How To Transplant Lavender

Learning how to transplant lavender is a key skill for any gardener wanting to move these fragrant plants to a better spot. Whether your lavender is outgrowing its pot or needs more sun in the garden, a simple move can give it a new lease on life. This guide will walk you through the process with clear, easy steps to ensure your plant thrives in its new home.

Transplanting lavender successfully depends on timing, preparation, and gentle handling. The goal is to minimize shock so the plant can establish its roots quickly. Let’s get started with the first and most important step: choosing the right time.

When is the Best Time to Move Lavender?

The season you choose makes a huge difference. Lavender needs mild weather to settle in without the stress of extreme heat or cold.

Early Spring: This is the ideal time in most climates. The soil is warming up, and the plant is coming out of dormancy. It has the entire growing season to establish roots.
Early Fall: A good second choice in milder regions. Ensure there’s at least 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost for roots to anchor.
Avoid Summer: Heat stresses the plant, and it may wilt or die.
Avoid Winter: Frozen or wet soil can damage roots and cause rot.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Gathering your tools beforehand makes the job smooth. You won’t need anything fancy, just a few basics.

A sharp shovel or spade
A new planting site with full sun (6+ hours daily)
Well-draining soil (sandy or gritty is best)
Compost or aged manure for amending
A watering can or hose
Gardening gloves
Pruners (optional, for trimming)

Preparing the New Planting Site

Your lavender’s new home is just as important as the move itself. Don’t skip this preparation.

First, choose a location with excellent drainage and full sun. Lavender hates wet feet. If your soil is heavy clay, you’ll need to amend it. Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide and just as deep as the rootball you expect to dig up.

Mix your native soil with plenty of coarse sand or fine gravel. Adding a little compost is fine, but avoid rich, moisture-retentive mixes. The hole should be ready before you lift the plant.

Testing Your Soil Drainage

If your unsure about drainage, do a quick test. Dig your planting hole and fill it with water. Let it drain completely, then fill it again. Time how long it takes to drain the second time. If it takes longer than a few hours, you need to add more grit or consider a raised bed.

Step-by-Step: Digging Up Your Lavender

Now for the main event. Be patient and careful during this stage to protect the root system.

Water the Plant: A day before transplanting, give your lavender a good drink. Moist soil holds together better, reducing root damage.
Prune Gently: Lightly trim the plant, removing any dead or very long stems. This reduces the workload on the roots after the move.
Dig a Wide Circle: Start digging about 6-8 inches away from the plant’s base. Go down deep to get under the main taproot.
Lift the Rootball: Work your shovel under the plant and gently pry it up. Try to keep as much soil intact around the roots as possible.
Inspect the Roots: Look for any dark, mushy roots and trim them off with clean pruners. Healthy roots are firm and light in color.

Planting Lavender in Its New Home

This step sets the stage for future growth. Getting the planting depth right is crucial.

Place the lavender’s rootball into the prepared hole. The top of the rootball should be level with the surrounding soil surface.
Never plant lavender deeper than it was before. Burying the stem can lead to rot.
Backfill the hole with your soil-and-grit mixture. Gently firm the soil around the plant to remove air pockets.
Create a shallow basin around the base to help direct water to the roots initially.

Aftercare: The Key to Success

Your care in the weeks after transplanting determines wether the plant recovers well. The main goals are consistent moisture and monitoring.

Water Thoroughly: Right after planting, give it a deep soak. This settles the soil.
Initial Watering Schedule: Water every 2-3 days for the first two weeks, unless it rains. Then, gradually extend the time between waterings.
Established Care: After about a month, lavender is drought-tolerant. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
Hold Off on Fertilizer: Do not fertilize in the first season. Lavender thrives in lean soil and fertilizer can harm new roots or promote weak growth.

Common Transplanting Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors. Here’s what to watch out for.

Wrong Soil: Using dense, water-logged soil is the number one cause of failure.
Overwatering: It’s tempting to baby the plant, but soggy soil will kill it faster than dry soil.
Bad Timing: Transplanting in summer heat or winter cold shocks the plant severely.
Planting Too Deep: This is a common mistake that smothers the plant’s crown.
Too Much Shade: Lavender in shade becomes leggy and produces fewer flowers.

Transplanting Potted Lavender to the Garden

The process for potted plants is similar but often easier. Water the pot well first. Gently squeeze the pot or tap it on it’s sides to loosen the rootball. Tip the pot sideways and ease the plant out, supporting the base.

If the roots are densely coiled (root-bound), gently tease apart the outer roots with your fingers. This encourages them to grow outward into the new soil. Then, plant it following the same steps as above.

FAQ: Your Lavender Transplant Questions

How often should you transplant lavender?

Lavender prefers not to be moved often. Once planted in a suitable spot in the ground, it can live for many years. Potted lavender may need repotting every 2-3 years if it outgrows its container.

Can you transplant mature lavender?

Yes, but success rates are higher with younger plants (under 5 years old). Older, woody plants have more extensive roots and recover from shock more slowly. Be extra careful when digging up a mature plant.

Why is my transplanted lavender wilting or dying?

A little wilting right after the move is normal. Persistent wilting usually points to overwatering, poor drainage, or severe root damage during the transplant. Check your soil moisture and ensure the site isn’t too wet.

Should I use a root stimulator when transplanting lavender?

It’s not necessary and sometimes not recommended. Lavender is adapted to poor soils. The best stimulant is proper planting technique and correct aftercare. A mild, balanced product could be used, but plain water is often sufficient.

How long does it take for lavender to recover from transplant shock?

With proper care, you should see new growth within 3-4 weeks. The plant will be fully settled by the end of the growing season. Be patient and resist the urge to over-care for it during this period.

Transplanting lavender is a straightforward task when you follow the right steps. Remember, the secrets are timing, sharp drainage, and a light touch with the watering can afterwards. With a sunny spot and the right soil, your transplanted lavender will reward you with beautiful growth and that iconic, calming fragrance for seasons to come.