Growing Lavender in Florida: A Personal Journey and Guide to Success

Lavender—its fragrance, its stunning purple blooms, and its calming qualities—has always been a favorite of mine in the garden. It’s a plant that has a special place in my heart, and after years of growing various types of lavender in Florida, I’m eager to share my experiences, tips, and insights with other gardeners. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through my journey of growing lavender in Florida, touching on the varieties I’ve tried, the challenges I’ve faced, and the methods that have worked best for me.

Lavender’s Appeal

There's something magical about lavender. The scent alone is enough to transport you to a peaceful lavender field in Provence, even if you're in the heart of Florida’s heat and humidity. Lavender is also known for its versatility. It can be used in culinary dishes, made into oils, and even dried for arrangements or sachets. And, of course, it attracts pollinators, which makes it a fantastic addition to any garden.

But growing lavender in Florida? That’s a different story. The hot, humid climate, frequent summer rains, and sandy soil can be a challenge for lavender, a plant that traditionally thrives in Mediterranean climates. Over the years, though, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to cultivating lavender in this environment.

My Lavender Growing Journey in Florida

Over the years, I’ve tried several types of lavender in my garden, and each one has its own personality. Some have thrived beautifully, while others have been a bit more temperamental. Here’s a look at the varieties I’ve grown:

La Vela Compact Lavender: A Spanish Lavender Winner

If there’s one variety I would recommend for Florida gardeners, it’s the La Vela Compact Lavender. This Spanish lavender has won my heart with its robust, amazing fragrance—richer and a bit sweeter than most other Spanish lavenders. The scent is absolutely intoxicating and fills the air around my garden like a breath of fresh, floral air. What I love most about this variety is its compact size, which makes it easier to manage in small spaces.

Unlike many lavender varieties that struggle in Florida’s climate, the La Vela Compact Lavender seems to thrive here, even through the hot, humid summer months. It doesn't mind Florida’s occasional heavy rains either. I’ve found that it blooms consistently throughout the year, with waves of purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

Sensational Lavender: Prolific Blooms and a Consistent Performer

Another lavender variety that I’ve had a lot of success with is Sensational Lavender. True to its name, this variety produces a prolific amount of blooms, covering every plant in a sea of lavender color. It’s one of the most consistent performers I’ve grown here, blooming evenly and reliably throughout each growing season.

In Florida, it can be tough to get lavenders to bloom as prolifically as you’d like, given the humidity and rain, but Sensational Lavender proved me wrong. It seems to handle the summer rains better than other varieties, which was a pleasant surprise. I also found that it thrives best in Florida’s cooler months, particularly between January and June, when the humidity isn’t as stifling, and the rains are less frequent.

Phenomenal Lavender: Thriving, but No Blooms

While Phenomenal Lavender has a reputation for being one of the most resilient varieties, I’ve had a mixed experience growing it here in Florida. I’ve never been able to get it to bloom, though it does seem to thrive. The plant itself is healthy, and its foliage is lush and vibrant. However, despite my best efforts, it hasn’t produced the stunning flower spikes that I was hoping for.

This has been a bit of a mystery, as Phenomenal Lavender is known for its exceptional adaptability and resistance to pests and diseases. It’s possible that the Florida climate simply isn’t quite right for this variety in my specific area. Regardless, I’ve found it to be a hardy, low-maintenance plant, even without the blooms, and I still enjoy it for its foliage and the slight scent it offers.

Sweet Romance Lavender: A Delightful Fragrance

Sweet Romance Lavender was another variety that I’ve grown, and while it’s not as successful as some of the others, it’s still a lovely addition to the garden. As the name suggests, it has a softer, sweeter fragrance compared to other lavenders, which makes it a great choice for creating a calming, relaxing garden space. It smells amazing, a very smooth lavender. I found that it did okay in Florida, though not as well as La Vela Compact or Sensational Lavender. The plants did well in cooler months but struggled a bit in the more humid, rainy summer months. The interesting thing is that Lavender needs more 

Growing Lavender in Florida: Tips for Success

Through trial and error, I’ve learned several important lessons that can help you grow successful lavender in Florida’s challenging climate. Here are some of the key things I’ve discovered:

1. Choose the Right Varieties

As you can see from my experiences, not all lavender varieties will thrive in Florida. Spanish lavenders like La Vela Compact tend to be better suited for Florida’s climate than traditional English lavenders. Spanish lavenders are more heat and humidity tolerant, making them a good option for Florida gardens. Sensational Lavender has also proven to be a reliable choice, producing blooms prolifically. Phenomenal Lavender, while hardy, might not always bloom in Florida’s environment, so you’ll need to be prepared for that possibility.

2. Planting on Raised Mounds

One key technique that has helped my lavenders thrive in Florida is planting them on raised mounds. Florida’s soil is often heavy and poorly drained, which can cause lavender to struggle. By raising the plants up on mounds, I ensure better drainage, which is crucial for lavender, as it doesn’t like to sit in wet soil. Additionally, the mound allows the plants to have better air circulation, which helps to prevent fungal diseases and rot.

3. Soil Amendments: Rocks and Organic Matter

Lavender requires well-draining soil, and Florida’s sandy soil can often lack the nutrients lavenders need to flourish. To amend the soil, I mix in rocks and organic matter like worm castings. This improves both drainage and the fertility of the soil, creating a better environment for the plants to grow. A little bit of lime can also help raise the pH of the soil, as lavender prefers a slightly alkaline environment.

4. Sunlight and Airflow

Lavender loves the sun, and Florida’s bright sunlight is perfect for it. However, it’s important to ensure that the plants have good airflow around them. In Florida’s humid climate, lavender can be prone to fungal diseases if it’s not properly spaced and if the air doesn’t circulate well. I make sure to plant my lavender in areas that get full sun and have good airflow around each plant. This reduces the chances of mildew and other fungal issues.

5. Watering with Caution

Lavender is drought-tolerant once established, but it’s still important to give it enough water, especially during Florida’s hot months. However, it’s crucial not to overwater. I water my lavender deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes Florida gardeners make when growing lavender, and it’s something I’ve learned to avoid.

6. Mulching for Protection

In Florida’s summer heat, mulching around lavender can help keep the roots cool and retain moisture in the soil. However, it’s essential to use well-draining mulch—like pine straw or small gravel—because too much moisture can cause the roots to rot. I apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants to keep the soil temperature more stable and to reduce the amount of weeding I need to do.

7. Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning lavender is essential for encouraging new growth and maintaining its shape. After the plants bloom, I cut back the flower spikes, which helps prevent the plants from becoming leggy. I also trim the foliage periodically to keep it from becoming too woody. Regular pruning also ensures that the plant maintains a tidy appearance and encourages more blooms in the following year.

Conclusion: A Lavender Journey That’s Far from Over

Growing lavender in Florida isn’t without its challenges, but the rewards are worth the effort. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different varieties, learned what works, and discovered the best techniques for keeping my lavender plants happy in the Sunshine State. From the sweet scent of La Vela Compact Lavender to the prolific blooms of Sensational Lavender, there’s always a variety that can bring a bit of joy to my garden.

I’ll never stop trying different types of lavender, and I look forward to sharing more of my lavender-growing journey with you. If you’re a fellow Floridian gardener, I hope these tips and insights will help you grow your own lavender paradise. Happy gardening!