Lavender care on the balcony »This is how it thrives

Is lavender suitable as a balcony planting?

If the conditions are right, lavender can be used to plant a balcony without hesitation. One of the advantages of this is that Mosquitoes on mild summer evenings are no longer haunted - the intense scent of lavender keeps the annoying biting insects away. Before you go out and buy plants in your nearest garden center, however, you should first check the conditions that actually exist in your area. In order for the lavender to feel good, it needs

• a place in full sun (i.e. H. a shady balcony is unsuitable)
• a balcony that faces south or west is ideal
• Balconies facing north or east are usually not suitable
• the balcony should be quite sheltered from the wind
• and also big enough: Lavender can grow up to a meter get tall and just as wide.

Suitable lavender varieties for a pot culture

There are around 25 to 30 different ones

Lavender varieties, of which some are based on their lower growth particularly suitable for a pot culture. On the other hand, varieties that grow very large, such as the Speiklavender, require a correspondingly large amount of space. Are you on the other hand looking for hardy lavender plants, then only varieties of real lavender come into question. The is ideally suited for a pot culture Coppy lavenderthat, however do not overwinter outdoors allowed.

When choosing the planter, make sure that it is sufficiently large and, above all, deep are - Lavender develops a broad, finely branched network of roots and deep-reaching Taproots. In addition, the pots should be too big rather than too small, because the lavender needs space. Use a nutrient-poor, sandy substrate - commercially available Potting soil is usually too heavily pre-fertilized and therefore not very suitable. Furthermore, good drainage in the pot is important to avoid waterlogging. Too much moisture has the consequence that the plant, instead of blooming, comes in quickly.

Caring for the potted lavender is not difficult:

• fertilize little
• water a little, but regularly
• Repot at least once a year
• the new pot should be at least a third larger than the old one
• Protect against sudden changes in the weather (if necessary, move it to the room at short notice).

Tips & Tricks

You can also train lavender to be a bonsai, but good care and regular pruning at least twice a year is essential.

IJA