How often should I water lavender seedlings?

Getting the moisture level right when watering lavender seedlings is crucial to prevent deadly damping-off disease. Ensure a consistent moisture level without overwatering fragile roots. Topsoil should dry out slightly between waterings. I learned about this the hard way when I lost a tray of seedlings to root rot. Using the right method is also key to solid root formation.

Soil composition significantly influences watering requirements. Use sandy mixes that drain quickly. My standard mix is a combination of potting soil and 40% perlite. Heavy soils suck up too much moisture. They choke out the lavender roots, which are used to growing in dry conditions.

Course conditions alter the frequency of watering. Heat mats significantly increase the evaporation rate. I water under grow lights twice as often. When humidity drops below 40%, the soil dries out quickly. Ranges of conditions should be monitored daily rather than on a strict schedule.

Be aware of early indicators of overwatering. The yellowing of the lower leaves indicates a problem is approaching; furthermore, the soil will develop green algae when it is too wet. If the stems begin to turn brown at the soil level, take action! Remove affected plants and lower the moisture in the soil.

Switch to less frequent watering or drought-tolerant plants as they mature. Once established, lavender performs better under drought conditions than it does with excessive watering. Reduce frequency gradually after transplanting. Once established, mature plants can be watered deeply every three weeks to help develop deep root systems and encourage drought stress tolerance.

Read the full article: How to Grow Lavender From Seed Successfully