6-8 hours of direct sunlight and temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C) for optimal growth
- Use well-draining soil (2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, 1 part sand) in terra cotta pots with proper drainage holes for successful indoor cultivation
- Water indoor lavender sparingly – every 7-10 days in summer and 14-21 days in winter, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings
- Popular indoor varieties include Goodwin Creek Grey, French Lavender, and Munstead, each offering unique characteristics suitable for indoor growing
- Regular maintenance includes pruning stems back by one-third after blooming, fertilizing twice yearly with quarter-strength 10-10-10 solution
- Harvest lavender when flower buds are 25-50% open for maximum essential oil content, then dry in bundles for 2-4 weeks in a dark, well-ventilated space
Why Grow Lavender Plants Indoors
Indoor lavender plants transform living spaces into aromatic sanctuaries while providing year-round access to fresh herbs. I’ve discovered that growing lavender indoors offers multiple advantages for both novice gardeners and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Benefits of Indoor Lavender
- Creates natural aromatherapy through essential oils released from leaves and blooms
- Enhances indoor air quality by absorbing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene
- Serves as a natural insect repellent against moths mosquitoes and flies
- Provides fresh herbs for culinary uses including teas seasonings and baked goods
- Functions as a natural sleep aid with its calming scent promoting relaxation
- Adds decorative value with silvery-green foliage and purple blooms
- Requires minimal space on windowsills or bright corners
- Goodwin Creek Grey – Compact growth pattern dark purple flowers silver-grey foliage
- French Lavender – Extended blooming period delicate flowers pine-like fragrance
- Munstead – Dwarf variety strong scent intense purple blooms
- Little Lottie – Petite size pink flowers ideal for containers
- Phenomenal – Disease-resistant variety adaptable to indoor conditions
- Sweet Lavender – Long flower stems strong fragrance compact growth
- Thumbelina Leigh – Ultra-compact size perfect for small spaces bright purple flowers
| Variety | Height (inches) | Bloom Period | Light Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwin Creek Grey | 24-30 | Year-round | Full sun |
| French Lavender | 18-24 | Spring-Fall | Bright indirect |
| Munstead | 12-18 | Summer | Full sun |
| Little Lottie | 10-12 | Summer | Full sun |
| Phenomenal | 24-32 | Summer | Full sun |
| Sweet Lavender | 16-20 | Summer-Fall | Full sun |
| Thumbelina Leigh | 8-12 | Summer | Full sun |
Essential Growing Requirements
Indoor lavender plants thrive under specific environmental conditions that mirror their natural Mediterranean habitat. Here’s what I’ve found essential for successful indoor lavender cultivation through years of experience.
Light and Temperature Needs
Lavender requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily through a south-facing window. I position my plants within 6 inches of the window glass to maximize light exposure during winter months. The optimal temperature range spans 65-70°F (18-21°C) during the day with a 5-10°F drop at night. During summer, I move plants away from hot windows to prevent leaf scorch.
Soil and Container Selection
Fast-draining potting mix creates the ideal growing environment for lavender roots. I combine 2 parts regular potting soil with 1 part perlite plus 1 part coarse sand to achieve proper drainage. Terra cotta pots with drainage holes work best, sized 12-16 inches in diameter for mature plants. The container depth must measure at least 12 inches to accommodate lavender’s deep root system.
Watering and Humidity
Lavender prefers dry conditions over wet soil. I water only when the top 1 inch of soil feels completely dry, typically every 7-10 days in summer and 14-21 days in winter. Here’s my tested watering schedule:
| Season | Watering Frequency | Soil Moisture |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Every 7-10 days | Slightly dry |
| Winter | Every 14-21 days | Very dry |
| Spring | Every 10-14 days | Moderately dry |
| Fall | Every 10-14 days | Moderately dry |
The ambient humidity stays between 40-50% in my growing space, which lavender tolerates well. I avoid misting the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Indoor Lavender Plant Care Guide
I’ve discovered that successful indoor lavender care requires a strategic approach to maintenance tasks like pruning and fertilizing. Here’s my tested care routine that keeps indoor lavender thriving year-round.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning maintains the compact shape of indoor lavender plants while promoting healthy growth. I trim the stems back by one-third after the first bloom cycle ends, cutting just above a leaf node. Dead or yellowing leaves need immediate removal to prevent disease spread. In early spring, I perform a harder pruning by cutting back woody stems to 2-3 inches above the base, leaving some green growth intact.
