These must-know tips on growing lavender from seed will help you successfully sprout lots of this popular herb.
Jason Donnelly
Growing lavender plants from seed is a low-cost way to grow lots of this popular herb.
Andstarting seedsindoors before transplanting them outside means you canplant types of lavenderthat arent available at your local garden center.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
you’re free to growcommon lavender(Lavandula angustifolia) varieties, such as Hidcote and Munstead.
However, seed companies warn customers of variable results when planting seeds gathered from an existing plant.
Lavender seeds harvested from a cultivar dont grow true to variety.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Instead, the resulting plants are variations of the parent plant.
These cuttings are from an existing parent plant and are rooted to make a new lavender plant.
Providing seedlings withwell-drained soilandfull sunwill lay a foundation for a beautiful summer display of lavender.
If your soil is more clay-based, grow lavender on mounds.
Youll need toadd garden lime to your clay soilto increase its pH level and improve its structure.
Most importantly, ensure your ground is free-draining so water doesnt remain on the lavender plants roots for long.
Sowing Lavender Seeds
The seeds sprout best at 70F.
Transplant the seedlings into your garden after the last frost date and when the soil has warmed up.
Space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for good air circulation.
Plan for your lavender plants to double in size every year for the first three years.
Transplanting to a container:DwarfL.
Larger lavenders, such asL.
angustifoliaHidcote, can initially be grown in containers but must be transplanted to the garden after two years.
Leaving space between the plants allows air to flow around them and helps prevent fungus problems.
If your soil is heavy clay,add grit, pea gravel, and sandto create a quick-draining bed.
