Alright, let’s talk about my recent project – growing a lavender tree. I’ve always loved the look and smell of lavender, so I thought, why not try to grow it into a tree form? It’s been a bit of a learning curve, but here’s how it went down.
Getting Started
First off, I picked up a young lavender plant. I made sure it was one of those Spanish lavender types since I heard they’re good for making into trees. Then, I grabbed a decent-sized pot ’cause I wanted my tree to be portable. I filled the pot with some soil I mixed with gravel. Lavender hates soggy feet, so good drainage is key.
The Training Process
Next, I started shaping the little guy. It’s a bit like playing the long game with pruning. I picked a main stem to be the “trunk” and started snipping away the lower branches. The idea is to get it to grow tall and not bushy at the bottom.
- Find the main stem: Look for the strongest, straightest stem.
- Snip, snip: Gently cut off the lower branches close to the main stem.
- Be patient: This takes time. You’re basically telling the plant where to grow.
Daily Care
Now, for the everyday stuff. I placed my lavender pot in a spot that gets tons of sun. These plants are sun worshippers, seriously. I’m talking at least six hours a day. As for watering, I let the soil dry out mostly before giving it a drink. Overwatering is a big no-no. It feels like I’m always checking the soil.
Dealing with Problems
So, I did notice some browning on a few leaves. Freaked me out a bit! I did some digging and figured it could be a few things – maybe I messed up the watering, or it wasn’t getting enough nutrients. There’s also the chance of some kind of disease, which is a whole other can of worms. I trimmed off the brown parts and kept a closer eye on my watering habits. Also, made sure it had all the nutrients it needed.
Pruning for Growth
I read somewhere that you can actually rejuvenate an older lavender by really cutting it back, like over a few years. The whole point is to get new shoots to grow from the bottom, not just the tips of the old, woody parts. I haven’t gotten there yet with my tree, but it’s something I’m keeping in mind for the future.
Final Thoughts
Growing a lavender tree has been quite the adventure. It’s not just a set-it-and-forget-it type of plant. It requires some attention, especially with the pruning and watering. I learned that patience is important when you are growing a lavender tree. But, seeing it take shape and knowing I’m doing it all myself is pretty rewarding. Plus, having fresh lavender around is always a nice bonus!
