Growing lavender at home: secrets of fragrant success for beginner florists
Lavender, known for its soothing fragrance and delicate lilac blossoms, can transform an ordinary windowsill into a corner of Provence. Many people think that it is difficult to grow this plant at home, but in fact the process is quite simple and exciting.Cultivating lavender in an apartment will not only fill the space with a pleasant smell, but will also become an interesting hobby. The plant is easy to care for, has medicinal properties and can be used in cooking. Homemade lavender is a great way to add a touch of French charm to the interior and create an atmosphere of comfort.Choosing a variety and preparing for planting Compact varieties of narrow-leaved lavender are best suited for growing at home. Before buying seeds, you should pay attention to their quality and shelf life. Preparation for planting begins with choosing the right pot and soil mix.The best option is a ceramic pot with drainage holes. The size of the container should correspond to the size of the plant, usually a container with a diameter of 15-20 cm is sufficient. The soil mixture for lavender is prepared from equal parts of garden soil, sand and peat.Before planting, it is recommended to soak the seeds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for several hours. This will help to disinfect the planting material and accelerate germination. After soaking, the seeds are slightly dried and sown in the prepared soil.Features of home lavender care Lavender loves light, so it is better to place a pot with a plant on the south or southwest window. In summer, the plant requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In winter, you can use additional lighting in the form of phytolamps.Lavender watering should be moderate. The soil should dry out slightly between watering, but not completely dry out. Excess moisture can lead to rotting of the roots. During the period of active growth (spring-summer), the plant is watered once every 5-7 days, in winter, the frequency of watering is reduced to 1-2 times a month.Top dressing is carried out from spring to autumn every two weeks, using complex mineral fertilizers for flowering plants. Lavender is not fed in winter. It is important to monitor the humidity of the air – the plant prefers a dry atmosphere, so spraying is not required.Pruning lavender is an important element of care. In spring, before the start of active growth, the plant is shortened by a third. This stimulates the formation of new shoots and abundant flowering. After flowering, light pruning is also carried out, removing the faded inflorescences.The collection and use of homemade lavender is carried out during the period of maximum flower opening, usually in the middle of summer. Whole twigs with inflorescences are cut off in dry weather, in the morning hours after the dew dries. The collected twigs are tied into small bundles and hung in a dark, well-ventilated room for drying.Dried lavender flowers can be used to create aromatic sachets, add to tea or cosmetics. Fresh leaves and flowers are used in cooking to flavor desserts, sauces and drinks. Lavender essential oil has a soothing effect and is often used in aromatherapy.Growing lavender at home is an exciting process that will bring not only aesthetic pleasure, but also practical benefits. Following the basic rules of care will allow you to create a real Provencal corner on the windowsill, filling the house with a pleasant aroma and positive energy. As well as being home to an impressive sportsbook and online casino, Melbet is also known for its generous bonus offers and promotions, which are available to both new and existing users. The promo code for melbet a new player you can get a welcome bonus worth up to $150 or currency equivalent. On this page we'll tell you all you need to know about the Melbet bonus, as well as how to open an account, the sports you can bet on, available payment methods and much more. Play Fast Games and get a bonus and free spins of the Lucky Wheel every Wednesday at Melbet.