Lavender seeds can be a bit fussy, but patience pays off!
1. Start with Stratification
Lavender seeds can be stubborn, so giving them a head start with stratification can improve success.
About 12 weeks before your last frost date, place your seeds on a damp paper towel, fold it over, and seal it in a plastic bag.
Put on a plate to keep flat and pop the plate with your bag into the fridge for 6 weeks — this cold treatment mimics winter conditions and helps the seeds wake up.
2. Sow the Seeds
Once stratified, plant the seeds indoors using a good seed-starting mix.
Fill small individual seeding trays, carefully place the seeds on top of the soil, one at a time, and press them down lightly — being careful that you don’t bury them too deep.
3. Nurture
Lavender seeds like to be warm.
Your warm spot should be somewhere you can keep then at about 70°F (21°C)
4. Watering
Water lightly in the morning to keep the soil damp but not soggy.
Lavender does not like too much moisture, so don’t water them too much.
5. Light Needs
Once your seeds germinate, they’ll need plenty of light.
Giving them 16-18 hours a day under a grow light or placing them in a very sunny spot is best.
6. Hardening Off:
When your plants are about 3 inches tall and the threat of frost has passed, start by placing them outside in a shady spot for short periods, and then gradually increase their exposure to some sun over several days.
7. Potting Up:
When your seedlings have hardened off, you can plant them in bigger pots using fresh potting soil until they are ready to transplant into the garden.
8. From Seed to Blooms Schedule:
You can expect flowers in the 2nd year. In the first year, pinch off any flower buds to help the plants grow strong roots and stronger branches.
9. Care and Growing Tips:
Lavender plants are best with little fuss – they like sandy, sharp soil and don’t like to be overwatered.
Lavender loves the outdoors, so don’t keep it inside permanently.
Avoid pruning in the fall — save that for spring when you can safely trim back about one-third of the plant.
With a little love, patience, and care, your lavender will thrive and fill your garden with beautiful flowers, amazing fragrance, and lots of pollinators!
