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Yes, you can dig up lavender and replant it successfully, and in fact, it’s a straightforward process if you prepare the plant and its new home correctly.
While lavender is a hardy perennial, digging it up and replanting it does require timing and care to avoid transplant shock.
If you’ve been wondering if you can dig up lavender and replant it because it’s outgrown its spot or you’re moving gardens, the answer is a confident yes.
The key is understanding that lavender hates wet feet and loves sunshine, so your replanting efforts must reflect those needs.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about digging up lavender and replanting it so your plant thrives in its new location.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Can Dig Up Lavender And Replant It
The main reason you can dig up lavender and replant it is that lavender has a fibrous root system that responds well to being moved when done gently.
Unlike taproot-heavy plants that suffer when their main root is severed, lavender’s roots are more forgiving.
This means you can dig up lavender and replant it without killing it, provided you keep the root ball intact and moist.
Lavender is also a woody shrub, and woody shrubs generally tolerate transplanting better than delicate annuals.
Another reason digging up lavender and replanting works is that the plant naturally goes dormant in cooler seasons.
That dormancy reduces stress, making the move easier on the plant.
So yes, you can dig up lavender and replant it with confidence as long as you choose the right time.
1. Timing Matters When You Dig Up Lavender
When you decide to dig up lavender and replant it, early spring or early fall is your best window.
In early spring, the plant is just waking up, and new growth hasn’t demanded much energy yet.
In early fall, the heat of summer has passed, giving roots time to establish before winter frost.
Avoid digging up lavender and replanting it during peak summer heat because the plant will lose water faster than its disturbed roots can absorb.
Similarly, don’t transplant lavender in deep winter when the ground is frozen solid.
Always choose a mild, overcast day for digging up lavender and replanting it, as direct sun adds extra stress.
If you have no choice but to move it in warmer months, water it heavily the day before you dig.
2. Prepare The New Spot Before Digging Up Lavender
Before you dig up lavender and replant it, make sure the new location is ready so the roots aren’t exposed longer than necessary.
Lavender craves full sun, so pick a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
The soil must be well-draining and slightly alkaline with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Dig a hole that’s about twice the width of the root ball you’ll bring over.
This preparation ensures that when you dig up lavender and replant it, the plant goes straight into a welcoming home.
3. How To Dig Up Lavender Properly
When it’s time to dig up lavender, you’ll need a sharp spade, a garden fork, and a bucket of water or damp burlap.
Start by trimming the lavender back by about one-third to reduce water loss through the leaves.
Then, use your spade to make a circle around the plant, about 10 to 12 inches away from the base.
Gently work the spade underneath and lift the root ball free.
If the root ball is large, use a garden fork to loosen the soil without slicing the roots.
As soon as you dig up lavender, wrap the root ball in damp burlap or place it in a bucket with some water.
Don’t let the roots dry out, as dry roots spell disaster for transplant success.
Best Practices For Replanting Lavender After Digging It Up
After you dig up lavender, replanting it correctly is the next crucial step for its survival.
The way you set the plant into its new hole determines whether it thrives or sulks.
Follow these best practices after you dig up lavender and replant it in fresh soil.
1. Set The Root Ball At The Right Depth
When replanting lavender, never plant it deeper than it was before you dug it up.
Lavender is prone to stem rot if its woody base is buried under soil.
Place the root ball so the top sits level with the surrounding ground.
Backfill with the amended soil you prepared earlier, and press down gently to remove air pockets.
After you dig up lavender and replant it at the correct depth, water it thoroughly once.
2. Water Sparingly After You Dig Up Lavender
One of the biggest mistakes people make after they dig up lavender and replant it is overwatering.
Lavender prefers dry conditions, so too much water will rot the roots quickly.
Give it a good soak right after planting to settle the soil.
Then, wait until the top inch of soil is completely dry before watering again.
In the first two weeks, you can water every three to four days if it hasn’t rained.
After that, taper off and let nature do its job.
3. Mulch Lightly, If At All
Normally, mulch helps retain moisture, but lavender hates excess moisture.
If you mulch after you dig up lavender and replant it, use a thin layer of gravel or small stones.
Stone mulch reflects heat and keeps the crown dry, which is perfect for lavender.
Skip organic mulches like wood chips because they hold water against the stem.
Common Problems When You Dig Up Lavender And Replant It
Even when you follow all the right steps, you might run into issues after you dig up lavender and replant it.
Understanding these problems helps you act quickly if they arise.
1. Wilting Leaves After Transplant
Some wilting is normal for the first week because the roots are adjusting after you dig up lavender and replant it.
However, if leaves turn brown and crispy, the plant is likely dehydrated.
Increase watering slightly but still allow the soil to dry between waterings.
If leaves turn yellow and mushy, you’re overwatering, so back off immediately.
2. Lavender Dies Back Completely
Sometimes lavender looks dead after you dig up lavender and replant it, especially if you moved a mature plant.
Before giving up, scratch the bark on a stem.
If it’s still green underneath, the plant is alive and may resprout in a few weeks.
Trim away any obviously dead wood to encourage new growth.
Patience is key here because lavender can take up to a month to show signs of life after a transplant.
3. Poor Drainage Causes Root Rot
If your new spot has poor drainage, your lavender will suffer even if you dug it up perfectly.
To fix this, you can dig up lavender again and replant it in a raised bed or a mound of sandy soil.
Never let lavender sit in standing water after replanting.
So, Can You Dig Up Lavender And Replant It Successfully?
Yes, you can dig up lavender and replant it successfully when you time it right and handle the roots with care.
The process works best in early spring or fall, with well-draining soil and full sun in the new location.
After you dig up lavender and replant it, water sparingly and avoid heavy mulch.
Watch for wilting or rot in the first few weeks, and adjust your care based on what the plant tells you.
Hope this guide gives you the confidence to try digging up lavender and replanting it in your garden.
With a little patience, your lavender will settle in and reward you with fragrant blooms for years to come.