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Depth to Plant
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Spacing Between Plants |
Days to Germinate (Sprout)
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Germination
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Best Season to Plant_________ |
Sun
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Soil
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Good Plant Companions |
Days to Maturity
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| 1/4" Deep | 24" Apart | 10-28 Days | Between 70° F and 75° F | Spring | Full Sun | pH 6.5-7.5 | Rosemary and oregano | 180 |
Starting Your Lavender Journey from Seed
Growing lavender from seeds is a rewarding way to fill your garden with fragrant blooms. While lavender seeds require patience and specific conditions to germinate, the effort pays off with beautiful, hardy plants that thrive for years. Here's what you need to know to succeed.
Choosing the Right Lavender Variety
Not all lavender varieties are equally easy to grow from seed. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Spanish lavender are among the most reliable choices for seed propagation. French and butterfly lavenders can be trickier, so save those for once you've mastered the basics. Select organic seeds from a trusted source to ensure the best germination rates.
Preparing for Germination
Lavender seeds have a hard seed coat that benefits from scarification—gently scratching the surface to help moisture penetrate. You can do this by rubbing seeds lightly with fine sandpaper or rubbing them between two sheets of paper. This simple step can significantly improve your germination success.
After scarification, soak your seeds in room-temperature water for 24 hours. This mimics natural moisture exposure and jumpstarts the germination process. Some gardeners also use a period of cold stratification by placing moist seeds in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks before planting, which can enhance sprouting rates.
Sowing Seeds Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Use a well-draining seed-starting mix—regular potting soil often retains too much moisture and can cause seeds to rot. Sprinkle seeds lightly on the soil surface and press them gently into place. Lavender seeds need light to germinate, so don't cover them with soil.
Keep the seed tray consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to mist the surface rather than pouring water, which reduces the risk of damping off. Place the tray in a warm location—around 70°F is ideal—with plenty of bright light. A south-facing window or grow lights work well.
Managing Seedlings
Expect germination to take 10-30 days, though some seeds may take longer. Once seedlings emerge, reduce watering slightly and ensure excellent air circulation to prevent fungal issues. A small fan nearby can help. Keep seedlings in bright light to prevent them from becoming leggy and weak.
When seedlings develop their second set of true leaves, thin out weaker plants or transplant them into individual pots. Handle seedlings gently by their leaves rather than their delicate stems.
Hardening Off and Transplanting
About 2 weeks before your last frost date, begin hardening off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start with just an hour in a sheltered spot and increase the time daily over 7-10 days. This helps them adjust to outdoor temperatures, wind, and sunlight.
Transplant seedlings into the garden once all danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil—lavender doesn't tolerate wet feet. Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for air circulation.
Early Care for Strong Growth
Water seedlings regularly for the first few weeks until they're established, then transition to occasional watering as lavender is drought-tolerant once mature. Avoid over-fertilizing, as rich soil can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Pinch back growing tips when plants are young to encourage bushier, fuller plants.
Enjoying Your Success
Most lavender plants won't flower until their second year, so patience is essential. Once established, your organic lavender will reward you with fragrant blooms, pollinator activity, and years of garden beauty. The seed-growing process teaches you valuable skills you'll use with other plants too.
In Summary
| How to Grow & Harvest Lavender |
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When to Plant Sow lavender seeds early in the season. If you want to get a head start on the gardening season, you can plant the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last average frost. The goal is to get the plants to bloom in your garden as early as possible. If you're growing them indoors, use a very sunny window or grow lights if you have access to them.
How to Plant Choose a sunny location to plant lavender. This herb grows well in moist soils, but it must drain well. Lavender is known for being tolerant of droughts as well. Feel free to use a general purpose organic fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. When to Harvest Harvest your fragrant lavender when the flowers are in bloom. They make wonderful flower arrangements. Harvest lavender stems early in the morning, when the oils are at their strongest within the plant. Dry, spread out onto a screen or hang upside down. |
