The Ultimate Lavender Soil Mix Recipe Guide

Lavender – the fragrant herb that invokes images of sprawling purple fields in the heart of Provence. However, you don’t need a French chateau to grow this aromatic wonder; all you need is the right soil mix to bring a touch of that garden bliss to your own backyard or balcony. Keep reading for some great tips on the best lavender soil mix recipe you can make right at home!

Why Lavender Needs a Special Soil Mix

Lavender is known for its love of dry, rocky, and somewhat unforgiving environments. It thrives in soil that reflects its native conditions—well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and not overly fertile. Too much moisture, and you risk root rot; too fertile, and your lavender seedlings may become leggy and produce fewer fragrant blooms. This is why creating the right soil mix is essential.

Best Soil Mix for Lavender Plants

Creating the best potting soil for new lavender plants involves balancing three main components: drainage, pH levels, and nutrients. It may take some trial and error to mix the best kind of soil for your lavender roots, but don’t give up!

Drainage

Lavender plants need excellent drainage to thrive. This is because their roots are susceptible to rot when left in waterlogged soil. To ensure proper drainage, you can add perlite or coarse sand to your soil mix. These additions will help create air pockets in this type of soil, allowing extra water to drain away.

pH Levels

Lavender plants prefer a slightly alkaline pH soil with a pH level between 6.7 and 7.3. You can test the soil pH levels using a home testing kit like the one mentioned in this blog post. Add lime or wood ash to increase the pH if the soil is still too acidic.

Nutrients

As mentioned earlier, lavender plants thrive in poor, rocky soil. Fertile soils with high nitrogen levels promote leaf growth at the expense of flower production. Therefore, it’s best to avoid adding fertilizers rich in nitrogen to your lavender soil mix.

Instead, you can add bone meal or compost for slow-release nutrients. If your lavender plants show signs of nutrient deficiency, you can use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

How to Choose the Right Lavender Varieties for Your Soil

Apart from the right soil mix, choosing the right varieties of lavender for your specific growing conditions is crucial. Some varieties are more suited to colder climates, while others thrive in warmer regions. Some popular lavender varieties that you can choose from include:

• English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): A hardy and versatile variety that grows well in most climates.
• French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Prefers warmer and drier conditions, making it suitable for Mediterranean regions.
• Spanish Lavender (Lavandula dentata): Another heat-loving variety that is popular in southern regions. 
• Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia): A hybrid variety that is more heat-tolerant and suitable for warmer climates.

When choosing a lavender variety, it’s also essential to consider the soil type. For example, Spanish Lavender does well in poor, rocky soils, while English Lavender prefers sandy loam. Make sure to research each variety’s specific growing requirements before making your selection.

The Ultimate Lavender Soil Mix Recipe

To create the perfect home for your lavender plants, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 parts potting soil: This is an excellent choice as the base of your mix, providing soil structure and nutrients for best results.
• 2 parts coarse sand and perlite: These elements ensure the mix doesn’t retain too much water. Plus, they provide proper air circulation around the roots.
• Organic compost: While optional, a handful of compost can enrich your mix with organic matter and microorganisms beneficial for plant growth.

Steps to Create Your Lavender Soil Mix:

1. Measure out three parts of potting soil and add it to a large container or wheelbarrow.
2. Mix in one part coarse sand or perlite to the potting soil until thoroughly blended.
3. Optional: If you’re using organic compost, mix in just enough to add nutrients without making the soil too rich.
4. Moisten the mix slightly so it’s damp, not wet. This will help when it’s time to plant your lavender.
5. Fill your pot or planting area with the mix, leaving room for the lavender’s root ball.
6. Plant your lavender and gently tamp down the soil to remove any large air pockets.
7. Water sparingly and enjoy watching your lavender grow!

The Benefits of Using the Right Lavender Soil Mix:

• Excellent Drainage: Keeps roots dry and healthy.
• Essential Nutrient Access: Ensures your lavender has everything it needs to grow strong.
• Stable pH Levels: Alkaline conditions perfect for lavender’s growth.
• Enhanced Aroma: High-quality flowers with that signature lavender scent.
• Long-Lasting: Reduces the need for frequent maintenance.

Lavender Growing Tips

To maximize the benefits of your homemade soil mix, place your lavender plants in a spot where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Lavender also benefits from good air circulation, so space your plants accordingly. Lastly, avoid high-humidity areas as moist conditions are not ideal for lavender.

Lavender Soil Mix Recipe FAQs

Below are several frequently asked questions relating to making a great lavender soil mix recipe to help your beautiful lavender flowers thrive!

What is the best soil mix for lavender?

The best soil mixture for lavender is a well-draining, slightly alkaline soil mix that is not overly fertile. This can be achieved by combining potting soil, coarse sandy soil or perlite, and organic compost (optional).

How do you prepare ground for lavender?

To prepare ground for lavender, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Location: Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Soil Preparation: Lavender prefers sandy or gravelly soil with excellent drainage. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage. Lavender dislikes wet feet, so good drainage is crucial.
3. pH Level: Lavender grows best garden soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. You can test your soil pH using a soil test kit and amend it if necessary with lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it.
4. Clear the Area: Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area. Lavender doesn’t compete well with weeds, so it’s important to start with a clean planting bed.
5. Digging Holes: Dig holes for your lavender plants, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. The depth of the hole should be similar to the size of the plant’s root ball.
6. Planting: Gently remove the lavender plant from its container and place it in the hole. Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the plant. Make sure the crown (where the stems meet the roots) is level with the soil surface.
7. Watering: After planting, water the lavender deeply to settle the soil around the roots. Water sparingly thereafter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
8. Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid mulching too close to the stems, as this can cause them to rot.
9. Pruning: Lavender benefits from annual pruning to promote bushy growth and prevent it from becoming woody. Prune after the plant has finished flowering, cutting back about one-third of the plant’s height.
10. Winter Protection: In areas with cold winters, lavender may need protection from harsh weather. Mulch around the base of the plants in late fall to insulate the roots, and consider covering the plants with a breathable fabric if temperatures drop below freezing.

Is perlite good for lavender?

Perlite is an excellent addition to lavender soil mix as it helps improve drainage and provides proper air circulation around the roots. It also does not break down over time, making it a long-lasting option for your plants.  So, perlite is definitely a good choice for lavender.  However, if you are planting in ground instead of a pot, coarse sand may be a better option as it doesn’t float to the surface like perlite can.

How do you make well drained soil for lavender?

To make well-drained soil for lavender, follow these steps:

1. Combine three parts potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite in a large container or wheelbarrow.
2. Add one part gravel or small rocks to the mix and combine well.
3. Moisten the mix slightly so it’s damp, not wet.
4. Fill the planting area with the mix.
5. Plant your lavender and gently tamp down the soil to remove any large air pockets.
6. Water sparingly and monitor drainage to ensure excess water can drain away easily.  Adjust mix if needed by adding more sand or gravel for better drainage or potting soil for increased moisture retention. 

The Best Lavender Soil Mix Recipe

With the right lavender soil mix recipe and some tender plant care, you can grow a gorgeous, blooming lavender plant. This aromatic herb not only adds beauty and fragrance to your garden but can also be used in cooking, crafting, and homemade beauty products.

Whether you’re potting a new plant or addressing the needs of an established one, remember that lavender’s best soil is one that mirrors its natural rocky habitat. Your garden will be all the better for it, and you’ll be able to enjoy the vibrant colors and delightful scents of this classic herb.