Lavender seeds provide home gardeners with an affordable and flexible pathway to cultivating one of the world’s most fragrant and useful herbs. While starting lavender from seed requires patience, it grants access to a wider selection of specific varieties that may not be available as nursery plants or cuttings. The journey begins with selecting the correct plant type for your climate and identifying reliable sources to ensure the seeds you purchase are viable. Finding high-quality seeds from reputable vendors, whether online or in person, is paramount to success in growing this beloved perennial.
Choosing the Right Lavender Variety
The successful cultivation of lavender from seed hinges on selecting the appropriate species, as not all types germinate reliably. Gardeners should primarily seek seeds of Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English Lavender, which is the most cold-hardy and best suited for seed propagation. This species includes popular cultivars like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote,’ which are known for their strong fragrance and suitability for culinary use. English Lavender generally thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Other types of lavender, such as Spanish (Lavandula stoechas) and French (Lavandula dentata), are often grown from cuttings because their seeds are less consistent and the resulting plants may not retain the parent’s characteristics. The hybrid Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia), prized for their high oil yield, are almost exclusively propagated by cloning, making seed purchase for these varieties highly unreliable. Focusing on open-pollinated English Lavender seeds ensures the highest probability of germination and consistent plant traits.
Dedicated Online Seed Retailers
Online retailers are a primary resource for finding the greatest diversity of lavender seed varieties, often including rare or heirloom options. Specialized seed companies frequently list critical details like the year the seeds were harvested and their tested germination rate, offering a higher degree of transparency. These dedicated sources often focus on specific niches, such as certified organic or non-GMO seeds, appealing to gardeners with specific cultivation preferences.
Large, general e-commerce platforms also host numerous seed vendors, providing convenience and a wide range of options, though this environment requires greater scrutiny from the buyer. Seeds purchased from unverified third-party sellers on these sites carry a higher risk of being old, improperly stored, or mislabeled. When using these platforms, look for sellers with established reputations who provide the botanical name and specific cultivar information to verify authenticity.
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
Physical retail locations offer immediate access to seeds and the advantage of localized, region-specific expertise. Independent nurseries and well-stocked garden centers often carry varieties of English Lavender seeds that are known to perform well in the immediate geographic area. Staff at these locations can provide tailored advice on the best time to sow seeds and suggest specific varieties that tolerate local climate conditions.
The disadvantage of purchasing seeds from a physical store is that the freshness can be harder to guarantee compared to high-volume online retailers. Seeds are organic materials that degrade over time, and a packet that has sat on a shelf for a long time will have reduced viability. Buyers should check the packaging for a “packed for” or “harvested” date, ensuring the seeds are from the most recent growing season.
Assessing Seed Quality Before Purchase
Due diligence before completing a purchase centers on verifying the seed’s potential viability and authenticity. The most important quality indicator is the germination rate, which should be clearly listed and ideally aim for 70% or higher for a good return on investment. If a rate is not listed, the vendor should at least provide the harvest or pack date, with seeds being most viable within 12 months of being collected.
The packaging itself should be opaque and moisture-resistant to protect the tiny seeds from light and humidity, both of which accelerate the loss of viability. Always confirm the Latin botanical name to ensure you are receiving the correct species, such as Lavandula angustifolia, rather than a less reliable hybrid. Finally, look for labels like “open-pollinated,” which guarantees the seeds will produce plants that resemble the parent stock, maintaining the desired genetic traits.