How to Grow Lavender from Seeds: A Guide to Growing Fragrant Flowers

How to Grow Lavender from Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lavender (Lavandula) is a popular perennial herb prized for its fragrant flowers, silver-green foliage, and wide range of uses in cooking, crafts, and aromatherapy. Growing lavender from seeds allows gardeners to cultivate this beloved plant from scratch, contributing to the beauty of lavender fields. These fields are famous for their stunning, vast stretches of purple blooms, often found on lavender farms that cultivate this aromatic herb. These farms not only offer breathtaking views but also serve as venues for lavender festivals, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of lavender, enjoy lavender-inspired products, and learn more about its versatile uses.

While lavender is often propagated through cuttings or purchased as established plants, growing lavender from seeds is a rewarding process that allows you to nurture plants from the very beginning.

Growing lavender from seeds takes patience, but the results can be incredibly satisfying, making the effort well worth it.

Choosing the Right Lavender Seeds

The first step in growing lavender from seeds is choosing the right variety. Lavender comes in several species and cultivars, and selecting the best one depends on your climate and intended use.

Common Lavender Varieties

Here are some popular lavender varieties to consider:

• English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): This is the most common type of lavender, known for its sweet fragrance and versatility. It’s hardy in USDA zones 5–9 and is ideal for both ornamental and culinary uses. Popular cultivars include ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead.’
• French Lavender (Lavandula dentata): Known for its decorative appearance and serrated leaves, French lavender is less hardy than English lavender but thrives in warmer climates (USDA zones 8–11). It is often used for ornamental purposes.
• Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Spanish lavender is recognized by its distinctive “rabbit ear” bracts at the top of the flower spike. It’s best suited for warm climates (typically USDA zones 8–9) and is primarily used for landscaping and ornamental purposes. Popular lavender varieties include ‘Anouk‘ and ‘Fathead‘
• Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia): Lavandin is a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender. It is more vigorous and has a stronger scent.  It is hardy in USDA zones 5–9 and is often grown for essential oils. Popular lavender plants include ‘Grosso‘ and ‘Provence‘

For seed propagation, English lavender is generally the easiest to start from seeds and has the highest success rate. Other varieties like lavandin can also be grown from seeds but may require more attention during germination.

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ (English Lavender)

When to Start Lavender Seeds

The timing for starting lavender seeds depends on your climate and the growing conditions you want to create. Generally, lavender seeds require a long germination period, so it’s important to plan ahead.

In Cool Climates (USDA Zones 3-6)

Start Indoors: Begin starting lavender seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring. This gives the seeds enough time to germinate and establish healthy seedlings before outdoor planting.

Transplant: Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, transplant the seedlings outdoors in late spring or early summer.

In Warm Climates (USDA Zones 7 and Above)

Spring Planting: Start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, typically in early spring.

Fall Planting: For areas with mild winters, you can also start lavender seeds in late summer or early fall. Fall planting allows the seeds to germinate and establish roots over the cooler months, preparing the plants for vigorous growth in spring. This approach is especially beneficial in warm climates, where the intense summer heat can be tough on young lavender plants.

Preparing for Seed Germination

Lavender seeds can be a bit tricky to germinate because they have a long germination period and require specific conditions to sprout successfully. However, with the right preparation, you can increase your chances of success.

Stratification

Lavender seeds benefit from a process called stratification, which mimics the natural winter conditions they would experience before sprouting in spring. Stratification helps break the seed’s dormancy and improves germination rates. To stratify lavender seeds:

• Place Seeds in the Refrigerator: Place the seeds in a damp paper towel or between two layers of moist coffee filters. Put the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Place the bag in the refrigerator for 3–4 weeks.
• Monitor Moisture: Check periodically to make sure the paper towel or coffee filter remains moist but not soaked.

Soil Preparation

Lavender thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. If you’re starting seeds indoors, you can use a seed-starting mix that is light and airy. You may also add a bit of sand or perlite to improve drainage. Lavender seeds should not be planted in heavy or clay soil, as this can lead to poor germination and root rot.

Lavandula stoechas ‘Anouk’ (Spanish Lavender)

Planting Lavender Seeds Indoors

Once the seeds have undergone stratification, you can begin planting them.

Starting lavender seeds indoors gives you greater control over temperature and growing conditions, which can improve germination rates.

Timing: Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before the last frost date in your area.

Planting Depth: Plant lavender seeds about 1/8 inch deep in seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.

