Lavender is a sun-loving, drought-tolerant herb best known for its aromatic blooms and resilience in poor soils. As gardeners turn to eco-friendly practices, many consider reusing household waste like coffee grounds as a natural fertilizer. But when it comes to lavender, the question is: Are coffee grounds good for lavender?
The short answer is: Not really — and they may even do more harm than good.
Understanding Lavender’s Soil Preferences
To evaluate whether coffee grounds benefit lavender, it’s essential to understand what lavender needs:
Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
Neutral to slightly alkaline pH (around 6.5–7.5)
Low to moderate fertility
Dry conditions with good air circulation around roots
Lavender is native to Mediterranean regions where the soil is poor in organic matter and drains very quickly. So any amendment—like coffee grounds—must be assessed based on whether it fits these conditions.
The Problem with Coffee Grounds
1. Acidity
Used coffee grounds are mildly acidic. While this benefits acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Regularly adding coffee grounds can lower the pH of the soil, creating an environment where lavender struggles to thrive.
2. Excess Organic Matter
Coffee grounds are rich in organic material and nitrogen. While this sounds beneficial, too much organic matter retains moisture—which is bad news for lavender. Wet roots can quickly lead to root rot, one of the most common killers of lavender plants.
3. Compaction and Drainage Issues
If not mixed properly with other materials, coffee grounds can become compacted, forming a dense layer that blocks airflow and drainage—again, detrimental to lavender’s preferred dry, airy conditions.
When Coffee Grounds Might Be Okay
While coffee grounds are not ideal for direct application around lavender, there are a few situations where they can be used cautiously:
1. In Compost (Fully Decomposed)
Adding coffee grounds to a well-balanced compost pile (mixed with dry materials like leaves or straw) allows the acidity to neutralize. The resulting compost can be used in small amounts to enrich lavender soil without significantly altering pH or drainage.
2. In Very Alkaline Soils
If your garden soil is too alkaline (pH above 7.5), a tiny amount of used coffee grounds might help adjust pH slightly—though this should be done cautiously and with regular soil testing.
Better Alternatives to Coffee Grounds for Lavender
If you want to boost your lavender’s growth naturally, consider these options instead:
Crushed eggshells – add calcium and gently raise soil pH
Wood ash – mildly alkaline and helps deter pests
Compost (low in nitrogen) – adds trace nutrients without promoting excess leaf growth
Sandy or gritty soil mixes – improve drainage and replicate lavender’s natural habitat
Conclusion
Coffee grounds are not recommended for lavender due to their acidity, moisture-retaining properties, and tendency to compact in soil. While they can be composted and used sparingly in certain situations, they are not ideal for direct use around lavender plants.
For healthy, thriving lavender, focus on creating a well-drained, alkaline environment and avoid high-nitrogen or moisture-retentive materials like coffee grounds.
