Lavender is one of those versatile and beautiful plants that can transform any garden into a fragrant oasis.
With its calming scent and stunning purple blooms, it’s no wonder that lavender is a favorite among gardeners.
But to keep your lavender thriving, particularly as the seasons shift, it’s essential to give it the right care.
September is a crucial month for lavender maintenance, as it’s the time to prepare your plants for the cooler months ahead.
Having grown lavender for many years, I’ve learned that what you do in September can set the stage for your lavender to not only survive but flourish through the fall and winter.
In this guide, I’ll share my experiences and tips on how to care for your lavender in September.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to growing lavender, these insights will help ensure your plants remain healthy and vibrant.
So, let’s get started!
Understanding Lavender’s Needs in September
September is a transitional month, and your lavender plants are starting to shift gears from the active growth and blooming of summer to a more dormant state.
Understanding this transition is key to providing the right care.
Lavender, with its Mediterranean origins, loves the sun and thrives in well-drained soil.
By September, the intense heat of summer is beginning to wane, but your lavender still needs plenty of light and the right conditions to remain healthy.
In my experience, this is the time to start thinking about preparing your lavender for the colder months while still maintaining its health through the remaining warm days.
The key is to adjust your care routine to reflect the changing environment.
Pruning: Preparing for the Next Season
Pruning lavender in September is one of the most important tasks you can do to keep your plants healthy and looking their best.
After a summer of glorious blooms, it’s time to give your lavender a good trim.
But this isn’t just about aesthetics; pruning helps to maintain the plant’s shape, encourages new growth, and can prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
I usually start my September pruning by cutting back about one-third of the plant.
This might sound like a lot, but it’s necessary to keep the lavender compact and healthy.
I focus on removing any spent flower stalks and trimming back the green growth without cutting into the woody parts of the plant.
Cutting into the woody stems can harm the plant, as lavender doesn’t regenerate well from old wood.
One mistake I made in my early years of gardening was being too timid with my pruning.
I was afraid of cutting back too much, which led to leggy, unmanageable plants.
Now, I’m much more confident in giving my lavender a good trim in September, knowing it will come back stronger and more vibrant in the spring.
Pruning also helps to improve air circulation within the plant, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases, particularly as the weather becomes cooler and more damp.
Watering: Finding the Right Balance
Watering lavender in September requires a delicate balance.
With cooler temperatures and the potential for more rainfall, you don’t want to overwater your lavender.
Too much water can lead to root rot, which is one of the biggest threats to lavender plants.
Lavender prefers dry conditions, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.
In September, I typically reduce my watering schedule, allowing nature to take over more with the increased chance of rain.
However, it’s still important to monitor the moisture levels, especially if you’ve had a particularly dry end to the summer.
One tip I’ve found useful is to check the soil about an inch down.
If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
If it’s still damp, hold off for a few more days.
I always water my lavender in the morning to give the plant plenty of time to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal issues.
In my experience, lavender that’s grown in containers will need more attention in September than those planted directly in the ground.
Containers can dry out more quickly, so you might need to water potted lavender a bit more frequently, but always with the same principle of letting the soil dry out in between.
Fertilizing: Less is More
Lavender isn’t a heavy feeder, and by September, it’s important to scale back on any fertilization.
Too much fertilizer can encourage soft, lush growth that’s more susceptible to cold damage and less fragrant.
Throughout the growing season, I tend to use a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after the first round of blooms.
But by September, I stop fertilizing altogether.
Lavender naturally thrives in poor to average soil, and too many nutrients can actually do more harm than good, particularly as the plant prepares to go dormant.
If you’ve been fertilizing regularly throughout the summer, September is the time to ease off.
This allows the plant to harden off and get ready for the cooler temperatures ahead.
Preparing for Winter: Mulching and Protection
September is the perfect time to start thinking about how you’ll protect your lavender through the winter.
While lavender is fairly hardy, especially English lavender, it can still benefit from a little extra protection as the temperatures begin to drop.
One of the best ways to protect lavender is by applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
I usually apply a light mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help insulate the roots without trapping too much moisture.
The mulch helps to moderate soil temperature, keeping the roots warmer during cold snaps and cooler during unexpected warm spells.
However, be careful not to pile the mulch up against the stems of the plant.
Lavender likes good air circulation, and too much mulch can create a damp environment that could lead to rot.
If you live in an area with particularly harsh winters, you might also consider using a frost cloth or burlap to protect your lavender.
I’ve found that covering the plants during the coldest nights can make a big difference in their survival and vigor come spring.
Just make sure to remove the coverings during the day to allow light and air to reach the plants.
Propagating Lavender: Taking Cuttings
September is a great time to propagate lavender if you want to expand your collection or share plants with friends.
Lavender is easy to propagate from cuttings, and by doing so in September, you can give the new plants a head start before winter.
I usually take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems about 3-4 inches long.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage growth.
I plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, usually a combination of sand and compost, and keep them in a sheltered spot out of direct sunlight.
Water the cuttings lightly, and keep the soil slightly moist until you see new growth, which indicates that roots have formed.
By the time spring rolls around, your new lavender plants should be ready to move into the garden.
I’ve had great success with this method and have been able to fill my garden with beautiful lavender plants without having to buy new ones each year.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Lavender is generally a tough plant, but September is a time when you might start to see some issues with pests and diseases, especially as the weather becomes cooler and more damp.
Common pests include aphids and spider mites, which can be particularly problematic in late summer and early fall.
I’ve found that a strong blast of water can often dislodge these pests, but if they persist, I use a mild insecticidal soap to keep them in check.
It’s also a good idea to keep the area around your lavender clean and free of debris, which can harbor pests.
In terms of diseases, lavender is most susceptible to root rot, which is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
In September, when rain is more frequent, it’s important to ensure that your lavender has good drainage and isn’t sitting in waterlogged soil.
If you notice any signs of rot, such as wilting or yellowing leaves, it’s best to remove the affected plant material and improve the drainage around the plant.
Good air circulation is also crucial in preventing fungal diseases.
By pruning and spacing your lavender plants appropriately, you can reduce the risk of disease and keep your plants healthy through the fall.
Harvesting and Storing Lavender
If you haven’t already harvested your lavender, September is a good time to do so before the plant fully transitions into dormancy.
The best time to harvest lavender is when the flowers are just beginning to open, as this is when the essential oils are at their peak.
I usually cut the flower stems in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
After harvesting, I bundle the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place to dry.
This method preserves the fragrance and color of the flowers, allowing you to enjoy your lavender long after the growing season has ended.
Dried lavender can be used in a variety of ways, from making sachets and potpourri to adding a fragrant touch to your home décor.
I’ve also found that dried lavender makes for a lovely and thoughtful gift, especially during the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
Caring for lavender in September is all about preparing the plant for the cooler months ahead while maintaining its health and beauty.
With the right care, your lavender can thrive through the fall and winter, ready to burst into bloom again next year.
From pruning and watering to protecting and propagating, each step you take in September can help ensure your lavender remains a star in your garden.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a little attention to detail during this month can make all the difference.
Lavender is a resilient and rewarding plant, and by following the tips and advice shared in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying its beauty and fragrance for years to come.
So as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, take some time to tend to your lavender.
With the right care, it will reward you with its stunning blooms and soothing scent, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden, no matter where you live.
Happy gardening!