Light: Lavender seeds require light to germinate, so cover them lightly with soil or press them into the surface without burying them deeply. Place the trays in a sunny spot or under grow lights, ensuring they receive 12–16 hours of light per day.

Temperature: Lavender seeds germinate best at temperatures between 65–75°F (18–24°C). You may need to use a heating mat to maintain consistent warmth.

Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mist the surface regularly or use a gentle watering method to avoid washing the seeds away.

Germination Time: Lavender seeds typically take 2–4 weeks to germinate, but some may take longer—up to 6 weeks. Be patient during this process and ensure the growing conditions remain consistent.

Lavender and Santolina – The Perfect Xeriscape Duo

Transplanting Lavender Seedlings

After your lavender seeds have germinated and the seedlings have grown to about 2–3 inches (5-7 cm) tall with a few sets of true leaves, it’s time to transplant them.

Hardening Off

Before transplanting lavender seedlings into the garden, they need to be hardened off to help them adjust to outdoor conditions. This process involves gradually exposing the seedlings to outdoor light, temperature, and wind over the course of 1–2 weeks.

• Start by placing the seedlings outside in a sheltered, shaded area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time and exposure to sunlight.
• By the end of the hardening-off period, the seedlings should be able to handle full sun exposure and variable outdoor temperatures.

Transplanting Lavender Seedlings to the Garden

Lavender seedlings should be transplanted into the garden after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.

• Spacing: Space lavender plants about 12–18 inches (30-45 cm) apart to allow for good airflow and growth.
• Planting Depth: Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the seedling, and place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was growing in its pot.
• Watering: Water the seedlings gently after transplanting to help them settle into the soil. Lavender prefers to be on the dry side, so avoid overwatering.

Lavender and Cosmos

Direct Sowing Lavender Seeds Outdoors

Direct sowing lavender seeds outdoors can be a low-maintenance method, but it requires favorable conditions such as warm temperatures, good sunlight, and well-drained soil. This method is especially useful for gardeners in climates with mild winters or those who prefer a more natural approach to growing lavender.

When to Sow Outdoors

• Cool Climates: Sow seeds in late spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C).
• Warm Climates: Direct sowing can be done in early fall, which gives the seeds time to germinate and establish strong roots before the heat of summer arrives.

How to Sow Lavender Seeds

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Scatter the seeds on the soil surface, pressing them lightly into the soil. Lavender seeds need light to germinate, so avoid covering the seeds with too much soil.
• Water the seeds lightly but regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Germination Time

• Lavender seeds sown directly outdoors will generally take longer to germinate than those started indoors. Depending on conditions, germination will take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.

Care After Sowing

• Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to ensure proper spacing—about 12–18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
• Keep the area free of weeds and water the young plants consistently until they are established.

After planting lavender seeds and ensuring they germinate successfully, the next step is to nurture them into healthy, thriving plants.

Proper care, including watering, pruning, and maintaining the right conditions, is crucial for the long-term success of your lavender. For detailed instructions on how to grow and care for lavender, check out this comprehensive guide to help your plants flourish year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lavender Hard to Grow from Seed?

Lavender can be challenging to grow from seed due to its long germination period and specific requirements for success. However, with patience and the right conditions—such as light, warmth, and proper soil—lavender seeds can be successfully grown by home gardeners.

How Long Does It Take Lavender Seeds to Germinate?

Lavender seeds typically take 2 to 4 weeks to germinate, but in some cases, germination can take as long as 6 weeks. Proper warmth, light, and consistent moisture are essential for successful germination.

Can I Just Scatter Lavender Seeds?

While scattering lavender seeds may work in some cases, it’s not the most reliable method for successful germination. Lavender seeds require light to germinate, so scattering them on the surface of the soil without proper preparation may result in poor growth. It’s better to plant the seeds in a controlled environment with optimal conditions.

Should I Soak Lavender Seeds Before Planting?

Soaking lavender seeds before planting is not typically necessary. Instead, stratifying the seeds by placing them in the fridge for 3–4 weeks can improve germination rates by simulating the cold conditions lavender seeds would naturally experience in the wild.

What is the Best Secret to Germinate Lavender Seeds?

The best secret to germinating lavender seeds is stratification, a process that involves chilling the seeds in the fridge for a few weeks before planting. This breaks seed dormancy and encourages quicker, more reliable germination. Additionally, providing light, warmth, and well-drained soil will help ensure successful germination.