How to Grow Lavender in Colorado

Lavender has become a popular choice for gardeners in Colorado due to its beautiful appearance, delightful fragrance, and versatility. Growing lavender can enhance your garden’s aesthetic while attracting pollinators and providing culinary and therapeutic benefits. This article will guide you through the process of successfully growing lavender in Colorado’s unique climate and conditions.

Understanding Lavender

Varieties of Lavender

Before diving into the growing process, it’s essential to understand that there are several varieties of lavender, each with its own characteristics. The most common types include:

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): This variety is hardy and can withstand colder climates, making it ideal for Colorado gardens. It produces fragrant purple flowers.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata): Known for its distinctive serrated leaves and long-lasting flowers, French lavender thrives in warmer regions but can flourish in Colorado if protected from harsh winter conditions.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): This variety features unique flower spikes topped with “rabbit ears.” It is less cold-hardy and may require more care during winter months.

Choosing the Right Variety for Colorado

Given Colorado’s climate, English lavender is the most recommended variety. Not only is it cold-hardy, but it also flourishes in dry conditions typical of the state. Before selecting your lavender plants, ensure you choose a variety that suits your specific growing zone within Colorado.

Selecting the Right Location

Sunlight Requirements

Lavender loves sunlight – at least six hours a day of direct sunlight is ideal. When choosing a location in your garden, look for spots that receive ample sunlight without any heavy shade from trees or structures.

Soil Conditions

Lavender thrives best in well-draining soil. Heavy clay or overly moist soils can lead to root rot and other issues. To create optimal soil conditions:

Test Your Soil: Conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient content. Lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Improve Drainage: If your soil is heavy clay or tends to retain moisture, amend it with sand or gravel to enhance drainage.
Organic Matter: Incorporate organic matter such as compost into the soil to improve its structure without retaining excess moisture.

Planting Lavender

When to Plant

In Colorado, the best time to plant lavender is during the spring after the last frost date, which varies depending on your specific area. Mid-April to late May is generally a safe window for planting.

Spacing and Planting Techniques

When planting lavender:

Spacing: Space your plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow for air circulation and growth.
Planting Depth: Dig holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. Set the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.

Watering After Planting

After planting, water your lavender thoroughly but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. Good drainage is crucial for healthy plants.

Caring for Lavender

Watering Practices

While lavender is drought-tolerant once established, young plants require consistent watering until they develop strong root systems:

Establishing Phase: Water new plants every week until they become established (usually taking about six weeks).
Established Plants: Gradually reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions.

Fertilization

Lavender generally does not need heavy fertilization due to its ability to thrive in poor soils:

Spring Fertilization: Applying a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring can give your plants a nutrient boost.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Excess fertilization can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.

Pruning Lavender

Regular pruning is vital for maintaining healthy lavender plants:

When to Prune: The best time to prune is after flowering has finished, typically in late summer or early fall.
How to Prune: Cut back about one-third of the plant’s height; this encourages bushy growth and helps maintain shape.

Winter Care

Colorado winters can be harsh, but with proper care, your lavender plants can survive:

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to protect their roots from freezing temperatures.
Avoid Over-Mulching: Ensure that no mulch covers the crowns of the plants as this can trap moisture leading to rot.
Wind Protection: If you’re planting in an exposed area, consider erecting windbreaks or barriers to protect against harsh winter winds.

Harvesting Lavender

Once your lavender has matured (usually around two years after planting), you can harvest it:

Timing: Harvest lavender stems when buds are just beginning to open for optimal fragrance and oil content.
Cutting Flowers: Use sharp garden shears or scissors and cut stems just above the leaves.
Drying: Bundle harvested stems together and hang them upside down in a dark, dry area with good ventilation.

Uses for Lavender

Growing lavender comes with plenty of benefits beyond its aesthetic appeal:

Culinary Uses: Use fresh or dried lavender flowers in baking, tea blends, or as a seasoning for meats.
Aromatherapy: Lavender essential oil has calming properties and can be used in diffusers or bath products.
Crafts and Decor: Dried lavender can be used in sachets, potpourri, or as decorative elements in floral arrangements.

Common Pests and Diseases

While lavender is relatively pest-resistant, occasional issues may arise:

Pests

Aphids & Spider Mites: These pests can be managed through careful inspection and natural remedies such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Diseases

Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot; ensure proper drainage by amending soil if necessary.

Conclusion

Growing lavender in Colorado presents an opportunity for gardeners to enjoy beautiful blooms and numerous benefits year-round. By understanding which varieties thrive best in your region, selecting an optimal location, providing proper care throughout seasonal changes, and utilizing harvesting techniques effectively, you can cultivate an abundant lavender garden that enhances both your landscape and lifestyle. With patience and dedication, you’ll enjoy not only a flourishing garden but also the myriad uses that come with this beloved herb!