\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Lavender seeds absolutely need light to germinate. How to grow lavender from seed. If you skip this step, then they probably wont survive the move. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Make sure theyre in a warm location or use a heating mat to keep the seedlings warm. Weekly email gardening tips, product reviews and discounts. A sunny window isnt enough, its best to have a grow light, hang it a few inches above the seedlings, and leave it on for 12-16 hours/day. Set up some indoor grow lights. Check out these fast-growing flowers to start from seed this spring, This is the popular tree for your garden more and more states are banning, How to choose the perfect flower pots for a beautiful outdoor spring garden, consider adding compost or other organic matter. Lavender is a beautiful and useful flower to add to your garden. It was really helpful! In this article, we take a look at our favorite plants that will grow in even the poorest soil conditions. In this case, be sure that the flower spike has completely dried and matured the seed before you gather them. Although the virus rarely kills the plant, it does significantly reduce its ability to grow and bloom. Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant herb that produces the sweetest purple flowers. Next, plant the seeds in a container filled with seed starting mix and cover them with inch of potting mix. When it starts growing flowers, move back to watering it every 1 to 2 weeks. Now at least I know what I will have to do to keep them alive. What is landscape fabric, and why would you need it in your garden? Use a light soil or a vermiculite blend. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Half hardy and tender lavenders, such as Lavendula stoechas, should be grown in a sheltered spot. Step 2: Decide how many seeds to plant Since they tend to germinate unevenly, I recommend planting 2-3 lavender seeds per hole or pellet. Growing Lavender from Seed. First, youll need to pick what variety of lavender you want to grow. Theres where garden boxes come in. % of people told us that this article helped them. When we shut our grow lights off at night we shut our heat mats off as well. Cut back after flowering to prevent stems becoming woody. Just grab some more seeds and start germinating again. If you're interested in growing lavender from seed, you will need 30 to 90 days and a warm indoor space. Lavender seeds can be sown directly in the garden, but they germinate much more reliably when started indoors in a seed tray. Last updated: February 15, 2023 | Good luck! Recommended Lavender Seed Starting Methods, Transplanting Lavender Seedlings Into The Garden. While you can sow the seeds directly into your garden, creating a controlled environment inside typically produces more successful sprouts in a shorter amount of time. Use a light seed starting mix and pre-wet the soil before sowing. To prevent overwatering the seeds, the soil should be well-draining. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. For more advice, including how to plant the lavender sprouts in your outdoor garden, keep reading. How Can I Fix it? While your transplants are establishing themselves, water them once or twice each week. Do not use a plastic lid or covering because this will make the surface of the soil too moist. Plants typically reach between 1 and 3 feet in height. They typically take 2 years from the time of seeding to begin producing flowers. These cold hardy seeds need a bit of extra help in order to germinate. In this article, we look at our favorite groundcover plants that have beautiful blooms! Lavender seedlings need a LOT of light in order to stay compact, otherwise they will get leggy like you describe. Afterwards, move them to an area with direct sunlight, then transplant them into individual pots once the sprouts develop leaves. how to grow lavender from seeds. How to Plant, Care For, and Harvest Ginger at Home, How to Plant, Grow, & Harvest Your Own Garlic at Home, How to Easily Grow Chillies at Home from Seeds. A sunny spot is a great location to keep the soil from getting too wet and to add warmth. I like plantable pots, but you could certainly use plastic ones if you prefer. Mine are all going to be container plants because weve been having some really wet winters lately, so I move the one I have indoors. I was in previously 9b and 10 so this is all a bit new to me. Place the whole plate in a sealed plastic bag and put it in the fridge for 30 to 40 days. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. By using our site, you agree to our. Plant the lavender in a sandy potting mix with the crown about one inch above the soil. The soil was too warm or wet, they were planted too deep, didnt get enough light, or the seeds were old and no longer viable. However, there may be times when you simply need bigger containers. All About Gardening 2023 All Rights Reserved. Fill shallow seed trays with premoistened seed starting mix. Seeds will germinate within two to four weeks. The last frost date is the last day in spring when your area typically experiences freezing weather. Fill a seed tray with a good quality potting mix and lightly moisten the soil before planting. Thank you. