Growing lavender (Lavandula) from seed requires patience, and the initial appearance of the seedling often confuses new gardeners who expect the mature plant’s familiar look and scent. Successfully identifying the fragile sprout is a necessary first step to ensure the seedling is protected and nurtured. The key to recognition lies in observing the distinct stages of leaf development, from the first seed leaves to the emergence of the true, fragrant foliage.
The Initial Sprout: Cotyledons and First Appearance
The very first leaves that push through the soil are known as cotyledons, or seed leaves, and they appear within a few weeks after germination. These embryonic leaves provide initial energy for the seedling’s growth. Lavender’s cotyledons are typically small, oval-shaped, or slightly rounded, looking much like the first leaves of many other plants.
They emerge as a pair, opposite each other on a slender stem, and are generally a bright, smooth, pale green color. These leaves are uniform in size and texture, lacking the silvery hue and fuzzy coating that characterizes the mature plant. The cotyledons do not contain the specialized oil glands that produce the familiar perfume, so rubbing them will not release the characteristic lavender scent.
Developing True Leaves: The Next Stage of Growth
The next set of leaves to emerge are the plant’s true leaves, which develop from the center stem between the initial cotyledons. These true leaves look like miniature versions of the adult foliage, making the seedling visually recognizable as lavender. They begin to exhibit the species’ distinct characteristics, growing in a narrow, linear, or needle-like shape.
A noticeable change in color occurs at this stage, as the leaves develop a grayish-green or silvery-green tint. This muted color results from tiny, hair-like structures called trichomes that cover the leaf surface, giving it a fuzzy or velvety texture. The true leaves possess the aromatic compounds, allowing a faint but distinct herbal scent to be released if the leaf is gently crushed or rubbed.
Distinguishing Lavender Sprout from Common Weeds
The appearance of the true leaves provides unique markers that help differentiate a lavender sprout from common garden weeds. Most weeds maintain a consistently bright, smooth green color and often have rounded or broad leaves, unlike the lavender’s narrow, grayish foliage. A lavender seedling typically grows in a compact, upright rosette form initially, staying close to the soil.
The most reliable indicator is the plant’s unique texture and smell. The true lavender leaves are fuzzy or velvety due to their trichomes, a rare trait among many young weeds. Testing for the faint, herbal fragrance by gently rubbing a true leaf confirms the sprout is the desired lavender plant.