Lavender is a beloved plant for its fragrant blooms, versatile uses, and resilience in various climates. For those looking to start or expand a lavender garden, bare root lavender plants offer an affordable and effective way to establish a robust lavender crop. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for and planting bare root lavender plants, as well as tips to ensure their healthy growth.
What Are Bare Root Lavender Plants?
Bare root plants are dormant plants that are shipped without soil around their roots. These plants are typically more affordable than potted plants and are available in large quantities, making them ideal for commercial growers or those starting a large lavender farm. Because they are shipped without soil, it’s essential to properly care for bare root lavender upon arrival to ensure successful establishment in the garden.
Why Choose Bare Root Lavender?
- Cost-Effective: Bare root lavender plants are often more affordable than their potted counterparts, making them a popular choice for growers looking to plant in large numbers.
- Easy Transport: Without the weight and volume of soil, bare root plants are lighter and easier to ship, which is why they’re often the choice for large-scale lavender farms.
- Strong Root Systems: Bare root lavender plants often develop strong root systems because they aren’t confined to a pot, allowing them to adapt better to their environment when planted.
- Quicker Establishment: Since they’re dormant during shipment, once planted, bare root lavender plants focus their energy on establishing roots and growing vigorously once they “wake up.”
Where to Purchase Bare Root Lavender Plants
For those looking to buy bare root lavender plants, whether for a personal garden or large-scale farming, purchasing wholesale can be a cost-effective and efficient option. At Great Lakes Lavender Farm, you can purchase high-quality bare root lavender plants in bulk, perfect for anyone looking to establish or expand their lavender garden.
Great Lakes Lavender Farm specializes in providing healthy and robust bare root lavender plants, ensuring that each plant arrives ready for planting and easy establishment. With detailed guidance on handling and planting these bare root plants, you’ll have everything you need to start your lavender-growing journey successfully.
To purchase wholesale bare root lavender plants, visit greatlakeslavenderfarm.com and browse their selection. Whether you’re a commercial grower or planting a lavender field, Great Lakes Lavender Farm offers competitive pricing and exceptional customer service to meet your needs.
Preparing Bare Root Lavender Plants After Delivery
Upon receiving your bare root lavender plants, it’s critical to address any moisture-related issues immediately. Due to the nature of shipping bare root plants, it’s common for the roots to appear slightly dry or even have some mold. This is normal and can be corrected with a few simple steps.
1. Refresh Dry Roots:
If you notice that the roots are slightly dry upon arrival, simply spritz them with water to refresh and rehydrate them. It’s essential to rehydrate the roots before planting to ensure they are ready to uptake nutrients and water once in the soil.
2. Handle Mold Properly:
Sometimes, bare root lavender plants may develop mold on the roots due to the moisture during shipment. While this may look concerning, it’s usually not a significant issue. You can remove any visible mold by gently wiping the roots and spritzing them with water.
3. Enhance with Liquid Fertilizer:
To give your lavender plants the best start, consider dipping the roots in a diluted liquid fertilizer before planting. This helps to improve the plants’ ability to absorb water and nutrients and establishes a stronger root system early on.
Best Practices for Planting Bare Root Lavender
Once your bare root lavender plants are refreshed and ready, it’s time to plant them either in pots or directly into the ground. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure they get off to a strong start.
1. Plant Immediately Upon Delivery:
Bare root lavender plants need to be planted immediately after their roots are refreshed to avoid any further drying out. The longer the roots are exposed, the higher the risk of them drying out completely, which can impact the plant’s ability to thrive.
2. Choosing the Right Location:
Lavender thrives in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Make sure the soil is well-draining, as lavender does not tolerate soggy roots. If planting in clay-heavy soils, consider adding sand or grit to improve drainage.
3. Potted vs. In-Ground Planting:
- Potted Planting: For those growing lavender in pots, a 1 or 2-gallon pot is ideal for bare root lavender plants. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling around the roots. Use a well-draining potting mix, and avoid heavy, compacted soils.
- In-Ground Planting: When planting in the ground, dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the roots without cramping them. Ensure the plant sits slightly above ground level, as lavender prefers to be planted in mounds to avoid water pooling around the base.
4. Watering Schedule:
Water your lavender plants daily after planting to help them establish their roots. Depending on environmental conditions, this may be necessary for up to 6 weeks until new growth begins to show. Once the plants are established, you can reduce watering, as lavender prefers drier conditions once mature.
5. Drip Irrigation:
Drip irrigation is the most effective way to water lavender, as it delivers water directly to the roots without wetting the foliage. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases and helps to conserve water.
Caring for Bare Root Lavender After Planting
Lavender is a relatively low-maintenance plant once established, but there are a few key care tips to keep in mind to ensure your plants thrive.
1. Fertilization:
Lavender doesn’t require heavy fertilization, but applying a light, balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help encourage robust growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can lead to leggy growth and reduced bloom production.
2. Pruning:
Regular pruning helps lavender maintain its shape and encourages more blooms. In the first year, it’s best to pinch off any flowers that form to allow the plant to focus on root development. In subsequent years, prune back the plant by about one-third in the spring to promote healthy, bushy growth.
3. Mulching:
Mulching around the base of your lavender plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. However, be sure to keep mulch away from the base of the plant, as too much moisture can cause root rot.
Winter Care for Bare Root Lavender
Lavender is hardy, but it still requires some attention during the colder months, especially in regions with harsh winters. Winter preparation differs depending on the hardiness zone in which you’re growing lavender.
For Zones 5 and Below:
- In colder climates, it’s essential to provide extra protection for your lavender plants during the winter. Mulch the base of the plants with straw or shredded leaves to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.
- Consider using a frost blanket or garden fabric to cover the plants if extreme cold or heavy snow is expected.
For Zones 6-8:
- In these milder climates, lavender may not need as much winter protection, but it’s still helpful to mulch the base of the plants to prevent frost heaving, where the soil pushes the plant up due to repeated freezing and thawing.
For Zones 9 and Above:
- Lavender thrives in these warmer zones year-round and typically requires no special winter care. However, it’s still a good idea to reduce watering in the cooler months to prevent excess moisture from damaging the plants.
Common Issues with Bare Root Lavender Plants
While lavender is relatively easy to grow, a few common issues can arise, especially with bare root plants.
1. Root Rot:
Lavender is susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly-draining soil or if overwatered. This is why it’s crucial to ensure proper drainage and avoid water pooling around the base of the plant.
2. Fungal Diseases:
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew can affect lavender, especially in humid conditions or if the foliage remains wet for extended periods. To avoid this, water your plants early in the day so the leaves have time to dry before evening, and use drip irrigation to keep the foliage dry.
3. Pests:
While lavender is generally pest-resistant, aphids and whiteflies can occasionally become a problem. If pests are present, treat the plants with insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs to control the population naturally.
Final Thoughts on Growing Bare Root Lavender Plants
Bare root lavender plants are an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to add this fragrant and versatile plant to their garden or farm. With proper care and attention, your lavender plants will thrive, providing beauty and fragrance for years to come.
By understanding the specific needs of bare root lavender plants, from proper preparation upon delivery to long-term maintenance, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a bountiful lavender garden. Remember to water your plants diligently in the first few weeks, ensure proper drainage, and provide adequate sunlight for optimal growth.
Whether you’re planting lavender for personal use or starting a lavender farm, these tips will help you achieve success with bare root lavender plants.
