The Complete Guide to First-Year Lavender Plant Care: Why Skipping the Blooms Matters

What We’ve Learned From the Fields

Healthy second-year lavender plants at Willamette Valley Lavender, thriving after a first year focused on root and structure development—proof that patience pays off in the field.

At Willamette Valley Lavender, we’ve grown thousands of lavender plants across many varieties and seasons. But nothing drives home a good growing practice quite like seeing the results side-by-side in the field.

Last spring, we planted two sections of Lavandula x intermedia ‘Riverina Thomas’ on the same day, under the same conditions. One section was allowed to bloom. The other wasn’t. By this spring, the non-blooming section had nearly doubled in size.

This guide explains why we don’t let first-year lavender bloom, how it impacts long-term plant health, and how you can apply this practice at home or on your farm.

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Why First-Year Lavender Care Is So Important

Lavender is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial—but only if its first year is handled right. While those early buds may be exciting to see, letting a young lavender plant bloom too soon can slow down its development and shorten its productive life.

Here’s what’s at stake:

Root growth vs. flower growth

Blooms demand energy. Removing buds allows that energy to go toward root and woody stem development—essential for long-term resilience.

Structure and shape

Without early pruning and bud removal, young lavender can become leggy or misshapen, making it harder to maintain in future seasons.

Commercial consistency

For farmers, this practice leads to better field uniformity, ease of harvest, and longer plant life in production rows.

Neglecting this simple first-year step can result in weaker plants that struggle by year two. On our farm, we saw this firsthand—and it changed how we train every new plant.

Two year old plant that was allowed to bloom in its first year. Smaller and less vigorous, this plan

Two year old plant that did not bloom in its first year.Fuller, healthier, and nearly double in size

Left image: Two year old plant that was allowed to bloom in its first year. Smaller and less vigorous, this plant diverted early energy into flowering instead of establishing strong roots.

Right image: Two year old plant that did not bloom in its first year.Fuller, healthier, and nearly double in size—this plant focused all its energy on root and structural growth in year one.

How to Care for First-Year Lavender (Step by Step)

Use these steps whether you're a backyard grower or planting a field of hundreds:

Remove Buds Early and Often: As soon as you see flower spikes forming, pinch them off below the cluster. Don’t wait for them to open. Repeat this throughout the growing season.

Shape Your Plants in Late Summer or Early Fall: Lightly prune your young lavender into a small mound to promote bushy, even growth. Avoid cutting into woody stems.

Give It Sun, Space, and Drainage: Lavender thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Use wide spacing to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.

Water Only to Establish Roots:Deep water once a week (or less), depending on weather. Overhead watering is a top killer of young lavender. Water at the base of the plant rather than the top.

Expect Modest Growth—and Big Results Later: First-year lavender may stay small. That’s okay. With care, it will triple in size by year two and bloom beautifully.

Ready to Grow Better Lavender? Here’s What to Do Next

Whether you're planting your first lavender or managing a field, these simple first-year steps lay the foundation for long-term success.

To get started:

• Pinch off those buds—yes, even if it feels difficult!

• Join our newsletter for seasonal lavender care tips and event updates from the farm.

• Visit our lavender plants page to explore which varieties are best for your garden or farm—grown right here in Canby, Oregon.

Want More Tips Like This?

Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram @willamettevalleylavender for seasonal advice about lavender plant care, bloom updates, and growing inspiration straight from the field.