Lavender is a very popular plant, whether out in the garden or indoors in a pot. The delicate flowers smell heavenly and add colour to any home.
And like other plants, watering is a key part of keeping your lavender healthy and happy.
How often to water lavender? It will depend on the season and climate, but lavender is a drought-tolerant plant. Outdoor lavender can subsist on rainfall most of the year. During dry months, water every 2-3 weeks.
Indoor lavender should be watered when the potting medium is dry.
You don’t like getting your feet wet – and neither do your flowering friends! Here’s your ultimate guide to watering lavender plants.
Basics of Watering Lavender
One of the most important factors in growing lavender is watering!
An established lavender plant is quite drought-tolerant, as the species is native to hot, dry summers and poor soils. These Mediterranean plants are low maintenance – but all plants need water to thrive!
As a general rule, you should water established lavender plants when the soil has moderately dried out.
Use a moisture meter or do a finger test – if you feel dampness, no need to water.
In hotter months (especially when there’s no rain), you may have to water more frequently. On the flip side, during cooler months, water less as the soil will take longer to dry.
If you’re unsure, a professional gardening service will know how and when to water your plants!
How to Water Lavender
It’s not just how often you water that matters, but also the method you use.
Poor watering habits such as shallow watering or sprinkling can harm your plant almost as much as too much water.
Watering lavender in the ground
When watering outdoor lavender – such as in a garden bed – it’s best to do a deep soak once every few weeks during the hot, dry months.
This lets the water penetrate the deeper layers of the ground, which the plant needs due to its long taproot.
Make sure to water close to the ground so you don’t wet the leaves and flowers, which could lead to fungal diseases and rot.
Watering lavender in a pot
There are two methods for watering lavender: overhead or bottom.
For overhead watering (also called top watering), focus on wetting only the soil. Lavender is susceptible to leaf diseases, and getting moisture on the leaves or flower stems can lead to rot.
Pour water onto the soil, around the base of the plants. For potted lavender, water until it drains out from the bottom – and be mindful of emptying the pot saucer!
On the other hand, bottom watering is an effective method of preventing overwatering or wet leaves. The idea is that the soil only takes up as much water as it needs, and the moisture is more evenly distributed.
It also minimises soil compaction and the risk of root rot.
To bottom water potted lavender, fill a tray or bucket with water – but not too much that it’ll go over the edge of the pot. Place the pot inside the water, ensuring the holes at the bottom aren’t covered.
Leave for up to an hour as the soil absorbs moisture from the bottom. Check moisture levels with your finger – it’s fine if the top layer isn’t wet, so long as you feel moisture deeper down.
Lift out the pot and let any excess drain out.
Watering Lavender Based on Growth
Like most plants, lavender has different watering requirements based on growth.
Knowing when and how often to water is crucial for healthy, thriving plants.
How often to water lavender seeds
When growing lavender from seed, you’ll need to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Consistent moisture levels are key to germinating the seeds.
You’ll likely have to water once or twice a week, depending on heat and humidity.
Make sure to use good quality seed-starting mix or starter pellets.
How often to water newly planted lavender
If you’ve just transplanted seedlings or young plants, regular watering will help root growth.
Like the seeds, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Water newly planted lavender about 1-2 times a week in their first summer – then bring it down to once every 2-3 weeks in cooler weather.
When the plant is established, taper off watering. You can tell a plant is “established” when you start seeing new growth and there’s resistance if you give it a little tug.
How often to water propagated lavender
It’s pretty straightforward to propagate lavender from cuttings! Prune the plant in late summer, after it’s done flowering.
When rooting the cuttings in soil, water thoroughly after they’ve been potted. Then wait until the soil has partially dried before watering again.
How often to water established lavender plants
Once lavender plants are mature and established, they’re more drought-tolerant and require less water.
For potted lavender, water once every 9-14 days, depending on the moisture levels. Allow a moderate level of dryness in the soil before watering again.
For outdoor lavender, water only if it hasn’t rained in a while. Lavender grown outdoors typically only needs watering during hotter months, when you can soak the ground every 2-3 weeks.
You can help the plant retain moisture by layering organic mulch or pea gravel above ground.
Watering Lavender Based on Location
Whether indoors or outdoors, lavender grows best in a sunny location!
But exposure to full sun will mean the soil dries out quicker than in partial shade.
How often to water potted lavender
When growing lavender in pots, make sure the pot has proper drainage holes and well-draining soil. This will help prevent the plant from getting wet feet.
For potted plants indoors, water 1-2 times every two weeks – or when you can’t feel moisture in the potting mix. It’s best to let the soil dry out a bit between watering (especially for larger pots).
Allow excess water to drain out of the pot, and don’t let it sit in a saucer with water.
For outdoor potted plants, they can subsist on rainfall. Make sure to keep an eye on the potting mix so it’s draining well and not getting waterlogged.
