Care Guide for Central Texas (Zone 8b)

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Sun Requirements 

• Lavender requires full sun, ideally 6-10 hours daily.
• It tolerates afternoon sun better than most herbs and blooms best with maximum light.
• If your lavender looks leggy or pale, it needs more sun.

Watering 

Lavender prefers dry conditions – treat it like a Mediterranean shrub.

• Water lightly 1× per week in beds.
• Containers may need watering every 3-4 days during heat waves.
• Let soil dry out completely between waterings.
• Avoid soggy soil – lavender hates wet feet.

Signs of underwatering: slight droop (rare).

Signs of overwatering: yellowing leaves, mushy stems, root rot.

Soil & Fertilizer (Organic‑Only)

Use a very well‑draining mix:

• Compost
• Coarse sand
• Perlite
• Small gravel (optional but excellent)

Container Flowers

• Every 2 weeks alternate with compost tea and diluted fish emulsion 
• Monthly worm castings  
• Heavy bloomers appreciate steady nutrition
• Too much nitrogen = lots of leaves, fewer flowers
• Containers dry out fast, so keep moisture consistent

In‑Ground Flowers

• Mulch well to maintain even moisture
• Every 3 weeks compost tea  
• Monthly worm castings  
• Fish emulsion only if growth slows (½ strength)
• Soil biology supports balanced nutrient uptake
• Too much nitrogen reduces bloom production

Organic Pest Control 

Lavender is naturally pest‑resistant.

Occasional issues:

• Aphids
• Spider mites (rare)
• Root rot from overwatering

Organic solutions:

• Neem oil at dusk
• Insecticidal soap for aphids
• Increase airflow to prevent mites

Avoid chemical pesticides – lavender attracts beneficial insects.

Container vs In‑Ground Care

Container Care

• 3-5 gal containers
• Excellent drainage required
• Water lightly
• Perfect for patios and herb racks

In‑Ground Care

• Plant in raised beds or borders
• Loves rocky, sandy soil
• Mulch lightly (not heavily)
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape

Warnings

• Overwatering is the #1 killer of lavender.
• Heavy clay soil must be amended.
• Avoid shade – lavender becomes leggy and weak.
• Humidity can cause mildew – ensure airflow.

Harvest Instructions

Lavender is ready when:

• Buds are swollen
• Color is vibrant
• Flowers are just beginning to open

Harvest by snipping stems with scissors.

Best fragrance is before full bloom.

Frequent harvesting = more blooms.

Drying & Storage

Lavender dries beautifully:

• Hang bundles upside‑down
• Or dry on screens
• Or dehydrate at 95-105°F

Store dried lavender in airtight jars or cloth sachets.

Properly dried lavender keeps for 6-12 months.

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