How to Grow Lavender Seeds

Discover the Ultimate Guide on Growing Lavender (Lavandula sp.) at Home: Everything You Need to Plant, Cultivate, and Nurture Your Lavender Garden

Best Timing and Guidelines for Planting Lavender Seeds

The best time to sow lavender in Europe is typically in late spring to early summer, around April to June, when the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. This timing allows the seeds to germinate and the plants to establish themselves before winter. However, specific timing may vary slightly depending on the exact location within Europe and local climate conditions. It’s advisable to consider your specific region’s climate and the particular variety of lavender you’re planting for more accurate timing.

Preparation for planting

Lavender plants are known for their perennial nature, persisting for several years. To ensure their optimal growth, select a permanent location where they can thrive without frequent disturbance or digging.

These plants flourish best under full sun exposure, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, they demand well-drained soil conditions, often eliminating the necessity for additional fertilization like manure. Prior to planting, meticulously weed the area and loosen the soil. Maintaining a weed-free environment until planting is crucial. Further insights on soil preparation can be found here.

For those considering container gardening, select lavender varieties recommended for such cultivation. Utilize high-quality potting mix in a container of adequate size to accommodate mature plants—ideally, a minimum of 20 liters for optimal growth. Keep in mind that container-grown plants may require supplementary fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy development.

How to Sow Lavender Seeds

Optional: Stratifying seeds before planting can enhance germination speed and success. Stratification involves subjecting seeds to cold temperatures, aiding in breaking dormancy and promoting germination. Lavender seeds thrive when initially grown in trays or containers, then transplanted to the garden upon establishment.

To sow lavender seeds:

Fill trays, punnets, or jiffy pots with a high-quality seed-raising mix or use soil starter pellets.
Plant seeds at a depth of 0mm.
Maintain soil moisture without allowing it to become excessively wet or dry.
Expect germination within 14-21 days at a soil temperature of 18-21°C.
Once seedlings have their first true leaves and reach a height of 5-10cm, transplant them to the garden, spacing them 40-80cm apart.

Tip: Some varieties may have slower germination; follow recommended guidelines for best results. Tip: Due to their small size, handle lavender seeds with care to prevent dispersal. Consider mixing seeds with sand or fine potting mix before sowing, or utilize tools like a seed dispenser, damp toothpick, or tweezers for even spacing. Gently press the seeds into the soil surface to ensure proper contact. Prevent seeds and seedlings from drying out for optimal growth.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender plants may require watering during their growth period. Water them when the soil, approximately 5cm beneath the surface, feels dry (confirm this by lightly scratching the soil with your finger). It’s best to water deeply either in the early morning or late afternoon. To prevent fungal diseases, avoid watering the leaves of the plants. Further insights on watering techniques can be found here.

In well-prepared soil, additional fertilizer is usually unnecessary. However, in poor soil or to provide a supplemental boost, consider applying a balanced fertilizer or one designed for fruits and vegetables:

Use slow-release fertilizer at the recommended rate during transplanting or when seedlings reach 5-10cm in height.
Employ liquid fertilizer at the recommended rate and frequency while the plants are fruiting or flowering.

Encourage denser growth and more flowers by pinching out the growing tips of lavender plants. Use sharp secateurs or snips to remove the top set of leaves, cutting just above a set of lower leaves.

Regular deadheading of lavender flowers throughout the growing season is beneficial. Utilize sharp secateurs or snips to cut fading or dead flowers just above a set of leaves. Consistent removal of old flowers will stimulate plants to produce more blooms. Explore more about deadheading flowering plants here.

Once the plants have finished flowering, prune them to tidy their appearance and promote robust new growth. Use sharp secateurs or snips to cut individual stems just above a set of lower leaves. Avoid pruning into the woody base of the branches.

How to Harvest Lavender

Harvesting lavender is a delightful process that involves the following steps:

Timing: The best time to harvest lavender is when the flowers have just started to open and are in full color but haven’t completely blossomed. This is typically during the summer months when the flowers are vibrant and aromatic.
Selecting Tools: Prepare sharp gardening shears or scissors for the harvesting process. Ensure they are clean and sharp to make clean cuts without damaging the plant.
Harvesting Method: Follow these steps for harvesting lavender:
- Cutting: Use the shears to cut the lavender stems about 2-3 inches down from the flower spikes. Cut above the woody parts of the stems.
- Bundle Preparation: Gather several stems together to form small bundles, typically 10-20 stems per bundle, depending on their thickness.
- Tying: Secure the base of the lavender bundle tightly with a rubber band or twine. Make sure it’s tight enough to hold the stems together but not too tight to damage the stems.
- Drying Location: Hang the lavender bundles upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. Ideal places include a dry room, a shed, or any location protected from direct sunlight. Hanging allows for proper airflow and drying.
Drying Time: Lavender typically takes around 1-2 weeks to dry completely, depending on humidity levels and airflow. The flowers should feel dry and crisp to the touch.
Storing: Once dried, remove the flowers from the stems by gently rubbing the buds. Store the dried lavender flowers in airtight containers away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain their fragrance and quality for future use.

By following these steps, you can effectively harvest and dry lavender, preserving its fragrance and beauty for various uses such as potpourri, sachets, culinary applications, and homemade beauty products.

Common Problems when Growing Lavender

Lavender, like other plants, can be prone to various pests and diseases. Here are some common issues that gardeners might encounter when cultivating lavender:

Aphids: Aphids are tiny (2-4mm long) sap-sucking insects that gather on new shoots or the undersides of leaves. Their presence can lead to wilting or discoloration of leaves. Additionally, they excrete honeydew, attracting ants and other pests. Managing aphids involves methods like spraying with a garden hose, applying soap or alcohol spray, or attracting natural predators to your garden.
Whitefly: Whitefly, similar to aphids, sucks sap from plants and is often found in large numbers under leaves. Disturbing them can cause swarming behavior. Infested plants may show yellowing leaves, wilting, or slowed growth. Control measures include using a garden hose to remove them or employing soap spray. Severely affected plants may need to be disposed of. Encouraging beneficial insects that prey on whiteflies can help manage their population.

Taking timely action and employing appropriate control methods can aid in minimizing the impact of these pests on lavender plants.