Growing lavender from seed is a great way to add some beauty to your garden. And lavender has the added benefit of a wonderful fragrance too.
In this guide I’m going to take you through the process of growing lavender from seed to bloom. You’ll learn some tricks I’ve gathered over years from looking after my own lavender as well as useful tips that will set you up for success.
By starting with seeds you can choose from a good range of lavender types. Plus growing from seed can be cheaper and it’s more rewarding to see your plants grow from the beginning.
Choosing Your Lavender Seeds
Lavender comes in several varieties. They all have their own characteristics that will make them more or less suitable for you and what you want. Also they have different needs when it comes to growing them (soil, climate etc). Some popular types are:
Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender): Known for having a sweet scent. Good for cooler climates.
Lavandula stoechas (French lavender): Easy to recognize by its petals that look like butterflies. Prefers more temperate climates.
Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin): A hybrid between English and Portuguese lavender. It contains a lot of essential oils.
Choose seeds based on your climate and what you plan to use the lavender for. Fresh seeds will have better germination rates so make sure you buy yours from somewhere reputable. Do some research beforehand if you’re worried.
Preparation
Seed Quality and Storage
How fresh the seeds are makes a big difference to the rate of germination. Lavender seeds deteriorate quickly so it’s a good idea to buy your seeds close to when you’re planning on planting them. Again, a reputable source is very important because you want them to have been stored properly.
Soil Preparation
To grow lavender the soil should be well draining with neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels. If you want to improve the drainage of your soil then add some grit or sand into the mix. It will make the soil more like lavenders natural habitat.
If you need to adjust the pH of the soil then there’s you can do so. Adding lime to it will raise the pH and sulfur will lower it.
Germination Process
Lavender seeds are well known for how long they take to germinate. You can make their environment better though which can improve the chances of success.
Temperature Control
A temperature of 65 to 70°F is perfect for lavender seed germination. If you live in a cooler climate or it gets noticeably colder in the winter then you can try using a heat mat. This will maintain the temperature even at times when it would be colder.
Light
Unlike many other plants lavender seeds need light to germinate. Try putting your seed trays somewhere that gets lots of indirect light. Or alternatively use a grow light if you don’t have access to a good source of natural light.
Moisture
The soil should be kept moist but not wet. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases and will affect how well the seeds germinate. Misting with a spray bottle will let you control how much water it’s getting.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Materials Needed:
- High quality lavender seeds
- Seed starting mix
- Seed trays or small pots
- Heating mat (optional)
- Grow lights (optional)
Step by Step Seed Starting:
1. Preparation: In late winter prepare your seed trays or pots by filling them with a seed starting mix. Lavender does best in neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for a pH between 6.7 and 7.3.
2. Sowing: Lavender seeds are tiny so sprinkle them lightly on the surface of the soil. Gently press them into the mix. Don’t cover them as they need light to germinate.
3. Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Use a spray bottle to avoid overwatering.
4. Temperature and Light: Lavender seeds germinate best at 65 to 70°F. A heating mat can help keep them at this temperature. If you can’t give them enough natural light then you can use grow lights.
5. Patience: Germination can take 2 to 4 weeks. Keep the soil moist and don’t let the temperature vary and the light levels change too much.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once seedlings have several sets of leaves and are about 3 inches tall they’re ready for transplanting.
Hardening Off:
Gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day. You should slowly increase their time outdoors over the course of a week.
Planting Out:
Site Selection: Choose a sunny spot with well draining soil. Lavender doesn’t like to be wet so you need to make sure they have good drainage.
Spacing: Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart. This lets the air circulate and gives them room to grow.
Planting: Dig a hole just deep enough to accommodate the root ball. Backfill with soil and press down firmly.
Caring for Your Lavender
Watering:
Young lavender plants need regular watering. If you don’t give them this they will struggle to establish their roots.
However once they are established they’re quite resistant to drought. What they really like is deep and infrequent watering. It should encourage the roots to grow deeper and seek moisture from the soil.
Feeding:
Lavender doesnt need much in the way of feeding. Over fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. If they aren’t growing well then try a balanced, slow release fertilizer. Applying it in the early spring can give your lavender a boost without overwhelming it.
Pruning:
Proper pruning will shape the plant but more so encourages it to develop new flowers and growth. Pruning should be done in the early spring or after the first flowering.
In early spring trim back dead flowers. You should be taking it back to about a third of the plant’s growth to maintain its shape and size. Do not cut into old wood though. Lavender recovers slowly from over pruning and you could set back your plant if you do.
Overcoming Challenges
Pests and Diseases:
Lavender is fairly good at withstanding pests and diseases. But keep an eye out for fungus if you’re in a humid climate. Planting your lavender in a good spot and making sure it gets a good circulation of air should be enough to avoid most pests.
Winter Care:
In colder areas lavender needs some protection to survive the winter. Mulching with sand or gravel will help with the drainage in the soil and should keep the roots dry. The latter of those is important as lavender roots can develop root rot when too moist/damp.
Harvesting and Using Your Lavender
Harvest your lavender when the flowers are just about to open fully. Cut the stems in the early morning when the oils are at their most concentrated. Lavender can be used fresh or dried.
Growing lavender from seed requires patience and care. But it’s worth it for what you get.
With these tips and a bit of garden love you’ll enjoy the beautiful blooms and the wonderful aromas of lavender for years to come.