How Do You Split Lavender Plants

You can split lavender plants by digging up the root ball and dividing it into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems.
 
This is one of the best ways to propagate lavender and keep your garden smelling amazing.
 
If you’ve been wondering how do you split lavender plants, the good news is it’s easier than you might think.
 
When you split lavender plants properly, you rejuvenate them and get free new plants to expand your garden.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how do you split lavender plants, when to do it, and the mistakes to avoid so your lavender thrives.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why You Should Split Lavender Plants

Splitting lavender plants is a task worth learning because it keeps your plants healthy and productive.
 
Here’s why you should split lavender plants:
 

1. It Rejuvenates Older Plants

Lavender plants get woody and leggy after a few years.
 
When you split lavender plants, you remove the old woody center and give the younger outer growth a fresh start.
 
This encourages new, vigorous growth and more blooms.
 

2. It Prevents Crowding

When lavender plants get too big, they compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight.
 
How do you split lavender plants to fix this?
 
You simply reduce the size and replant sections with enough space so each one can thrive.
 

3. It Gives You Free Plants

Every time you split lavender plants, you end up with more lavender than you started with.
 
Those extra divisions can be planted elsewhere or shared with friends.
 
Free plants are always a win.
 

When to Split Lavender Plants

Timing matters when you split lavender plants.
 
The best time to split lavender plants is in early spring or early fall.
 
Spring splitting gives the plant the whole growing season to establish roots.
 
Fall splitting works too if you have at least six weeks before the first frost.
 
Avoid splitting lavender plants in the heat of summer or the dead of winter.
 
Those extremes stress the plant and reduce your chances of success.
 

How Do You Split Lavender Plants Step by Step

So how do you split lavender plants without killing them?
 
Follow these simple steps and you’ll do just fine.
 

1. Water the Plant First

Before you split lavender plants, water them deeply a day or two ahead.
 
Moist soil holds together better and makes digging easier.
 

2. Dig Around the Root Ball

Use a sharp spade to dig a circle around the plant, about six to eight inches from the base.
 
Work the spade underneath and lift the whole root ball out gently.
 

3. Shake Off Excess Soil

Once the plant is out, shake or brush away loose soil so you can see the roots.
 
This helps you find the natural separation points before you split lavender plants.
 

4. Divide the Root Ball

Now for the main event.
 
How do you split lavender plants at the root level?
 
You can use a sharp knife, a pruning saw, or two garden forks back to back.
 
Push the tools into the center and pry the root ball apart into two or three sections.
 
Each section needs roots and healthy green stems to survive.
 

5. Trim Dead or Woody Parts

Before replanting, snip away any dead roots or woody old growth.
 
This step makes a big difference when you split lavender plants because it directs energy to new growth.
 

6. Replant Immediately

Plant each division in well-draining soil at the same depth it was growing before.
 
Water thoroughly and keep the soil slightly moist until new growth appears.
 
Space plants about two to three feet apart so they have room to spread.
 

Tips to Help Split Lavender Plants Successfully

A few extra tips can make the process smoother when you split lavender plants.
 
Always use clean, sharp tools to avoid disease.
 
Choose a cool, cloudy day so the divisions don’t dry out too fast.
 
Add a handful of sand or grit to the planting hole if your soil holds water, because lavender hates wet feet.
 
Skip fertilizer at planting time since lavender prefers lean soil.
 
And don’t split lavender plants that are less than two years old because they’re still establishing.
 
For older plants that are very woody, it may be easier to take cuttings instead.
 
But in most cases, when you split lavender plants correctly, they bounce back beautifully.
 

So, How Do You Split Lavender Plants?

You split lavender plants by digging up the root ball and dividing it into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems.
 
It’s a simple process that rejuvenates old plants and gives you free new ones.
 
Just remember to split lavender plants in early spring or fall, water beforehand, and replant the divisions right away.
 
Now that you know how do you split lavender plants, you can keep your lavender healthy and your garden full of that lovely scent for years to come.