Lavender is a classic choice for Dutch and Belgian gardens, bringing fragrance, colour, and pollinators. Planting it well gives your lavender the best chance to thrive for years. Here’s how to get started, step by step.

Best Time to Plant Lavender

The ideal time to plant lavender is in spring (April to early June) or early autumn (September). This gives the plants time to establish roots before the extremes of summer heat or winter frost. Avoid planting during periods of heavy rain or when the ground is frozen.

Choosing the Right Spot: Sun and Soil

Lavender needs plenty of sunlight—at least 6 hours per day. Choose an open, sunny spot in your garden. Well-drained soil is essential; lavender does not tolerate wet roots. Sandy or loamy soil is best. If your soil is heavy clay, consider improving drainage by mixing in coarse sand or planting on a slight mound.

Spacing and Room to Grow

Give each lavender plant enough space for good air circulation. As a rule of thumb, space plants 30–40 cm apart for smaller varieties (like Lavandula angustifolia) and 40–60 cm for larger types. This helps prevent fungal problems and allows the plants to fill out naturally.

Planting Lavender: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the soil: Remove weeds and loosen the soil to a depth of about 20–30 cm. Mix in some coarse sand if drainage is poor.
2. Dig a hole: Make a hole just deep and wide enough for the root ball of your lavender plant.
3. Remove the plant from its pot: Gently tease out the roots if they are circling the pot.
4. Place the plant: Set the lavender in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
5. Backfill and firm: Fill in the hole with soil, gently firming it around the plant. Avoid burying the stem.
6. Water in: Water thoroughly after planting, even if rain is expected. After establishment, lavender prefers drier conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant lavender?

Spring (April to early June) or early autumn (September) are the best times. This allows the plant to root before summer heat or winter frost.

What type of soil is suitable for lavender?

Lavender prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Heavy clay should be improved with coarse sand or by planting on a mound to prevent waterlogging.

How much space does lavender need?

Space smaller varieties 30–40 cm apart and larger types 40–60 cm apart. Good spacing helps prevent disease and allows for healthy growth.