Like others here, I have tried several times and failed to grow Lavender. But Clairelise, after seeing your GORGEOUS Lavender and reading all this GREAT info in this thread... I have GOT to try again next year!
I will have to find the right spot and amend it with some sand... The poor soil in my yard is too hard packed and would choke out anything, I'm sure. All other soil in my garden is pretty rich. I'm anxious now though to get out there and get the spot ready ... NOW! lol
No one else in Texas has posted in this thread... anyone else in Texas grow Lavender? Have any tips on growing in our heat?
Growing Lavender
It's pretty darn hot every summer here in Utah where Clairelise and I live and lavender seems to love both our heat and our sandy soil. She's up near the Wasatch front range and has slightly 'better' soil than I, mine's basically blow sand.... lol blew in here from further down the line and if you don't do somethin' to hold it down it blows right on out.
LOL Blooms! I'm remembering when we were on the chat forum while you were having a storm literally blow through your house! Or maybe it was just opening the screen door? Anyway, I know how the storms can get down there--pretty exciting! But, I guess that would make for questionable soil; it's either washed or blown down there. I've wondered, though, can the red soil be used for gardening or is the iron content too high?
Cajun2, yes lavender loves the heat and full sun, although if your summers get above 100F you might want a little afternoon shade, but not much. Mine have morning shade and have to deal with the hottest part of the day in the sun, and I've noticed that on days around 100F or above they do just fine so long as they've had a drink in the past 24 hours. But, that's Utah! It's really dry here! In Texas you may not need as much water as we do, even when it's hot.
Claireisle, some parts of Texas are more desert than we are. Don't think Ft Worth would qualify though. They ;may not get snow much but they sure get ice.
My lavender get morning sun and pretty heavy leaf shade all the rest of the day. Seem to like it that way. Never look like yours tho. lol
Ahhh ok, thanks guys so much! That sure helps in planning the perfect spot for my new Lavender (should I wait until spring to get a plant?)
And yes, you're right it's not as dry here as it is where you are, I'm sure. But where the afternoon sun here is quite intense, I think I'll opt for afternoon shade for my new baby :-)
(Yeah, we love the ice more than the snow... LOL not!)
Should you wait until spring? I don't know . . . how long do you think until the first frost?
Hmmm sometimes not until December here, but one never knows... It's Texas after all. I thought what I'd do is drop by my local nursery and see if they still have any plants and if so, I KNOW I can ask them what they suggest.
That sounds like a good idea! When it comes to planting times I never know! LOL
LOL Oh please! I am SO screwed up on my planting times... I TOTALLY forgot to put any seeds out last fall. Sheesh! Not this year though!!! Too many things I love that I didn't get b/c the seeds weren't in the ground in time. AND I wasted those seeds (sniff).