Love the smell of lavender oil in the evening as you wind down? Checked out some of our health and beauty posts and want to have your own store of lavender to use? Considered learning how to grow lavender indoors? This post will introduce you to this versatile herd and teach you how to grow lavender indoors.
Lavender belongs to the mint family, is native to the western Mediterranean region. It is essentially known for its sweet floral scent. Lavender was used as a holy herb in ancient times. It was also often used to refresh and give a light fragrance to clothing and hair. Lavender growing is fun, easy, and has many health and culinary advantages. Its versatility and numerous uses make lavender one of the best herbs to grow indoors.
Lavender is also used for various medical purposes. Its use in aromatherapy is also very common. It is found in a lot of skin care products such as body lotions, soaps, and moisturizers.
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Benefits of growing lavender indoors
Lavender is more than just an herb that provides fragrance. This plant is, as it turns out, widely used for medical and therapeutic benefits as well. Here are a few of its benefits;
Skin care
lavender oil is the best-known remedy for a lot of skin-related issues. It is capable of reducing inflammation, helping to lighten skin complexion, and reducing wrinkles. On the other hand, it also helps to enhance hair quality and digestion. Lavender has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is very helpful with keeping eczema at bay and treat psoriasis. The lavender oil allows the skin to cleanse and reduce redness and inflammation.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can be long term or short term. Lack of sleep heavily affects the mood and immune system. The prescribed medicines can have a lasting effect on your health. According to studies lavender oil fights insomnia and promotes good sleep without side effects. What you need is a few drops on your pillow or a pouch of lavender under your pillow for better sleep.
Lavender as a bug repellent
For decades, lavender has been used to give a pleasantly sweet scent. While the scent of lavender is enjoyed by humans, it is despised by ticks, gnats, and other unwelcome insects. It helps keep the flies outdoors. The best natural solution to toxic insect repellents is lavender oil. For several insect groups, including mosquitos, midges, and moths, the fragrance of lavender oil is too intense.
Anti- Stress
The calming scent of lavender is believed to relax nerves and decrease anxiety. It helps to relieve migraines, anxiety, and psychological pain. The soothing scent, while revitalizing your memory, relaxes your nerves. Experiments have shown that lavender can theoretically cure hair loss and improve hair development.
Health benefits of Lavender
Lavender provides a strong antibacterial property against fungi that are responsible for common infections of the skin and nails. Lavender helps blood supply, lowers high blood pressure, and decreases hypertension. By increasing the flow of food on the digestive tract, lavender oil contributes to improved digestion.
Choosing a lavender plant for indoors
Growing lavender indoors is reasonably simple if provided the right growing conditions and proper nutrients availability. Lavender loves a little water, well-drained soil, and plenty of sunlight. lavender leaves and flowers radiate a calming, medicinal, and purifying scent. From improving personal wellbeing to cleaning your house, lavender is the best herb to grow indoors. Here are a few of the simplest ways to cultivate your lavender at home;
Growing Lavender in Pots
- Get a large container/pot for the healthy growth of your lavender. A good drainage system is a must. Make sure there are few holes at the bottom of the container to drain the excess water. To improve the drainage system, you can add a few stones at the bottom of the container.
- Fill the container with a good sandy potting mix. Plant your lavender and cover the pot within a few inches of the surface with soil. To make it more of an alkaline edge, mix a tablespoon of lime into the soil.
- Lavender doesn’t like being moist, so don’t overwater the herb. They do not require a lot of watering. Water only during the cooler winter months when the soil is dry to the touch. Place the lavender plant somewhere that will receive at least eight hours of sunlight a day.
Growing Lavender from Seeds
Place the seed tray on a heat mat for the healthy growth of the lavender plant. Use a very light blend that drains very rapidly, rather than a typical potting mix. In about two weeks, the seedlings can germinate and take a while to look like lavender. Ensure that the lavender seedlings get adequate water and for optimum protection, put them in full sunshine.
Frequently asked questions about growing lavender indoors
Ready to move your lavender plant indoors or start growing inside? Here are a few frequently asked questions about growing lavender indoors.
How do you care for an indoor lavender plant?
It’s very simple to grow lavender at home. All you have to do is to make sure that you do not overwater your herbs. Lavender should absorb as much light as possible for indoor development. It would do well in a window facing south or where a minimum of three or four hours of direct sunshine can be received. Cutting flower harvest branches triggers new growth to sprout and facilitates business. Repot your lavender into an 8′′ pot after a year using good-quality potting soil.
How long does it take to grow lavender indoors?
In around two weeks, the seeds will sprout, at which stage you can put the seedlings in full sunshine.
Does lavender need direct sunlight?
It needs well-drained soil and full sun to successfully grow lavender. Most indoor lavender plants do not display ideal growth and leaf color. Lack of direct sunlight or insufficient artificial light is the main cause of it. Indoor environments have a tough time delivering adequate sunlight to your lavender plants. It is best for lavender to be exposed to full sun for most of the day. If you like me are unable to have your lavender plant near a sunny window, the use of growth lights can help.
Some lavender varieties show moderate to minimal shade tolerance, but without mostly sunny exposure, they won’t grow properly. If you are growing lavender at home then place them somewhere near the sunny window. Many plants would not work on a window ledge, so use a plant stand to give them direct light. To imitate the sun, you can even use artificial lights. Sufficient illumination for growth is provided by regular fluorescent tubes. Place them 6 to 12 inches above lavender for proper exposer.