While lavender can also be propagated from cuttings, growing it from seed offers several advantages:
- Genetic Diversity: Seed-grown lavender plants exhibit a greater genetic diversity, allowing you to explore a wider range of cultivars and their unique characteristics.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Starting lavender from seed is generally more economical than purchasing nursery-grown plants, making it an accessible option for gardeners on a budget.
- Satisfaction: The journey of growing lavender from seed to a thriving plant is incredibly rewarding and can instill a deep sense of accomplishment.
Understanding Lavender Species and Varieties
Before we delve into the growing process, it’s essential to understand the different species and varieties of lavender. The most commonly cultivated lavender species are:
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): This is the most popular and widely grown variety, known for its exceptionally fragrant flowers and compact, bushy growth.
- French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Characterized by its distinctive “rabbit ear” flowers, French lavender is more heat-tolerant and can be grown in warmer climates.
- Spanish Lavender (Lavandula pedunculata): Featuring distinctive, elongated flower spikes, Spanish lavender is well-suited for dry, Mediterranean-like conditions.
When selecting lavender varieties to grow from seed, consider factors such as your local climate, intended use (e.g., culinary, aromatherapy, or ornamental), and personal preferences.
Preparing for Lavender Seed Sowing
Successful lavender seed germination and seedling establishment require careful preparation. Let’s explore the key steps:
Timing and Temperature
The best time to sow lavender seeds indoors is 8-10 weeks before your region’s last expected frost date. Lavender seeds germinate best in soil temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
Seed Starting Supplies
To ensure optimal growing conditions, you’ll need the following:
- Seed trays or small pots
- A high-quality, well-draining seed starting mix
- A heat mat (optional, but can improve germination rates)
- A grow light or sunny windowsill (for proper lighting)
Seed Preparation
Some lavender varieties may benefit from pre-treating the seeds to improve germination rates. Here are a few strategies:
- Scarification: Lightly rubbing the seeds between two pieces of sandpaper can help break down the hard seed coat.
- Stratification: Placing the seeds in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks can mimic the natural cold period they would experience outdoors.
- Soaking: Soaking the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours can also help soften the seed coat and kickstart the germination process.
Sowing Lavender Seeds
With your preparation complete, it’s time to sow the lavender seeds. Follow these steps for best results:
- Fill your seed trays or pots with the pre-moistened seed starting mix, leaving about 1 inch of space from the top.
- Carefully scatter the lavender seeds over the soil, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Gently press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them completely – lavender seeds require light to germinate.
- Mist the soil surface with a spray bottle to keep it evenly moist.
- Cover the containers with a plastic dome or sheet of plastic wrap to maintain humidity.
- Place the containers in a warm location, ideally 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), until germination occurs.
Caring for Lavender Seedlings
Once the lavender seeds have germinated, typically within 14-28 days, it’s time to provide the proper care for the delicate seedlings.
Lighting
Lavender seedlings require ample sunlight, ideally 6-8 hours of direct sun per day. If growing indoors, supplement with a grow light placed just a few inches above the plants.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle or a gentle watering method to avoid disturbing the seeds or young seedlings.
Transplanting
When the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves and are 2-3 inches tall, it’s time to transplant them into individual containers or directly into the garden.
Hardening Off
If you’ve started your lavender seeds indoors, it’s essential to gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting. This “hardening off” process involves exposing the plants to increasing amounts of sunlight and airflow over the course of 7-10 days.
Potting Mix
Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix or a combination of compost, perlite, and sand to provide the ideal growing medium for your lavender seedlings.
Transplanting and Outdoor Cultivation
Once your lavender seedlings are established and hardened off, it’s time to transplant them into their permanent growing location.
Site Selection
Choose a sunny spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Lavender thrives in well-draining, alkaline soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
Planting Depth and Spacing
Plant the lavender seedlings at the same depth they were growing in their containers, spacing them 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
Ongoing Care
Lavender requires minimal maintenance once established, but consistent care is essential for its success:
- Watering: Water the plants deeply, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of gravel or organic mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pruning: Prune lavender plants in early spring or late fall to maintain their compact, bushy shape and encourage new growth.
- Fertilizing: Lavender is a light feeder, so a single application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is typically sufficient.
Harvesting and Seed Saving
Lavender’s fragrant flowers are the primary reason for growing this herb, and properly harvesting and drying the blooms is essential.
Flower Harvesting
Harvest lavender flowers in the morning, just as the buds begin to open. Cut the stems 6-8 inches from the base, leaving some foliage intact.
Drying and Storing
Tie the harvested stems in small bunches and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dark area. Once the flowers are completely dry, remove the buds and store them in airtight containers.
Seed Harvesting
To collect lavender seeds, allow the flower spikes to fully mature and the seed pods to dry on the plant. Gently rub the seed heads over a clean, dry container to release the seeds.
Case Studies and Expert Opinions
To provide a well-rounded perspective on growing lavender from seed, let’s examine some research-based case studies and expert opinions.
Case Study: Lavender Cultivation in Mediterranean Climates
A study conducted by the University of Cádiz in Spain explored the optimal growing conditions for lavender in Mediterranean-like environments. The key findings include:
- English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) demonstrated the highest survival rates and essential oil yields when grown from seed.
- Providing a well-draining, alkaline soil with a pH of 7.0-8.0 resulted in the healthiest and most productive lavender plants.
- Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, into the soil before planting improved the plants’ nutrient uptake and drought tolerance.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Olivia Monteiro, Horticulturist
Dr. Monteiro, a renowned horticulturist specializing in aromatic herbs, shares her insights on growing lavender from seed:
“Lavender is a rewarding and relatively easy-to-grow herb when provided with the right growing conditions. While starting from seed may require a bit more patience, the results are well worth it. By carefully selecting high-quality lavender varieties and following best practices for seed sowing and seedling care, gardeners can successfully cultivate these fragrant, long-lived perennials.”
Related Queries
Growing lavender from seed vs. cuttings
Growing lavender from seed offers more genetic diversity and is generally more cost-effective, while propagating from cuttings allows for the exact replication of a desired cultivar. Both methods can be successful, but seed-grown plants may take longer to reach maturity.
Lavender seed starting tips
Key tips for starting lavender seeds include: sowing 8-10 weeks before the last frost, using a well-draining seed starting mix, providing consistent warmth (65-75°F) and light, and considering pre-treatments like scarification or stratification to improve germination rates.
Best lavender varieties to grow from seed
Some of the most popular and reliable lavender varieties for growing from seed include Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender), Lavandula stoechas (French lavender), and Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin).
How to harvest lavender seeds
Allow lavender flower spikes to fully mature and the seed pods to dry on the plant. Gently rub the seed heads over a clean, dry container to release the small, oblong-shaped seeds.
Common issues when growing lavender from seed
Potential challenges include poor germination, damping-off disease in seedlings, and transplant shock. Ensuring proper soil drainage, avoiding overwatering, and gradually hardening off seedlings can help overcome these issues.
Long-tail Keywords
Best temperature to grow lavender seeds
Lavender seeds germinate best in soil temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Providing bottom heat with a heat mat can help maintain the ideal temperature range.
How to grow lavender indoors from seed
Start lavender seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, using a well-draining seed starting mix. Provide ample sunlight or supplemental grow lighting, and maintain consistent moisture and warmth until transplanting.
Lavender seeds germination tips
Tips for improving lavender seed germination include scarification, stratification, and pre-soaking the seeds. Ensuring proper soil temperature, drainage, and consistent moisture are also crucial.
Soil mix for growing lavender from seeds
Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix or a combination of compost, perlite, and sand to provide the ideal growing medium for lavender seedlings. Aim for a slightly alkaline soil pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
Caring for lavender seedlings indoors
Key care for indoor-grown lavender seedlings includes providing ample sunlight or grow lighting, maintaining consistent moisture, and gradually hardening off the plants before transplanting them outdoors.
Conclusion
Growing lavender from seed is a rewarding and accessible way to cultivate this fragrant and versatile herb in your garden. By understanding the specific requirements of lavender varieties, preparing the soil and seeds properly, and providing the right growing conditions, you can successfully propagate lavender from seed and enjoy its vibrant blooms and soothing scent for years to come.
As we look to the future of lavender cultivation, there is a growing interest in developing more cold-hardy and drought-tolerant cultivars, as well as exploring the potential of indoor and vertical growing systems. These advancements may make lavender an even more accessible and sustainable option for gardeners in diverse climates and urban settings.
Whether you’re drawn to lavender for its ornamental appeal, its culinary uses, or its aromatherapeutic benefits, the journey of growing it from seed is sure to be a rewarding and educational experience. Happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Grow Lavender from Seed
What is the best time to plant lavender seeds?
The best time to sow lavender seeds is 8-10 weeks before your region’s last expected frost date. This allows the seedlings to establish themselves before being transplanted outdoors in the spring or early summer.
How long does it take for lavender seeds to germinate?
Lavender seeds typically take 14-28 days to germinate, depending on factors such as soil temperature, seed pre-treatment, and cultivar. Maintaining the ideal soil temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) can help speed up the germination process.
Do lavender seeds need sunlight to germinate?
Yes, lavender seeds require light to germinate successfully. When sowing the seeds, do not cover them with soil; instead, lightly press them into the surface of the growing medium.
How do you care for lavender seedlings?
Key care for lavender seedlings includes providing ample sunlight (6-8 hours per day), keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and gradually hardening off the plants before transplanting them outdoors. Fertilize sparingly, if at all, during the seedling stage.
Can you grow lavender indoors from seed?
Yes, it is possible to grow lavender indoors from seed, but it requires specific growing conditions. Provide the seedlings with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, supplemented with a grow light if necessary. Maintain consistent soil moisture and temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
What type of soil is best for growing lavender from seed?
Lavender thrives in well-draining, slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A potting mix or a blend of compost, perlite, and sand works well for starting lavender seeds and growing the seedlings.
How deep do you plant lavender seeds?
Lavender seeds should be sown on the surface of the growing medium and lightly pressed in, but not covered with soil. The seeds require light for germination, so they should remain visible on the soil surface.
How often should I water lavender seeds?
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during the germination and seedling stages. Water the soil gently, avoiding splashing water on the seeds or young plants. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
What is the best method for propagating lavender?
In addition to growing from seed, lavender can also be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings taken from mature plants and rooted in a well-draining medium are a reliable propagation method that ensures the characteristics of the parent plant.
How do you know when lavender seeds are ready for transplanting?
Lavender seedlings are ready for transplanting when they have developed their first set of true leaves and are 2-3 inches tall. Gradually harden off the seedlings by exposing them to increasing amounts of sunlight and airflow over 7-10 days before transplanting them into their permanent growing location.