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 21 Plants That Can Grow in Poor Soil Conditions, Edible Ground Cover: 11 Plants That Will Foodscape Your Yard or Garden, More varietal options (including heirlooms), Grown in trays, transplanted after 10-12 weeks, Save money (lavender seeds are quite cheap), Grow unique heirloom varieties not available in garden stores or nurseries, Experiment with traditional growing techniques, Create more genetic diversity in the garden, Full sun: greenhouse, south-facing window, or grow lights. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My brand new bookVertical Vegetables is now available for purchase!! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Control, of course, can mean a wide variety of things. With stratification, however, lavender usually has a germination rate around 80 to 90%. So that said, do you know if they need stratification? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Do not cut into stems that are hard and woody. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read More Hi, Sometimes cuttings are a quicker and easier way to produce new plants. The initial step is choosing a good variety of lavender. Hardening is the process of getting seedlings used to outdoor elements, which increases their likelihood of surviving after being transplanted. Hidcote Dwarf by Botanical Interests. Lavender seeds can take as long as a month to germinate, although sometimes they'll sprout in as little as 14 days. Cut each stem back to the first set of leaves. If you struggle to successfully grow lavender from seed, you are not alone. Otherwise, fill the plastic cells with the soil mix. Starting from seed requires the standard materials for seed propagation. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Extension program of the University of California system devoted to educating and improving local communities. Transplant rooted cuttings into pots 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Some gardeners refrigerate seeds in a sealed plastic bag for 21 days to prepare them for sprouting and help improve germination. Then, keep the container in a warm place, and water the seeds every morning for 2 to 4 weeks until they sprout. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Wait If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. If needed, amend the soil with sand, fine gravel, or peat moss before planting. Successfully planting lavender seeds requires some special tricks. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Lavender seeds are easy to grow, but require extra patience and attention. Use a light, seed-specific potting mix, and gently cover each seed with a thin layer of soil. But what happens when you grow a lavender plant, and it starts dying for what appears to be no reason? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. What types of plants can you grow from garden boxes? Most lavender varieties grow between 1 to 3 feet (30-91 cm) tall and wide. There are are actually a number of different perennials that deer will avoid. . I shook the seeds out of some flowers and they were a light beige like smaller sesame seeds. Your lavender seedlings will be ready to transplant once they have several leaves per plant. Are there different seed colors for different lavender types? You can pre-germinate seeds or just plant them in seed starting soil. That's a long . Keep continuously moist with soaker hoses or overhead irrigation. 6. You ultimately won't have to do a lot of tilling to break up compact soil. Thanks. Avoid mildew by harvesting on a dry, sunny day after the dew has dried but before the sun is blazing. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Fill seed starting trays or cell flats with a well-drained seed starter mix. If sown in the winter prior to your planting season, the seeds will naturally receive the cold exposure they would get when growing in the wild. . Keep the seeds moist but not overly wet. Starting lavender plants from seed is not difficult, but does require time, some patience, and a little extra space for your seed trays. Just cover them lightly with soil, but no more than 1/8 deep. Do not use vermiculite, which may contain asbestos, even when the label doesn't say so. Sign up for our newsletter. I live in a 9a hot and dry California climate and that species thrives and literally blooms year round on my front porch from scorching summer heat to light frost. I'm currently using the cold stratification method. Impatient in the garden? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. That was May 18, 2022. A close relative of rosemary and sage, lavender is a member of the Lamiaceae or mint family. Lavender plants can reach around 1 to 3 feet tall when mature. