Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your home. While it is commonly grown outdoors, with the right care, lavender can thrive indoors, providing calming aromas, vibrant purple flowers, and air-purifying benefits.
1. Best Lavender Varieties for Indoor Growing
Not all lavender species adapt well to indoor environments. The following are the best varieties for growing in pots:
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Compact, highly fragrant, and tolerates indoor conditions well.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) – Has serrated leaves and flowers longer than other varieties.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) – Recognizable by its butterfly-shaped blooms, perfect for warm indoor spaces.
Dwarf Lavender (‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’) – Small, bushy, and ideal for growing in containers.
2. Best Growing Conditions for Indoor Lavender
Light Requirements
Lavender needs at least 6–8 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. A south-facing window is the best location. If natural light is limited, use LED grow lights to supplement.
Temperature and Humidity
Keep lavender in temperatures between 60–75°F (16–24°C). It prefers dry conditions, so avoid placing it in humid areas like bathrooms. Good airflow is essential, so position the pot in a well-ventilated area.
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
Use a terracotta or clay pot with drainage holes to prevent excess moisture buildup. Lavender thrives in a well-draining soil mix, such as cactus soil with added sand or perlite. Avoid moisture-retaining soils, as lavender dislikes wet roots.
3. Watering and Fertilizing Lavender Indoors
How Often to Water
Water only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering is the most common mistake, as lavender prefers slightly dry conditions. Reduce watering during winter when growth slows.
Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
Use a diluted liquid fertilizer once every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can reduce fragrance and flowering.
4. Pruning and Harvesting Lavender
How to Prune
Trim lavender in early spring or after flowering to encourage new growth. Cut back one-third of the plant but avoid cutting into the woody stems, as this can weaken the plant.
Harvesting Lavender
Harvest flowers just before they fully open for the best fragrance and essential oil quality. Cut stems with sharp scissors and hang them upside down in a dry, dark space for air drying.
5. Common Indoor Lavender Problems and Solutions
Leggy Growth
Cause: Not enough sunlight.
Fix: Move the plant to a brighter location or use a grow light.
Yellow Leaves
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Fix: Let the soil dry out and ensure the pot has proper drainage.
Lack of Flowers
Cause: Insufficient light or too much nitrogen.
Fix: Provide more direct sunlight and use a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
6. Creative Ways to Use Indoor Lavender
Aromatherapy: Place dried lavender in sachets to freshen up drawers and closets.
Cooking: Use lavender flowers in teas, baked goods, or infused syrups.
Home Decor: Display potted lavender in ceramic or rustic pots for a natural aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
Growing lavender indoors requires plenty of sunlight, proper drainage, and occasional pruning. When cared for correctly, it provides beautiful blooms, soothing fragrances, and a fresh touch of nature to your home.