One major question to ask when you’re getting a new plant or repotting is to find out what kind of soil is best for the plant. Because not all plants can survive and thrive in the same type of soil! So what’s the best potting soil for lavender? There are a few key things to look for, and 3 main options of what kind of soil to use!
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It’s important to make sure your lavender is healthy and happy by choosing the best soil for it.
The Best Type of Potting Soil For Lavender
So what is the best type of potting soil for lavender? You want to look for one that’s well draining, because lavender hates sitting in water. So even looking for one that’s got sand mixed in will work well for your plant. (that’s also why I suggest using terracotta pots with drainage holes for your lavender – read more here)
Lavender also prefers a more neutral pH, and not acidic soil. It won’t thrive if there’s too low of a pH of the soil. Try to focus on looking for neutral or alkaline soil, or for supplements for the soil that make it more neutral.
You can often tell you’ve got a problem with your soil if your lavender is yellowing or wilting.
So what’s the best potting soil for lavender?
1. Commercial Potting Soil
It is the most accessible type to find at your local nursery or hardware store—and it’s also what will be included in most plant kits. Commercial potting soil comprises a mixture of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss. While it will work for most plants, including lavender, it doesn’t contain the nutrients that lavender plants need to grow and thrive.
Pros: This type of potting soil is typically light in color and tends to hold moisture well, which are good things for lavender plants. It also tends to have a neutral pH level that works well with most plants, although not with lavenders.
Cons: The main issue with this type of potting soil is the lack of nutrients. It will not provide enough nutrients for lavender plants to thrive.
2. Organic Potting Soil
Organic potting soil can be bought at your local garden center or online—and as the name suggests is made from a mixture of compost and perlite. Because of its organic origins, this type of soil can contain tremendous amounts of nutrients for lavender plants.
Pros: Organic potting soil is an excellent choice for lavender because it contains nutrients that your lavender plants will require. It also tends to be dark in color and has a natural odor that smells like the outdoors. It is also usually high in organic matter, which will work well at holding water.
Cons: This type of potting soil can be heavy, hard to work with, and potentially too acidic for even the most hearty lavenders. Additionally, this type of soil is not always sterile and may contain harmful bacteria because it is organic.
3. DIY Soil
It’s worth noting that you can also make your own soil that’s perfect for your lavender plant if you compost. Just mix compost soil and perlite to create the perfect potting soil for your lavender plants. While this is beyond the scope of this article, some lavender growers swear by the combination of vermiculite and perlite in their potting soil to ensure excellent drainage for their plants.
All you need to do is combine equal parts of both perlite and vermiculite and mix it with a compost that’s rich in nutrients. Most potting soils will have some nutrients. You can also add peat moss or shredded pine bark if you want darker, richer soil.
Pros: You will know what is in it if you grow your potting soil using compost, perlite, and vermiculite. It means that you can adjust it to be perfect for lavender plants. It also makes the potting soil light and easy to work with.
Cons: The downside of creating your own potting soil from compost is the time investment. It takes a few months, and it may not be sterile enough for seedlings.
In Summary
As you can see, each type of potting soil has its pros and cons. The best potting soil for lavender plants will depend on your looking for in a potting blend. Organic potting soil will be your best choice if you’re looking to grow lavender plants with unique scents and tastes. You’ll also want to see if they contain any nutrients as well. On the other hand, if you want more environmentally friendly soil and you don’t mind making your potting soil, go with the type that has homemade compost, vermiculite and perlite.