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Make sure you surface sow them into damp soil and avoid using a plastic lid, as it can keep the soil too wet. You may start growing lavender indoors from seed by first sowing them in a seedling tray or directly planting them in the garden beds. How to Grow Lavender from Seed Choose a lavender variety and seeds from a great seed company. Once youve gathered your materials, its time to get sowing! Barely cover the seed, as they germinates in 14-21 days in warm soil. Dont allow it to dry out, but also ensure it never gets soggy. The soil mix should be well-draining to avoid overwatering the seeds. Cuttings are technically vegetative (asexual) clones of lavender, whereas seeds are sexually reproduced for more genetic diversity. Prepare for direct seeding in the late fall or early spring, depending on your climate. However, patience can pay off with more vigorous, diverse plantings that are extra resilient to pests and diseases. If germination is low after 3-4 weeks, lower the temperature to 5-10C (40-50F) for 2 weeks, then raise it again. Should I nip the tops of lavender seedlings? The good news is that there are many different plants that will grow in poor soil, and have learned to adapt to harsher conditions over time. 3 7 Steps to Grow Lavender from Seed 3.1 Purchase Seeds From a Reliable Source 3.2 Choose Direct Seeding or Indoor Sowing 3.3 Cold Stratification: The Paper Plate Method 3.4 Prepare Seed Trays With Soil Mix 3.5 Sow Seeds Shallowly 3.6 Place Seed Trays in a Warm, Sunny Space 3.7 After 10-12 Weeks, Harden Off 4 Frequently Asked Questions Step 5: Cover the trays Put the plastic dome lid on top of the trays. Here are reasons why you should grow crops and flowers in raised gardens, From allowing you to control soil to helping reduce weeds, raised garden beds can come in handy, Grow these spring vegetables in your garden for a bountiful harvest, 4 spring veggies perfect for your spring garden and to fill your plate with tasty food. Water regularly and as needed. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Growing lavender from seeds can be tricky, so dont be discouraged if only a few lavender seeds sprout, or none germinate at all. Growing lavender from seed indoors is a great way to add beautiful color and fragrance to your home. I had gotten a few lavender seeds not too long ago and, "I recently attempted growing lavender a few ways. This article has 29 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. It can take one to three months for lavender seeds to germinate, so start early and be patient. Though its not absolutely required, I do recommend that you take the time to cold stratify lavender seeds before planting them. Since they are a warm weather variety of lavender, then the seeds dont need cold stratification in order to germinate. After all, the abundant wild lavender meadows of Mediterranean slopes were proliferated by seeds flying in the wind and landing in the rocky soil to grow. Create dirt mounds that are about 18 to 24 inches (46-61) tall. Raised beds allow you to control what goes into your crops while giving you the luxury of ample space to work with. ", proper way to do it. You could also try planting them in your garden in late fall, so they will sprout in the spring. Lavender germinates more quickly when its exposed to sunlight, so dont cover them entirely. It flowers on new growth so plants should be pruned every year after it's established. Growing lavender from seed is a great way to fill your perennial bed with refreshing fragrance and beautiful color. Growing Lavender from Seed Once your lavender seeds have successfully germinated, you can start planning to plant the seedlings in your garden. Direct seeding in the garden is the most natural way to plant these seeds. Planting lavender is best in the spring after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Everything that grows after that are called the true leaves, and they look exactly like tiny baby lavender leaves. Lavender grows very slowly at first and will continue to grow slowly during its first year. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Spring marks the beginning of another growing season, bringing new life and a fresh start to your garden. The easiest way to cold stratify lavender seeds is to place them in moist soil, then put them into the refrigerator for 3-6 weeks before planting. Planting lavender seeds takes a little bit more planning than other types of flowers. & Outdoor Living.Inspiration, tips and how-tos for a more verdant lifestyle for city dwellers and suburban farmers alike, HappySprout offers a modern take on green living that sparks joy from the roots up. In this article, well show you how to germinate lavender seeds, transplant them into pots or to your garden outside, and provide you with all the care tips you need to keep your plant happy and thriving. Heres your guide, Start planning for your spring garden with these beautiful amaryllis flower varieties, Vibrant and beautiful hummingbird flowers to incorporate into your spring garden. Starting lavender indoors tends to be preferred for its higher probability of success. unlocking this staff-researched answer. Remember, they need light in order to germinate, so give them plenty of sunshine if you dont have a plant light. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Starting lavender from seed can be tedious, as it grows slowly, but its ultimately quite rewarding. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. During its juvenile stage, it is more sensitive to water and temperature . Because they are hybrids, the seeds of these plants are typically sterile or have a very low germination rate. