Fall is the ideal time to care for your lavender plants and prepare them for the cold season. Proper pruning is essential to keep your lavender healthy, vigorous, and full of life! In this article, we will provide you with tips on pruning your lavender in the fall and maximizing its growth once winter is over!
1. The right time to prune
The ideal time to prune lavender is at the end of summer or early autumn, usually in September. Avoid pruning too late in the fall, as it could leave new growth vulnerable to cold winter temperatures.
2. Prepare your tools
For effective lavender pruning, make sure you have sharp and clean tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Garden shears or well-sharpened pruners are essential to avoid damaging the branches.
3. Prune lightly
Lavender does not require extensive pruning but rather a light trim to remove faded shoots and encourage the growth of new ones. Trim the lavender to about one-third of its total height. Avoid cutting too close to the woody base, as this can harm regrowth.
4. Create a dome shape
When pruning lavender, aim to create a dome shape. This allows the plant to receive uniform sunlight exposure, promoting healthy and even growth.
5. Remove dead shoots
Carefully inspect your lavender and remove any dead or damaged shoots. This improves air circulation around the plant, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
6. Use the leaves
Don't discard the lavender leaves you've pruned! You can keep them and use them to create scented lavender sachets or add them to your collection of culinary herbs.
7. Be mindful of weather conditions
Avoid pruning lavender in humid weather, as moisture can promote disease development. Opt for a dry and sunny day instead.
What to do with your dried lavender?
Once your lavender plants have been pruned, there are many options for reusing the cut lavender. Here are two simple ideas:
1. Lavender sachets:
Fill a small muslin bag with dried lavender flowers to make a potpourri sachet to place in a drawer, on a bedside table, or in the bathroom.
2. Bouquets with dried lavender:
Create bouquets of dried lavender and have fun making your own arrangements with different dried flowers and plants.
For more tips on making dried lavender bouquets and the drying process, check out our blog article on the subject.
