Growing lavender from seed offers the opportunity to cultivate a large number of plants for a fraction of the cost of buying established seedlings. This method allows a gardener to produce an abundant field of fragrant herbs. Success hinges on specific preparatory steps that address the plant’s natural dormancy mechanism and unique germination requirements.
Preparing Lavender Seeds for Sowing
Lavender seeds require cold and moisture to break dormancy, a process known as cold stratification. This mimics the seeds surviving winter. To artificially induce this state, expose the seeds to temperatures between 35°F and 40°F for four to six weeks.
A straightforward method involves placing the seeds on a damp paper towel or mixing them with moist sand or vermiculite. Seal this medium inside a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. Before sowing, prepare a sterile, low-nutrient, and well-draining seed-starting mix. Using small starter trays or individual cells ensures that delicate root systems can be handled with minimal disturbance.
Optimal Sowing Depth and Seed Quantity
The number of lavender seeds to plant per hole is related to the plant’s unreliable germination rate. It is recommended to sow three to five seeds per cell or planting spot to ensure at least one viable seedling. Lavender often has a germination success rate below 50%, so using multiple seeds increases the likelihood of a successful plant in each container.
Planting depth is equally important, as lavender seeds require light to germinate. The seeds should be surface-sown, pressed gently onto the moist seed-starting mix, or covered with only a fine dusting of vermiculite or soil, no deeper than 1/8 of an inch. Burying the seeds too deeply prevents the necessary light from reaching them, resulting in poor germination. Maintain the soil temperature consistently between 65°F and 75°F, often requiring a heat mat, and keep the medium evenly moist.
Managing Seedlings After Germination
Once the initial sprouts emerge, their survival depends on providing immediate and intense light. Window light is rarely sufficient and can lead to weak, leggy growth. Position the trays directly under a dedicated grow light, providing 14 to 16 hours of continuous light per day.
Maintaining a stable, warm environment is also important for the young plants. The optimal temperature range for seedling growth is around 70°F, and consistent moisture is needed for the first few weeks. When watering, use a bottom-watering method by placing the tray in a shallow pan of water. This allows the soil to wick moisture upward, preventing damage to the fragile stems or dislodging the seedlings.
The final step is thinning, performed once the seedlings develop their first set of true leaves. Select the single strongest seedling in each cell. Use small, sharp scissors to snip the remaining, weaker seedlings at the soil line. This technique avoids disturbing the roots of the chosen plant, ensuring it has the necessary resources to develop a strong root system.