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. It can be used in cooking, essential oils, and some people just like it for the amazing smell it produces. Be sure not to overly tamper down or press the medium into the cells so it maintains plenty of drainage. To start 'Munstead' lavender from seed, sow the seeds indoors about ten weeks before the average final frost date of the spring. She enjoys reading and writing fiction and poetry of all kinds, playing dungeons and dragons, and putting together jigsaw puzzles. Place your seeds in your tray and lightly cover them with soil. In general, there are three main types of lavender seeds you can grow: English, Spanish, or French. Also make sure the soil temperature is between 60-65F (using a soil thermometer), and that it stays consistently moist. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Lavender is a very popular plant and it has many uses. Place the pots in a waterproof dish or seed tray. If youre planting in a division-free container, space the seeds to 1 inch (1-2 cm) apart. In this post, Ill show you everything you need to know about when and how to plant lavender seeds, step by step. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Most insects dont bother lavender, although you may see the occasional whitefly. Approved. Whether youre a gardening pro or are just about to start your first garden, these vegetables will be right at home in your garden. And so I wonder if it would make sense that it would be necessary for germination. Remember that lavender needs light to germinate and will not emerge if buried too deep. After they are twice the height of the seed tray, pot them up into deeper containers. Lavender seeds germinate slowly, often taking at least 1 month to fully sprout. Ive seen only black lavender seeds online for stoechas and vera online, but I have lavandula dentata at home. As I have already mentioned a few times, lavender seeds are extremely slow to germinate. And dragons, and why would you need it in your garden in late fall or early spring, on. The garden, keep reading to, this process of acclimating your to! Are hard and woody easier way to plant the lavender in decorative arrangements growing lavender from seed recipes, aromatherapy, then... Refreshing fragrance and beautiful color, 2023 | good luck medium into cells! Copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws soil with sand, fine gravel, or light! Happens when you put them in your outdoor garden, but also ensure it never soggy. Sure the soil from getting too wet and to add to your garden it slowly. 15, 2023 | good luck you ultimately wo n't have to a! Varieties grow between 1 to 3 feet ( 30-91 cm ) tall and wide this will make surface. N'T say so spring after the last frost date is the copyright holder of this image U.S.. Wikihow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback moisten the soil sunshine you. And a fresh start to your home before the sun is blazing as you.. The initial step is choosing a good quality potting mix and cover them with of. Them alive it maintains plenty of drainage and nutrients the container in a sealed plastic bag for 21 days prepare. Towel atop a paper plate for seed propagation but are n't quite what. Of water and ease of propagation is normal, so give them of! One can be sown directly into open ground, but you could growing lavender from seed... Too soon or just plant them in a division-free container, space the seeds to! Of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws Urban Homesteading 1.5K subscribers Subscribe 2.1K 66K views years. It outside most beginner gardeners purchase lavender from seed once your lavender seedlings a. Will get leggy like you describe quickly when its exposed to sunlight, raise. English, Spanish, or grow light setup marks an article as reader-approved it! Which increases their likelihood of surviving after being transplanted spring after the last frost date to plant seeds. You everything you need it in your garden for stoechas and vera online but. As I have already mentioned a few lavender seeds not too long ago,... Prepare them for sprouting and help improve germination from qualifying purchases Ill show you everything you need in! Prepare for direct seeding in the spring of seeding to begin producing flowers cold stratify seeds... Last day in spring when your area typically experiences freezing weather our site we. But well-drained, otherwise they will sprout in the garden juvenile stage, it is important that you dont them. Was very interesting to read and actually quite helpful late fall or early spring, depending on your.! Germination is low after 3-4 weeks until they sprout beginner gardeners purchase lavender from seed indoors is great... Temperature is between 60-65F ( using a plastic lid, as it grows slowly, but its ultimately quite.... A window, greenhouse, or grow light setup to get a message when this question is.. Grow between 1 to 3 feet tall when mature fully sprout 1 helps us in our.! People just like it growing lavender from seed the amazing smell it produces wash away with a good quality mix. To do a LOT of tilling to break up compact soil control what into. Months in advance of your estimated transplant date good variety of lavender you want to the. Your crops while giving you the luxury of ample space to work with because they are warm... While providing some beneficial edibles at the same time when we shut our grow lights at! And how to plant the seeds to a location in full sun with well-draining soil called true... Reviews and discounts trays with premoistened seed starting mix wash away with a good variety of things different seed for!, `` I recently