How to Repot Your French lavender: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 7, 2024 6 min read

Repotting French lavender in late winter or early spring can yield the best results.

Choose a pot with excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Well-draining, mildly alkaline soil is ideal for French lavender.

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Why Repot French lavender?

Promotes healthy root growth and prevents root bounding.

Repotting your French lavender is essential for its health and growth. Like many plants, French lavender can become root-bound if left in the same pot for too long. This means the roots grow in circles inside the pot and fail to absorb water and nutrients efficiently. By repotting, you allow the roots more space to grow, which promotes healthier and more robust growth.

Ensures the soil is nutrient-rich and well-draining.

Over time, the soil in your pot can become compacted and lose its nutrient content and draining properties. Repotting allows you to refresh the soil, ensuring it remains nutrient-rich and well-draining. French lavender thrives in well-draining soil, which prevents water from sitting at the roots and causing rot.

Allows for plant inspection and removal of decaying roots.

Repotting also gives you a chance to inspect the roots of your French lavender. You can remove any decaying or damaged roots, which helps prevent diseases and promotes healthier growth. This routine inspection and maintenance can give your plant many more vibrant years.

When Is the Right Time to Repot French lavender?

Best time: Late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.

The optimal time to repot your French lavender is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. During this time, the plant is still semi-dormant but about to enter its growing season, making it ideal for handling the stress of repotting.

Signs include roots growing through drainage holes, slow growth, water-logging.

You can tell your French lavender needs repotting if you notice roots coming out of the drainage holes, slow and stunted growth, or water-logging in the soil. These are classic signs that your plant has outgrown its current pot and needs more space.

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil for French lavender

Selecting a pot with good drainage, size tips.

When choosing a new pot for your French lavender, ensure it has good drainage. This is crucial to prevent water from pooling at the bottom and causing root rot. A pot that is 2-4 cm (1-2 inches) larger in diameter than the current one is ideal. Avoid overly large pots as they can hold too much soil, leading to water retention.

Ideal soil composition: Well-draining, mildly alkaline mixtures.

French lavender prefers a well-draining and mildly alkaline soil mix. You can create a suitable mix by combining potting soil with sand or perlite for improved drainage. Adding some lime can help maintain the necessary mild alkalinity.

How to Repot French lavender: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the new pot and soil mix.

Start by preparing your new pot with a fresh, well-draining soil mix. Ensure the pot has ample drainage holes. Fill the bottom with a layer of gravel or pebbles to further enhance drainage.

Step 2: Gently remove the plant from the old pot.

Carefully remove your French lavender from its current pot. You may need to slide a knife around the edge to loosen it. Hold the base of the plant and gently ease it out, being mindful not to damage the roots.

Step 3: Trim damaged roots and inspect for pests.

Inspect the roots and trim away any that are damaged, decaying, or excessively long. This is also a good time to check for pests and remove any that you find.

Step 4: Position the plant in the new pot and backfill with soil.

Place your French lavender in the center of the new pot. Hold it steady and begin filling in around it with fresh soil, ensuring the plant is upright and at the same depth as before. Lightly press the soil down to eliminate air pockets.

Step 5: Water thoroughly and place in suitable location.

After repotting, water your French lavender thoroughly. Place it in a location with plenty of sunlight and good airflow to help it resettle in its new home.

Aftercare for Your Newly Potted French lavender

Watering schedule adjustments post-repotting.

Following the repot, adjust your watering schedule. Initially, keep the soil slightly more moist than usual to help the plant recover, but avoid overwatering. Once established, revert to a regular watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.

Monitor for signs of stress and adjust care as needed.

Monitor your French lavender for any signs of stress such as yellowing leaves, drooping, or stunted growth. These signs may indicate it is struggling to adapt, and you might need to adjust the watering, sunlight, or even the soil mixture to better suit its needs.

Learn More About French lavender