Ah, lavender. Just the name alone brings to mind breezy summer days and the calming scent wafting through the garden. But if your lavender isn’t blooming like you’d hoped—or worse, it’s all leaves and no perfume—you might be missing one key thing: timing your fertilizer right.
Let’s dig into exactly when to fertilize lavender for those lush, sweet-smelling blooms—and how to do it without overfeeding and stressing out your plants.
Why Fertilizing Lavender Matters (But Not Too Much!)
Lavender is a Mediterranean herb, which means it’s used to lean, rocky soils and lots of sunshine. Overfeeding it can do more harm than good, leading to leggy growth and fewer blooms. But the right amount of nutrients at the right time? That can supercharge your lavender’s flower power.
The trick is finding the sweet spot—feeding just enough to support blooming without encouraging too much foliage.
The Best Time to Fertilize Lavender: Spring Is Your Window
Early to mid-spring is the golden window for fertilizing lavender. Specifically, aim to feed your plants:
-
Right after new growth appears (usually March to May, depending on your climate)
-
Before buds start to form
This timing ensures your plant uses the nutrients to grow strong stems and produce plenty of buds, rather than just leafy growth.
Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall. That’s when lavender should be winding down—not gearing up. Feeding late in the season encourages soft, tender growth that won’t survive winter chills.
How Often Should You Fertilize Lavender?
Less is more. Unlike heavy feeders like tomatoes or roses, lavender only needs to be fertilized once or twice a year—max.
Here’s a simple schedule:
| Time of Year | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Early Spring | Apply a light, balanced feed |
| Mid-Summer (Optional) | Give a second light feeding only if growth is sluggish or blooms are sparse |
Over-fertilizing will backfire, making your lavender floppy, weak, and less fragrant.
The Best Fertilizer for Lavender
Lavender doesn’t need rich soil—it needs well-draining soil with just a touch of nutrition.
Here’s what to look for:
✅ Use:
-
Slow-release, balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or 5-5-5)
-
Compost or aged manure—just a sprinkle worked into the soil
-
Low-nitrogen organic blends (too much nitrogen = too many leaves, not enough flowers)
❌ Avoid:
-
High-nitrogen lawn fertilizers
-
Water-soluble flower boosters unless extremely diluted
If you’re growing in pots, choose a fertilizer specifically for container plants and follow the label—but halve the recommended dose for lavender.
Pro Tips for More Fragrant Lavender Blooms
Want your lavender not just to bloom, but explode with scent? Combine your feeding schedule with these tips:
1. Full Sun is Non-Negotiable
Lavender needs 6–8 hours of sunlight daily to bloom its best. No shortcuts here.
2. Prune It Right
Pruning in early spring (before new growth) and again lightly after blooming keeps plants compact and blooming well.
3. Water Sparingly
Overwatering is a bigger threat than under-watering. Let the soil dry out between drinks.
4. Skip the Mulch—Mostly
Wood mulches hold too much moisture. If you mulch, choose gravel or small stones to mimic lavender’s native soil.
What Happens If You Fertilize at the Wrong Time?
Timing is everything. Fertilize too early (while the plant is dormant), and it’ll sit in the soil unused—or worse, burn tender roots. Fertilize too late, and you’ll get lots of leafy growth but very few flowers. Or worse, that late flush of soft growth could get zapped by frost.
So, when in doubt? Wait for the first green shoots in spring—that’s your cue.
Final Thoughts: Feed Smart, Bloom Better
Lavender is low-maintenance, but it’s not no-maintenance. If you want fuller, more fragrant blooms, that single spring feeding could make all the difference. Don’t overdo it—just give your plant a gentle nudge at the right time.
With proper sunlight, good drainage, and a little bit of fertilizer in spring, you’ll have a lavender plant that not only looks good—but smells amazing too.
🌿 Bonus: Quick Lavender Fertilizer Checklist
-
✅ Fertilize once in early spring
-
✅ Use a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer
-
✅ Skip feeding in fall and winter
-
✅ Water deeply, but only when soil is dry
-
✅ Pair with full sun and a good pruning
Want to fill your garden with sweet lavender scent this summer? Time that feeding just right, and you’ll be amazed at the difference.