Lavender care guide
Lavandula angustifolia
Quick answer
Water your lavender when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
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- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - Climate
- 10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
When and how to water
5 cm (2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Lavender needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Lavender generally needs little or no feeding. Feed lightly only if growth is weak, at most about every 60 days while it is actively growing.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
Humidity30–50%
Lavender is comfortable between 10 and 24 °C (50–75 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above -5 °C (23 °F).
It does best at 30–50% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Overwintering lavender
English lavender is hardy and stays outside. Move a pot to a sheltered spot against a wall, wrap it, and keep the compost on the dry side over winter.
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a lavender?
Water your lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxLight · soil · containers · overwatering · air circulation · pests
- Royal Horticultural SocietySun · free drainage · containers · winter shelter · root rot
- Utah State University ExtensionSun · dry soil · low nutrients · spring repotting · overfertilization
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlCommon/English Lavender record · ASPCA scientific field spells Lavendula angustifolia, differing from target accepted spelling
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