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Lavender Field Notesfall

First Week Care for Shipped Lavender Plants: A Day-by-Day Guide

Your lavender plants have arrived from Great Lakes Lavender Farm. Learn how to check, water, and acclimate them step-by-step during their first week to set them up for healthy growth in West Michigan.

Great Lakes Lavender Farm 3 min read

Unboxed lavender plant showing roots and leaves Save

Unboxing Your Lavender Plants Carefully

When your lavender plants arrive by mail, open the box promptly. Check the roots and foliage for damage. The roots may look dry or tangled from transit, and leaves might be slightly droopy or yellowish—that’s normal. Avoid panicking if you see a bit of leaf drop; plants often shed to conserve energy after shipping. Remove any dry packing material, but keep the soil or root ball intact.

Assessing Moisture and Watering for Recovery

Lavender roots usually dry out during shipping. Before watering, let the plants sit in a shady spot for a few hours to adjust to room temperature. Then check soil moisture by feeling the soil lightly. If dry, water deeply but gently until the soil is moist but not soggy. Established lavender prefers deep, infrequent watering rather than constant dampness. Overwatering can cause root rot, especially in transit-stressed plants.

Adapting to Light and Outdoor Temperatures Gradually

Lavender plants shipped during spring or early fall should be slowly introduced to their permanent outdoor spots. Start by placing them in a shady or semi-shady area for several days, then gradually increase exposure to full sun. Sudden full sun can stress the plants further. Also, avoid exposing young plants to cold nights until they're acclimated. This helps reduce transplant shock and strengthens recovery.

Watching for Normal Transit Stress Versus Warning Signs

It's common to see some yellowing, leaf drop, or drooping during the first few days. This is a transit stress response. However, if leaves continue to yellow widely, become soft or brown, or roots look mushy when you check after watering, this indicates poor plant health. In that case, contact Great Lakes Lavender Farm for advice. Healthy lavender should bounce back within the first week with proper care.

When and How to Plant or Pot Up Your Lavender

Once your lavender plants show signs of recovery—green, firm leaves and some new growth—you can plant them in the garden or transfer to a larger pot. Plant in full sun with sharp drainage soil. Avoid heavy mulch against the crown. When planting in soil, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Set the plant so the crown is just above the soil surface. Backfill loosely and water deeply. For container growing, use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.

Pruning and Ongoing Care After the First Week

Do not prune your shipped lavender during the first week. Give the plants time to settle and grow new leaves. Once summer bloom is over, plan to prune about one-third of the green growth to encourage bushier growth and maintain shape. Avoid cutting into woody, brown old wood as it rarely regrows. After planting, water deeply but less often, allowing roots to dry between watering. Watch for any signs of pests or disease and address them promptly.
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