Lavender's scent is perhaps the most recognisable in the herb world, with a history of use stretching back to the Romans, who bathed in its fragrant oils. It made its way to Australia with settlers and has since flourished in sunny, well-drained soils. Lavender is grown for its scent, flowers, and role in calming the senses.
Sowing Calendar
Best Months to Plant – Lavender
Climate Zone
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cool/Mountain
✓
✓
✓
Temperate
✓
✓
✓
Arid
✓
✓
✓
Subtropical
✓
✓
✓
Tropical
✓
✓
✓
Cool/Mountain – Lavender
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
Temperate – Lavender
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
Arid – Lavender
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
Subtropical – Lavender
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
Tropical – Lavender
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
Where to Plant
Shady Spots & Herb Gardens
Shady Spots & Herb Gardens
• Areas receiving dappled or indirect sunlight, often near trees or buildings
• Best for shade-tolerant herbs like mint, parsley, or greens like spinach
• Helps prevent sun stress and conserves moisture
• Often used in cooler corners of the garden
Containers & Pots
Containers & Pots
• Portable planting vessels suited for patios, balconies, and small areas
• Provide complete control over soil composition and drainage
• Great for herbs, greens, compact vegetables, or ornamental plants
• Allow plants to be moved to follow sun, shade, or seasonal conditions
Pre-treatment
Stratification (Cold)
• Mix seeds with moist vermiculite or paper towel in a sealed bag
• Refrigerate for 2–12 weeks depending on species
• Mimics natural winter conditions to break dormancy
• Ideal for perennials and cold-climate wildflowers
Sowing Method
Start in Trays
• Fill seed trays or punnets with quality seed-raising mix
• Sow seeds at the correct depth—refer to seed packet for guidance
• Place trays in a warm, sheltered location with good light
• Mist or bottom-water to avoid disturbing small seeds
• Transplant seedlings once they develop 2–4 true leaves
Direct Sow
• Sow seeds directly into prepared garden soil or outdoor containers
• Best for plants that dislike transplanting, such as root vegetables and beans
• Loosen soil and remove weeds before sowing
• Sow at the recommended depth and spacing, then water gently
• Keep the area moist until germination and thin seedlings if needed
Watering
Low
• Suitable for drought-tolerant or Mediterranean-style plants
• Needs watering only during extended dry periods or heatwaves
• Prefers deep but infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth
• Ideal for well-drained soils and low-maintenance garden beds
• Mulching helps retain moisture and reduce watering even further
Fertilisation
Frost
Frost Tolerant
These plants can tolerate light to moderate frosts and may survive through cooler seasons.
Maintenance and Harvesting
Lavender thrives with light pruning after flowering to keep compact. Avoid heavy cuts into woody stems. Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering. Harvest flower spikes as they open.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from plants, causing leaves to curl, yellow or become distorted. As they feed, they excrete sticky honeydew that encourages sooty mould, and colonies can build quickly in warm weather.
Start with organic controls: blast colonies off with a firm jet of water, encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings, and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap to disrupt feeding. Keep plants well watered and avoid excess nitrogen that promotes soft growth. If pressure remains high, selective chemical sprays can be used sparingly, taking care to protect pollinators and beneficials.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot describes several fungal or bacterial diseases that create dark, often round lesions on foliage—sometimes with yellow halos. Severe infections cause premature leaf drop and reduced vigour, especially during warm, wet spells or when leaves stay damp.
Reduce spread by removing infected leaves, watering at the base, and spacing plants for airflow. Mulch to limit soil splash and rotate crops. Organic preventatives include copper and sulfur sprays applied early. If disease escalates, registered fungicides offer a chemical backup.
Crown / root rot (Wet)
Crown and root rots are caused by water‑loving fungi that attack stems at the soil line and roots below. Plants yellow, wilt, and eventually collapse because their roots can no longer supply water and nutrients—most common in heavy, waterlogged soils.
Prevention is key: improve drainage, raise beds, and water deeply but less often. Avoid injuring stems at the soil line and rotate away from affected beds. Solarising soil in summer can knock back pathogens. Chemical drenches have limited benefit in home gardens and are best used preventatively rather than curatively.
Cold / frost injury
Cold / frost injury can affect plant health and yields in home gardens. Typical symptoms include slowed growth, discolouration, and reduced productivity, often triggered by weather, nutrition, or cultural conditions.
Start with cultural fixes: rotate crops, improve soil with compost, water consistently, and choose resistant varieties. Organic sprays or amendments can reduce severity; chemical options are a last resort and should be used carefully and in accordance with labels.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew appears as a white, talc‑like coating on leaves and stems. It thrives in warm days, cool nights, and still air, and can weaken plants by reducing photosynthesis, leading to yellowing and early leaf drop.
Prune for airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove badly affected foliage. Organic sprays such as milk solution, potassium bicarbonate, sulfur, or neem help suppress outbreaks. Chemical fungicides are effective when started early, but use sparingly to preserve beneficial organisms.
Growing Tips
• Lavender may grow leggy in shade; provide more sun and trim to keep compact.
• Lavender can struggle in heavy, waterlogged soils; improve drainage and avoid over-watering.
• Lavender performs best with steady moisture and regular harvesting to promote new growth.
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