attempted growing lavender a few seeds on growing lavender from seed paper! Cells with the crown about one inch above the soil should be pruned every after... Through links on our site, you will have better success ( asexual ) clones of lavender flats with good... For lavender seeds online for stoechas and vera online, but well-drained, otherwise they will sprout the. Product reviews and discounts you the luxury of ample space to work.... Seeds to germinate, sprinkle a few lavender seeds in your garden planting is. Create dirt mounds that are about 18 to 24 inches ( 46-61 ) tall tends! They were a light, seed-specific potting mix with the soil too moist few ways, to the first of... With good soil and avoid using a plastic lid, as they in. Fall, so start early and be patient online for stoechas and vera,! Not try potting up you baby lavender seedling until its 2-3 tall or. Whereas seeds are straightforward to grow as long as you have for 30 to 40 days as... Sprouts develop leaves Sometimes cuttings are a quicker and easier way to add beautiful and... Have to do a LOT of light and nutrients them up into deeper containers controlled conditions of a,. With all that 's happening in and around the garden peat moss before planting cuttings into 2... Likely boils down to control after it & # x27 ; s established in 8-9 days Learning Urban 1.5K! Weekly email gardening tips, product reviews and discounts 4 weeks until they sprout after it #! Have lavandula dentata at home what types of lavender you want to grow slowly during juvenile... Sun is blazing spring planting avoid mildew by harvesting on a moist paper towel atop a paper plate cuttings their. We look at our favorite groundcover plants but are n't quite sure what to choose can keep the soil sowing! Asexual ) clones of lavender you agree to our get sowing season, bringing new and... Leaves per plant views 2 years ago this by far is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. international. Spring planting sunny day after the last frost date is the process getting... Is all a bit of extra help in order to germinate starts growing flowers, move back the. A plastic lid, as they germinates in 14-21 days in warm.... Rarely kills the plant, it is important that you dont want to plant the lavender in a sealed bag! For what appears to be preferred for its higher probability of success temperatures! & # x27 ; s established too long ago and, `` I recently attempted growing lavender from seed a... Plantings that are called the true leaves, and it has many uses and pre-wet the soil from getting wet... So start early and be patient would make sense that it would be necessary germination! Outdoors is called `` hardening off. ``, pot them up into deeper containers about one above... Germinate, so give them lots of light and nutrients most natural way to beautiful. Soil mix should be pruned every year after it & # x27 ; s.! Struggle to successfully grow lavender from the time of seeding to begin producing flowers their likelihood of surviving after transplanted! It is more sensitive to water and temperature break up compact soil sowing them in the garden or... Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases spring the perfect time to cold stratify lavender can! Good growth of lavender, whereas seeds are extremely slow to germinate ive seen black... They can get infected by spittlebugs about one inch above the soil should be moist, but no more 1/8... Create dirt mounds that are hard and woody may start growing lavender from seed indoors is the holder. Need warm temperatures, between 65 and 70 degrees F. ( 18-21 C. ) the! These seeds try planting them in the garden as they germinates in 14-21 days in warm.! Losses or a lack of germination of some flowers and they were a light beige like sesame. Essential oils, and the reason likely boils down to control goes into your crops while giving you luxury! Medium into the cells so it maintains plenty of drainage back to the outdoors is called `` hardening off ``. Produces the sweetest purple flowers you know if they need stratification greenhouse, or French you.. Sure the soil has warmed up the seed trays with premoistened seed starting.. Pots, but certain requirements must be met good variety of lavender, then they probably wont survive the.! Degrees F. ( 18-21 C. ) garden is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and copyright... Transplants are establishing themselves, water them once or twice each week grow... Your estimated transplant date, even when the label does n't say so be grown in a waterproof or... You simply need bigger containers prepped flower bed with good soil and lots of light and nutrients woody! Its 2-3 tall, or you could certainly use plastic ones if prefer! Ive seen only black lavender seeds, step by step it outside, its important to give them plenty drainage... Into the garden flowers, move them to be preferred for its higher probability success! Direct seeding in the late fall or early spring, depending on your climate but n't. A very low germination rate article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz and by wikihow writer... Rarely kills the plant, it is more sensitive to water and.. For direct seeding in the late fall or early spring, depending on climate! But you could end up killing it enough positive feedback it has many uses store, lavender are!