Lavender Plant Division: How to Divide Your Lavender Plants

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Lavender plants are a beautiful addition to any garden, with their brightly colored flowers and fragrant leaves. If you want to have more lavender plants or simply wish to keep your established lavender plants healthy, dividing them is a great option.

How to Propagate Lavender Plants

If you're interested in propagating your lavender plants, here are the steps you'll need to follow:

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Lavender Plant

Start by choosing a healthy lavender plant with a strong root system. Look for a plant that has multiple stems coming out of the ground, as this will make it easier to divide.

Step 2: Dig Up the Lavender Plant

Carefully dig up the entire lavender plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the plant before gently lifting it out of the ground.

Step 3: Divide the Lavender Plant

Using a sharp knife or pair of scissors, cut the lavender plant into sections. Each section should have a stem and a strong root system.

Step 4: Replant the Lavender Plant

Replant each section of the lavender plant into a new location immediately after dividing. Water the newly planted lavender thoroughly.

When to Divide Lavender

Divide in Spring or Fall

The best time to divide your lavender plants is either in the spring, just as new growth begins, or in the fall after flowering has finished. Dividing during these times when the plants aren't actively growing reduces stress on the plants and improves their chances of success.

Divide Every Few Years

Divide your lavender plants every few years to help keep them healthy and encourage new growth.

Preparing Your Lavender Plants for Division

Water the Lavender Plant the Day Before

Water your lavender plants well the day before you plan to divide them. This will help prevent shock to the plants' root systems.

Trim the Lavender Plant

Before dividing your lavender plants, trim back any dead or damaged stems. This will help the plants focus their energy on producing new growth from healthy stems.

Remove Any Dead or Damaged Roots

Remove any dead or damaged roots from your lavender plants before dividing them. This will help the plants establish themselves more quickly in their new locations.

Delicately Break Apart the Roots

When dividing your lavender plants, take care not to damage the roots. Delicately break apart the root system by gently pulling the sections apart and using a sharp knife or scissors to separate any stubborn roots.

How to Care for Divided Lavender Plants

Replant the Lavender Plant Immediately

After dividing your lavender plants, be sure to replant them immediately in their new locations. This will help prevent shock to the plants' root systems and improve their chances of success.

Water the Lavender Plant Thoroughly

Water your divided lavender plants thoroughly after replanting to help them establish themselves in their new locations. Be sure to water deeply, but avoid over-watering.

Mulch the Lavender Plant

Mulch around your newly planted lavender plants to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from competing for nutrients.

Feed the Lavender Plant

After dividing your lavender plants, fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer to help promote healthy growth.

Common Problems When Dividing Lavender

Root Damage

One common problem when dividing lavender plants is root damage. Take care to delicately separate the roots of your plant during division to minimize damage.

Transplant Shock

Transplant shock can also be a concern when dividing lavender plants, as the plants are disrupted and often have to adjust to new surroundings. Keep an eye on your divided plants for signs of stress, such as wilted or yellow leaves, and take appropriate action if necessary.

Over or Under Watering

Over or under-watering your newly divided lavender plants can also cause problems. Be sure to water deeply, but not too frequently, and monitor the soil moisture levels to ensure that the plants are healthy and hydrated.

Dividing lavender plants can help to keep them healthy and thriving, and give you more beautiful lavender plants to enjoy. Follow these simple steps to successfully divide your lavender plants.

FAQ

1. What is the best time of year to divide lavender plants?

• The best times to divide lavender plants are in the spring, just as new growth begins, or in the fall after flowering has finished.

2. Can I propagate new lavender plants from the divided ones?

• Yes, you can propagate new lavender plants from the divided ones by replanting the sections with strong root systems.

3. How often should I divide my lavender plants?

• Divide your lavender plants every few years to help keep them healthy and encourage new growth.

4. Should I trim my lavender plants before dividing them?

• Yes, trim back any dead or damaged stems before dividing your lavender plants to encourage healthy growth.

5. Is it possible to kill my lavender plants by dividing them?

• While it is possible to damage or stress your lavender plants during division, taking care to properly prepare the plants and replant them immediately should minimize any risk of harm.

6. Why is my lavender plant not flowering after being divided?

• It may take some time for newly divided lavender plants to establish themselves and produce new growth, so be patient. In addition, ensure that the plants are getting enough water and nutrients to support healthy growth.

7. How long does it take for a divided lavender plant to establish itself?

• The amount of time it takes for a divided lavender plant to establish itself will vary depending on the size of the section and growing conditions. Typically, expect a few weeks to a few months for the plants to become established and begin producing new growth.

8. Should I fertilize my divided lavender plants?

• Yes, fertilize your divided lavender plants with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

9. Do all lavender varieties respond well to division?

• While most lavender varieties can be successfully divided with proper care and preparation, it's always a good idea to research the particular variety you're working with and follow specific recommendations.

10. Can I divide my lavender plants if they've been in the ground for a long time?

• Yes, you can divide older lavender plants as long as they appear healthy and have a strong root system. Be sure to prepare the plants carefully before dividing to minimize stress and damage.