Lavender is the most popular flower in the United States, shows the data - here is how to grow it
This scented flower has special care instructions, say gardening experts.
You may very well have a lavender scented lotion bottle in your bathroom. Or maybe you are burning a lavender candle to help you relax . It is not a secret for anyone that this floral fragrance has a proven calming effect - and that is perhaps why it has become the most popular flower to develop across the country.
A new study of horticulture guide Gardening chores analyzed the number of Google research for various Flower names , combined with research terms "how to cultivate [flower name]" and "buy [flower name]". And in 42 states, Lavender took first place (second place went to the sunflower in seven states).
"Lavender offers many advantages to the area in which it is cultivated and can thrive both outside and inside with appropriate care," said Amber Noyes , a horticultural expert with gardening tasks. "From its pleasant perfume widely recognized for its beautiful purple flowers, it provides a welcoming space for pollinators and acts as an excellent repellent of harmful garden insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks."
So, whether you are already looking for "how to develop lavender" or we have just bitten your interest, there are specific care instructions that you should keep in mind. Read the rest for six advice from gardening experts for the cultivation of lavender.
Read this then: 5 plants that will keep mosquitoes out of your courtyard, according to pest experts .
1 Know this kind Lavender, you grow.
According to gardening tasks, "lavender, whose scientific name is Lavender , is a kind of 47 species of flower plants with more than 450 varieties. "So, before seizing an old plant from your nursery, it is important to know which variety best meets your needs.
Benita Middleton , chief in chief at Benita's Garden Services , said English lavender ( Lavandula Angustifolia ) and Lavandin ( Lavandula X Intermedia ) are two of the most cultivated varieties.
If you hope to use some of the flowers to make sachets or other scented home items, English lavender is probably the best bet.
"This plant is the source of real lavender oil," explains the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Gardening plant toolbox . "The flowers can be dried and used in the pot-jug. Cut it every year and remove the watershed of worn flowers after the discoloration of the flowers."
To make essential oil, "dried lavender flowers can be impregnated with coconut oil", explains the gardening spots.
2 Choose a sunny place.
"Lavender prosperous in full sun, so it is preferable to provide it at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun every day," advises Middleton.
"Make sure it does not shade trees or buildings in the afternoon," adds Ben Mcinerney , a certified and founder of GetreEquotes .
If you are looking to cultivate inside the lavender, you will also want to place your pot in a sunny place near a window, preferably the one in the south.
Read this then: 8 easy exterior plants that do not need sun .
3 And make sure the ground is well drained.
Lavender is a tolerant plant with drought and, therefore, it can be easy to overflow it.
"Edall too much can lead to the rot of roots and other fungal diseases, so it is important not to keep the soil excessively wet," said Middleton. You will want to let the ground dry between watering.
And speaking of this, to ensure that your lavender plant is not full of water, it must be planted in a very draining soil.
"If your soil is heavy or clay, you will need to consider replacing the soil or modifying it with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage," recommends Mcinerney. "If you really want Nerd, lavender prefers a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5."
4 Fertilize sparingly.
Lavender does not require much fertilization. In fact, surfertilization can compromise its production of essential oil, note Mcinerney.
"If your soil is poor or lack of nutrients, you can apply a balanced organic fertilizer, such as compost or a slow liberation fertilizer, in early spring," suggests Middleton. "However, avoid excessive nitrogen because it promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers."
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5 Stay above pruning.
To maintain both the shape and health of your lavender factory, you will want to stay above pruning.
"At the beginning of spring or after the end of the plant, flowering, reduce the foliage to promote more Bush growth and prevent woody and long legs," explains Middleton. "Pruning also helps improve air circulation and prevent diseases."
6 Take care of very cold temperatures.
"Lavender is a rustic plant and can tolerate cold temperatures, but extreme frost can damage the plant," said Middleton. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
"If you live in a region with serious winters, consider planting cold-rich varieties or providing winter protection, such as covering the plant with a layer of mulch or jute canvas," she recommends.