Water outdoor potted lavender every 2-3 weeks in the summer, or when the medium is drying out.
You can amend your potting mix with bark chips (such as coco or pine) to retain moisture while keeping the mix loose and aerated.
How often to water lavender outdoors
How often you water lavender plants outdoors will depend on the weather.
Typically, there’s no need to water at all, as the plant can subsist on rainfall (especially in the cooler months).
During hotter months or periods of drought, do a deep soak once every 2-3 weeks.
If you grow companion plants with lavender, make sure they have similar water requirements – or plant them separately so you don’t overwater your lavender.
Watering Lavender Based on Season
Both season and climate affect the frequency of watering your lavender plant!
Cooler months mean the soil takes longer to dry, so you’ll water less often than in hot, dry months (such as summer).
How often to water lavender in spring
Lavender is best planted or sown in early spring, so you’ll be watering more frequently during this season.
New plants should be watered 1-2 times a week to maintain consistent moisture – but don’t get the soil too wet.
Established plants, however, will need very little watering unless there’s no rain for a prolonged period.
How often to water lavender in summer
Lavender plants can tolerate drought, but if you live in an area with particularly hot and dry summers, they can get thirsty!
For lavender in its first summer, water about 1-2 times a week, always ensuring the soil isn’t soggy.
Otherwise, water every 2-3 weeks if there’s no rain.
For potted plants, do a finger test to see if the potting medium still has moisture. If it’s dry, water thoroughly.
How often to water lavender in autumn
You can start to reduce the water you give lavender plants in autumn, as the weather cools.
If it’s rainy where you live, there’s no need to water at all. Otherwise, you can water every few weeks when the soil is particularly dry.
How often to water lavender in winter
Lavender grown outdoors does not need to be watered during winter.
If you live in colder climates, you may need to “winterise” your plants by pruning lavender in early autumn and layering some organic mulch to insulate the stems and roots.
For lavender in pots, move them indoors if you live in an area where the temperatures drop to single digits. Water only after you let the soil dry.
Watering Different Types of Lavender
There are 47 known species of these flowering plants, but some types of lavender are more popular than others!
Here’s a general lavender watering schedule for four of the main varieties in Australia.
How often to water English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
For a plant in full sun, water English lavender about once every 9 days – more if the soil hasn’t dried yet.
If your plant is in partial shade, water once every 2 weeks (at least).
How often to water French lavender (Lavandula dentata)
The French variety is more drought-tolerant than others, as it likes hot, dry climates. It typically only needs to be watered during extended periods of heat or drought.
Water French lavender about once every 2-3 weeks if it’s particularly hot or there hasn’t been rain in a long time.
How often to water Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Spanish lavender (also called butterfly lavender) is a bit different since it can tolerate humidity and milder summers.
It can withstand drought and low-water conditions, but thrives in slightly more moist soil. Try not to let the soil completely dry before watering again.
NOTE: If you wish to grow Spanish or Italian lavender in Australia, you’ll have to do so indoors. It’s considered an environmental weed in Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia.
The plant spreads quickly, with dense growth that can overtake native or existing vegetation. Check your local council or state legislation regarding Lavandula stoechas before planting.
How often to water Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
Lavandin is a hybrid lavender, combining the cold tolerance of the English variety with the heat tolerance of the Portuguese one.
It prefers dry conditions, so you’ll only need to water during particularly dry spells – about once every 2-3 weeks.
FAQs about Watering Lavender
Here are a few more tips for watering and caring for lavender plants!
Can you overwater lavender plants?
Yes, you can overwater lavender – it’s one of the most common reasons for drooping lavender or dying plants!
Lavender is drought-tolerant and comes from an environment of hot weather and poor soils. It’s best to err on the side of underwatering to prevent root rot or other issues.
Thankfully, you can save an overwatered plant if you catch it in its early stages. Stop watering and let the soil dry completely, before starting a new schedule that’s less frequent.
If you suspect you’ve overwatered your lavender, check the roots for rot. Roots should be firm and light cream or white – any softness, mushiness, or blackness is a sign of rot.
You’ll need to cut off any rotting roots and repot the plant in well-draining soil with plenty of grit.
Does lavender need to be watered often?
No, you don’t need to water lavender often, but it still needs to be watered regularly.
For potted plants, aim for a watering schedule of every 9-14 days, depending on the weather and your soil type.
For lavender in the ground, aim for a watering schedule of every 2-3 weeks.
Should I fertilise lavender when watering?
As a general rule, lavender plants don’t need fertiliser. They’re adapted to thriving in poor conditions, and too much fertiliser can “burn” your plant.
If necessary, you can add a little liquid fertiliser or slow-release fertiliser during lavender flowering season to encourage growth.
Avoid fertilising English lavender at all, as this can inhibit growth and flowers.
