Gardeners have revealed that the secret to abundant lavender blooms lies in neglect, with experts advising against overwatering and fertilising the Mediterranean plant.
Cesca Rowe, a member of the Gardening UK Facebook group, asked for advice after her lavender, planted last summer, grew large but failed to flower. Group members suggested she leave the plant alone.
Rachel Evans commented: “I’ve found that my lavender plant thrives off neglect. Mine is doing amazing right now and I don’t do anything with it. I just water it occasionally.” Karl Hyde added: “Lavender thrives on little water, poor soil, no fertiliser and hot sun.”
Maggie MacLean agreed: “Lavenders thrive on poor soil. If you enrich the soil then you'll get lush growth rather than vibrant flowers.” Velia Soni noted: “The best way to increase flowering is to leave it alone. I’ve stopped fertilising the plant and watering it so much and now I’ve got a beautiful display of blooms.”
Lavender originates from the Mediterranean, where it grows in sandy, low-nutrient soils with minimal rainfall. To replicate these conditions, gardeners should amend soil with horticultural sand or grit to reduce fertility and improve drainage, promoting healthy roots and more blooms.
