Does lavender need fertilizer to bloom?

No, lavender actually prefers poor soil. Adding fertilizer often prevents flowering and makes the plant leggy.

Can I move my lavender to get more sun?

Yes, but do it carefully. Try to move it in the early spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler to reduce stress.

Why is my English Lavender not blooming? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the plant gets full sun all day.
Observe if the plant is in a shady spot for part of the afternoon.
Recall if you have added fertilizer recently.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks green and healthy but never produces buds.
What to do: Move your lavender to a location where it gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun every day. It will not bloom well in partial shade.
Too Much Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant is very leafy and large but has no flowers.
What to do: Stop fertilizing immediately. Lavender prefers poor, rocky soil and will grow foliage instead of flowers if it gets too much nitrogen.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your english lavender

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If your plant is young, it may take a year to establish before it blooms. If it is mature and still not flowering, it is likely a light issue.

Stopping it coming back

Plant in the sunniest spot in your garden and avoid adding any fertilizer to the soil.

English lavender: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your english lavender and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does lavender need fertilizer to bloom?: No, lavender actually prefers poor soil. Adding fertilizer often prevents flowering and makes the plant leggy.
Can I move my lavender to get more sun?: Yes, but do it carefully. Try to move it in the early spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler to reduce stress.

Why is my English Lavender not blooming?