Few plants add colour and fragrance to a patio or garden quite like lavender. For its distinctive aroma and long history of medicinal and practical uses, it remains a popular choice for home gardens.
Lavender grows well in many Australian conditions and can be propagated easily from cuttings. It can even be grown from seed, although germination usually takes around 6–8 weeks and requires more patience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to propagate lavender and how to care for the plants to produce abundant blooms.
About Lavender Plants
Before mastering how to propagate lavender in Australia, you need to understand how to grow and care for the plant. Here’s everything you need to know about propagating lavender:
Climate Conditions
Lavender flourishes in warm and sunny climates. Its natural habitat is the Mediterranean region, characterised by mild winters and dry summers. In Australia, lavender can thrive in most climate zones, except for the tropical regions where excessive humidity may hinder its growth.
Soil & Drainage
Lavender grows best in alkaline soil, enjoying a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. A soil test kit can help you determine the pH of the soil in your garden and make the necessary adjustments.
The ideal soil texture is sandy or loamy because it allows for good drainage. Lavender is a plant that can't tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is paramount. If your garden has heavy or poorly draining soil, consider planting your lavender in raised beds for better control over the soil conditions.
Organic matter can also help improve the soil structure and moisture retention of the soil in your garden. You can achieve this by adding well-rotted manure or compost into the soil.
Watering
When initially planted, lavender needs plenty of water to thrive, but it should drain off very well. Standing water, particularly during winter dormancy, can be detrimental. Once established, lavender requires less frequent watering, with the soil allowed to dry out in between to prevent waterlogging.
Best Species for Propagating Lavender
There are at least 45 species of lavender cultivated globally, with numerous varieties available. The following are some of the best options for Australian gardeners:
English Lavender
Unlike its name suggests, this species hails from the Mediterranean. It grows wild on the mountainsides of the Mediterranean but has been popular in English gardens for decades. It is an outdoor perennial in temperate climates and has narrow leaves. The flowers of the English lavender have the strongest aroma compared to the other parts of the plant.
French Lavender
This graceful lavender species with indented leaves is a native of the Mediterranean region. It looks somewhat similar to the English lavender but has leaves with dentate margins.
Its flowers arch on long stems with fragrant, light purple flowers and a hop-like head. Requiring brighter sun, richer soil, and a touch more water than other varieties, this species can be cultivated upright or trained to cascade.
Portuguese Lavender
If you are looking for an appealing, rare variety, look no further than Portuguese lavender. It is a heat and drought-tolerant variety that’s suitable for more tropical climate zones in Australia. Thus, the variety is relatively low-maintenance. All you have to do is allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Lavandin
This variety has very similar qualities to lavender. But it’s a hybrid of the lavender species. Lavandin is more penetrating than lavender. It has a strong scent, and it’s considered to be beneficial for circulatory, respiratory, and inflammatory conditions. Lavandin usually has three flower heads in each stem. It also has longer lilac flowers and longer stems.
How to Propagate Lavender From Cuttings
Lavender is a very easy plant to propagate from cuttings. All you need are cuttings, a propagating mix, and a warm position until they establish a good root system.
The ideal timing for cuttings is in the early spring, although late winter can also be feasible, provided you have a form of cover offering sufficient warmth and cold protection. Let's walk through the process.
Taking Lavender Cuttings
Before you start, you will need the following:
- A mature lavender plant
- Flats or trays filled with rooting medium
- Secateurs, scissors, or sharp knife
- Rooting hormone
- Somewhere sunny and warm to keep your cutting trays or flats
What you are looking for in a cutting is a stem with a heel. Take cuttings from softer growth because they will root more easily than woody, hardened growth.
Use a sharp knife to cut just underneath a leaf node or where leaves grow from the stem. Then, strip the leaves off the stem until you’ve passed two leaf nodes. Cut the upper part, leaving only two leaves on the cutting that will help with transpiration. Preferably, the cuttings should be three to five inches long.
Rooting in Soil
The ideal propagating mix or rooting media for growing lavender from cuttings should be a mixture of potting mix or compost (1/3), coir peat or peat moss (1/3), and vermiculite (1/3). This light, airy mixture retains moisture, which is good for root development.
Dip the bottoms of your cuttings into a rooting hormone or powder. This helps stimulate the roots to grow. Then, gently insert the cuttings into the rooting medium until your trays are full. Once the cuttings are in, you need to mist them with a light spray of water to keep them moist. Keep the propagated cuttings in a warm position until they start showing signs of growth.
Depending on the temperature, the cuttings will start rooting in about four to six weeks. You will know if the roots are developing by gently tugging on the cuttings. A slight resistance indicates that the roots are developing. Once they are established, you can transfer your lavender plants into larger containers. Give the plants another watering session and snip off any flowers that might have started to grow.
Rooting in Water
If you already have lavender cuttings prepared, you can root them in water before planting. Fill a glass or jar with clean water and place the cutting inside, making sure the stem is submerged while the leaves remain above the waterline.
Rooting hormone can be used to encourage faster root development, but it is optional. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location with indirect light, and change the water every few days to keep it clean. After a few weeks, roots should begin to form along the submerged part of the stem. Wait until the roots reach about 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) before transplanting.
