How to Transplant Lavender

Genus Lavandula, commonly known as lavender, is one of the most popular plants in cottage and herb gardens. Its distinctive aroma and bright colors, ranging from white to deep purple, make it a stand-out herb.

Considering all these positives, it makes sense to keep a lavender plant as long as possible. How can you move a lavender plant you already have?

Consider the time of year.
When transplanting lavender, timing is important. Transplanting in fall is ideal, although if your area experiences severe winters, you should transplant in the spring. Fall transplanting is the preferred time because this allows the plant time to develop an established root system before facing summer's heat.

Step 1 - Dig the Hole

Dig a hole with a spade in the spot where you want to move your lavender plant. Your hole should be slightly larger than the plant's root ball.

Work some starter fertilizer into the surrounding soil by hand.

Step 2 - Plant the Lavender

Place your lavender plant into the hole and fill the remaining portion of the hole with soil by hand.

Position the plant at or slightly above the surrounding soil level (planting too deeply can lessen the plant's chances for survival). Water the plant thoroughly.

Step 3 - Water

Water the plant thoroughly. It is preferable to move and water your lavender plant in the morning, since transplanting and watering during the heat of the day can cause the plant to wilt.

Step 4 - Monitor the Plant

Continue watering the plant every few days if you are transplanting it during the spring.

If you are transplanting in the fall, frequent watering is not necessary.