Growing Lavender Indoors — Complete Guide
Yes, Lavender can be grown indoors. Here's everything you need to know: container size, light requirements, watering schedule, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Lavender Indoors — At a Glance
Container Size for Indoor Lavender
Recommended: 8–12 inch pot
Lavender develops a woody base and needs adequate root space. An 8-inch pot suits compact varieties like 'Munstead'; use a 10–12 inch pot for larger 'Hidcote' types. Terra cotta is strongly recommended.
Light Requirements
Hours of Light Needed
14–16 hours
per day, consistently
Grow Light Recommendation
High-output LED grow light (at least 40W equivalent) positioned 6 inches above the plant for 14–16 hours daily. This is the most light-demanding herb — insufficient light causes it to decline and die. South-facing window in winter is rarely adequate alone.
Watering and Humidity
Ideal Humidity: 30–50%
Lavender strongly prefers dry air — high humidity causes root rot and fungal disease. Standard indoor humidity is acceptable, but avoid humid bathrooms or kitchens. Never mist lavender.
Ideal Temperature: 60–80°F (16–27°C)
Keep away from cold drafts (air conditioning, windows in winter) and excessive heat sources (heaters, ovens). Consistent temperature produces the most vigorous growth.
How to Grow Lavender Indoors: Step by Step
Choose a compact variety
Select 'Munstead', 'Hidcote', or 'Lavandula angustifolia' (English lavender) for indoor growing. French lavender (L. stoechas) is harder to overwinter indoors.
Prepare a very dry, gritty mix
Mix 50% potting soil with 50% perlite or coarse sand. Lavender roots rot quickly in standard potting mix. Use a terracotta pot with excellent drainage.
Provide maximum light
This is non-negotiable. Set up the strongest grow light you have for 14–16 hours, or place in your brightest south-facing window. Rotate regularly for even growth.
Water rarely but thoroughly
Water deeply when the top 2 inches are completely dry — then do not water again until dry. In winter, every 14–21 days may be sufficient.
Prune for longevity
After flowering, prune back by one-third to keep the plant compact and extend its productive life. Never cut into the woody gray stems at the base.
Common Indoor Lavender Problems & Fixes
Drooping, dropping leaves, root rot
Cause
Overwatering — lavender's most common killer
Fix
Allow soil to dry completely before watering; repot in very gritty mix; cut back to healthy stems
Gray, leggy growth with few flowers
Cause
Insufficient light
Fix
Upgrade to a high-output grow light; trim back leggy growth to encourage compact new shoots
Woody bare stems with dead tips
Cause
Old wood that has not been pruned back regularly
Fix
Prune by one-third after flowering; do not cut into old woody stems — they rarely regrow
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Lavender indoors?
Yes, Lavender can be grown indoors with the right conditions. You'll need 14–16 hours of Full sun — most critical herb for light, a 8–12 inch pot, and temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). The difficulty level for growing Lavender indoors is Challenging.
How much light does indoor Lavender need?
Indoor Lavender needs 14–16 hours of light per day. High-output LED grow light (at least 40W equivalent) positioned 6 inches above the plant for 14–16 hours daily. This is the most light-demanding herb — insufficient light causes it to decline and die. South-facing window in winter is rarely adequate alone.
What size container does indoor Lavender need?
Lavender develops a woody base and needs adequate root space. An 8-inch pot suits compact varieties like 'Munstead'; use a 10–12 inch pot for larger 'Hidcote' types. Terra cotta is strongly recommended.
Best Cities for Growing Lavender Outdoors
If you're growing Lavender indoors year-round, check the outdoor calendar for your city — you may be able to grow it outside during warmer months too.
Growing Lavender Outdoors Too?
Find the best planting times for Lavender in your city with our climate-based calendar.