Once the roots are established, gently remove the cutting and plant it in a pot with well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a sunny location and water lightly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
How to Propagate Lavender From Seeds
Growing lavender from seed takes more time than using cuttings, but it can be done with a simple germination method. Place a moistened paper towel or napkin on a plate, ensuring it is damp but not waterlogged. Spread the seeds across the surface so they are not clumped together.
Place the plate inside a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate it for 30–40 days. This process, known as cold stratification, helps mimic winter conditions and improves germination. After this period, remove the plate from the refrigerator and place it near a bright window with good light.
The seeds usually begin to germinate within 7–14 days. Once the seedlings appear, transfer them to pots filled with well-draining potting soil. Handle them gently and lightly firm the soil around the roots. Over the next 8–12 weeks, the plants will continue to grow and should be kept in a sunny location.
How to Propagate Lavender Through Layering
Layering allows a lavender stem to develop roots while still attached to the parent plant. Start by selecting a healthy, flexible stem that grows close to the ground. Remove the leaves and small side shoots from the lower section of the stem that will be buried.
Next, dig a shallow trench beside the parent plant. Gently bend the prepared section of the stem into the trench and cover it with soil, leaving the tip of the stem above the ground. Use a small stake or rock to hold the stem in place so it stays in contact with the soil. Water the area to help settle the soil and provide moisture.
Over the following weeks to a few months, roots should form along the buried section of the stem. You can check progress by gently tugging the stem; resistance usually indicates root growth.
Once roots are established, cut the stem below the rooted section with clean pruning shears. Carefully lift the new plant from the soil and transplant it, taking care not to damage the developing roots.
Common Problems of Lavender
Lavender is generally a resilient plant, but it's still liable to some common problems that may affect its health and appearance. Here are a few of them:
1. Overwatering or poor drainage
Lavender prefers well-draining soil, and excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It's important to water lavender sparingly and ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings.
If the soil doesn't have proper drainage, it can lead to waterlogged roots and cause issues for lavender plants. Amending the soil with organic matter or planting lavender in raised beds can help improve drainage.
2. Lack of sunlight
Lavender thrives in full sunlight, and insufficient exposure to sunlight can result in weak growth and fewer blooms. Ensure that your lavender plants receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
In regions with cold winters, lavender plants may experience damage or die back during the colder months. To protect lavender from winter damage, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant and consider covering it with a breathable fabric or moving potted lavender indoors.
3. Improper pruning
Pruning lavender is essential to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody. However, improper pruning, such as cutting into old wood or trimming too much at once, can harm the plant. It's best to prune lavender lightly and only trim back a third of the plant at a time.
4. Pests and diseases
While lavender is generally resistant to pests, it can occasionally attract aphids, spider mites, or root-knot nematodes. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests and take appropriate measures, such as using insecticidal soap or neem oil, to control infestations.
Lavender can be susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew, root rot, and gray mould. These diseases can be caused by excessive moisture, poor air circulation, or unsanitary gardening practices. Preventative measures, such as providing proper spacing between plants and avoiding overhead watering, can help minimise the risk of diseases.
Lavender Plant Care Tips
Do you want your lavender plants to grow healthy? Here are a few lavender plant care tips to consider:
- Water your lavender cuttings consistently until they develop sturdy roots. Afterward, give them a good soak but avoid waterlogging.
- Monthly application of a water-soluble flower fertiliser is advisable. Be aware, however, that lavenders fertilised regularly may produce flowers with a less potent fragrance, and the plants may become susceptible to fungal disease.
- Lavender plants like the sun. So, make sure they are in a spot where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight every day.
- Help establish lavender by cutting off any flower buds that develop in the first season. This will encourage the plant to focus on root growth.
- Mulch your lavender plants for winter protection. Mulching will help eliminate weeds, which usually compete for nutrients and space.
- It’s also important to keep your lavender plants pruned as they grow to ensure a pleasing shape. You can prune lavender plants in early spring or after flowering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about lavender propagation in Australia.
What's the best time to plant lavender in Australia?
The ideal planting time for lavender in Australia is during spring or early autumn. These seasons offer moderate temperatures and more consistent rainfall, promoting good root growth before the hot summer or cold winter months.
Can lavender grow in all parts of Australia?
Lavender thrives in most Australian climate zones but may struggle in regions with high humidity, such as the tropical north. The plant prefers a Mediterranean-like climate with dry summers and mild winters.
How often should I water my lavender plants?
Once established, lavender plants need watering only once a week during dry periods. The plant prefers well-drained soil and doesn't tolerate waterlogged conditions. Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Wrapping Up
Lavender is a rewarding plant to grow. While it can be grown from seeds, propagating lavender from cuttings is usually faster and more reliable. With a healthy parent plant, basic tools, and a suitable growing environment, you can easily establish new plants at home.
As your cuttings develop roots and grow, give them time and consistent care. With the right conditions, they will mature into healthy lavender plants that add colour and fragrance to your garden. If you encounter difficulties, contact local gardening professionals or nurseries.
