Provence

Lavender (Lavandula × intermedia) is prone to root rot when soils stay wet, often first showing as wilting, gray-brown stems, and a rapid decline despite adequate sun. Improve drainage immediately (use a gritty mix and avoid standing water), cut back any dead stems, and water only after the soil surface dries; for heavy rot, remove affected plants to protect the rest of your lavender bed. Keep airflow high and don’t over-fertilize, since overly lush growth increases disease pressure.

Harvest when the flower spikes are mostly budded and just beginning to open—aim for about 30–60% of florets showing color, not fully open blooms. If you wait until all flowers are open, the stems lose fragrance sooner and the best quality for drying can drop. For best regrowth, cut the spikes with a small portion of green stem, leaving healthy foliage below (don’t cut into old woody parts).