Growing Lavender in Tropical and Warm Climates is possible; read all the information in this guide and have this fragrant herb in your home.
Do you want to know- can lavender grow in the tropics? Yes, it can; in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, you can grow lavender as a short-living perennial or as an annual herb. However, you need to give the plant extra care in summer.
USDA Zones — 8-11
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Lavender Varieties for Tropics
You can grow lavender in tropical climates; just pick the right variety. Try growing French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) in warm climates.
Also, experiment by visiting local garden stores, you can purchase the seed on online stores as well.
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Growing Lavender in Tropics
Planting Season
In colder regions, Lavender is ideally planted during spring or summer. However, due to distinct growing conditions in the tropics, where intense sunlight is followed by heavy rainfall, creating high humidity levels, it becomes challenging for the plant to flourish. Therefore, in tropical climates, winter is considered the optimal month for planting lavender.
Planting and Soil
For growing lavender from seeds, early winter is the ideal season for sowing seeds. Keep the seed trays in a location with full sunlight. Seedlings will appear in 2-3 weeks. You can transplant them in a location with well-draining soil, add compost, and blend them with bonemeal and lime in equal quantities in half a cup. You can also mix sand if the soil is clayey and heavy.
Location
Growing lavender in pots is a great idea as you can move it when the temperature rises or there is heavy rainfall. While growing it on the ground, choose a spot protected from heavy rain, wind, and heat mainly; the spot does not get full sun in the afternoon as in warm climates, it can burn the plant.
TIP: Plant lavender under a tree is a great option.
Transplanting and Watering
Create an 18-inches mound of soil before transplanting and plant lavender in it. It will limit soggy, water-logged soil and improve air circulation.
Water the plant when the topsoil becomes dry to the touch.
Fertilizer
Feeding is not essential for lavender, but you can occasionally add compost in the growing season.
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Points to Consider for Tropical Lavender
- Apply a thick layer of organic mulch to maintain moisture and control the soil temperature in warm climates.
- Maintain the soil moisture by giving an ample soak every 2-3 days. You can water more if the soil is drying out fast.
- During the afternoon, when sunlight is harsh, shield the lavender with temporary shade; it will also help the plant in rainfall.