Maintenance schedule:
- Remove spent blooms weekly during flowering season
- Trim stems back by 1/3 post-bloom
- Clean dead foliage monthly
- Cut back woody growth in early spring
- Shape plants every 4-6 weeks during growing season
Fertilizing Tips
Indoor lavender thrives with minimal fertilization, as excessive nutrients reduce essential oil production and flower quality. I apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) at quarter strength once in early spring and again mid-summer.
Fertilization guidelines:
- Feed twice annually (spring and mid-summer)
- Use 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer at 1/4 strength
- Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter dormancy
- Skip fertilization for newly planted lavender in first 6 weeks
- Apply fertilizer to damp soil to prevent root burn
| Nutrient | Amount (ppm) | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | 50-100 | Spring |
| Phosphorus | 50-100 | Mid-summer |
| Potassium | 50-100 | Mid-summer |
Common Problems and Solutions
Indoor lavender plants face specific challenges that require proactive management. My experience growing lavender indoors has taught me effective ways to address these issues through early detection monitoring.
Pest Management
Common lavender pests include:
- Whiteflies appearing as tiny white moths on leaf undersides
- Spider mites creating fine webbing between stems
- Mealybugs forming white cotton-like clusters
- Aphids clustering on new growth tips
I control these pests using:
- Neem oil spray applications every 14 days
- Yellow sticky traps placed near plant tops
- Regular leaf inspection with a magnifying glass
- Insecticidal soap treatments for active infestations
- Isolation of affected plants from healthy specimens
Disease Prevention
The primary diseases affecting indoor lavender include:
- Root rot from overwatering
- Powdery mildew appearing as white powder on leaves
- Leaf spot creating brown circular patches
- Botrytis blight showing gray fuzzy growth
My prevention methods include:
- Using well-draining soil with 30% perlite
- Maintaining air circulation with small fans
- Spacing plants 12 inches apart
- Removing affected foliage immediately
- Applying copper fungicide at first sign of disease
| Disease | Solution | Application Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Root Rot | Reduce watering, repot in fresh soil | Once identified |
| Powdery Mildew | Sulfur-based fungicide | Every 7-10 days |
| Leaf Spot | Copper fungicide | Every 14 days |
| Botrytis | Remove affected parts, improve ventilation | As needed |
Harvesting Indoor Lavender
Indoor lavender harvesting produces fragrant blooms for both fresh use and drying. I’ve found that proper timing and technique maximize the essential oil content in the flowers, enhancing their aromatic properties.
When to Harvest
The optimal time to harvest indoor lavender is when flower buds have formed but haven’t fully opened, typically showing 25-50% bloom. I harvest stems in the morning after any dew has dried but before the day’s heat peaks. Here’s my proven harvesting schedule:
- Cut stems when buds display a vivid purple color
- Harvest once during peak spring bloom (March-May)
- Collect a second harvest in late summer (August-September)
- Leave 2 inches of green growth on the plant
- Gather stems in small bundles of 10-15 stalks
Drying and Using Lavender
Proper drying preserves lavender’s fragrance and color for months. I organize my harvested lavender through these methods:
- Bind stems with rubber bands or twine
- Hang bundles upside down in a dark, dry space
- Maintain temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C)
- Allow 2-4 weeks for complete drying
- Store dried buds in airtight containers
- Culinary: Tea blends, baked goods, herbal seasonings
- Aromatherapy: Sachets, potpourri, dried arrangements
- Beauty: Bath products, essential oil infusions
- Crafts: Wreaths, wands, dried bouquets
| Drying Method | Duration | Temperature | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Drying | 2-4 weeks | 68-72°F | 40-50% |
| Dehydrator | 2-4 hours | 95°F | N/A |
| Oven | 2-3 hours | 170°F | N/A |
Growing lavender indoors has become one of my favorite gardening endeavors. I’ve found that with dedication to proper light moisture and temperature requirements these aromatic plants can flourish beautifully in any indoor setting. From their calming fragrance to their versatile uses in cooking and crafts indoor lavender offers endless possibilities.
I can confidently say that the rewards of growing lavender indoors far outweigh the challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out I encourage you to try your hand at cultivating these enchanting plants. With proper care and attention your indoor lavender will transform your living space into a fragrant Mediterranean-inspired haven.
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