Lavenders are absolutely beautiful! You should definitely grow them in your backyard to make it look extra special. Read our guide to find out the simple steps on how to grow lavender from seeds.
Lavender: What You Need to Know
Scientifically known as Lavandula, lavender is among the most beautiful flowers in the world. Its color is so refreshing.
One thing you ought to know is that it’s not just an ornamental plant.
The thing is
Lavender is an herb. It can be used for cooking but it’s more popularly used in the cosmetic world. It’s a common scent for lotions and perfumes.
For years, lavender has been used in the manufacture of cosmetics as well as in traditional medicine.
It is also used to make essential oil.
Just imagine
Lavender had been used by Egyptians during the mummification process of their dead kin.
Romans also used lavender in their baths so they will come out smelling wonderful.
When you really think about it
That tradition is carried on today. There are many lavender-scented bath bombs sold in the market.
And if you want to smell like lavender, you just need to lather on lavender-scented lotion or dab some lavender-scented perfume.
On your table
Lavender is also used in cooking and baking. Some people are not fond of the idea of eating something they know as a cosmetic scent.
However, it can be quite tasty. Its taste is both flowery and herbaceous.
You can use lavender as an herb in savory dishes. As an herb, it can also be used in making bread.
Of course
Lavender is also a popular tea flavor. And what goes well with tea? Cookies! There are lavender cookies as well.
It’s also a good decorative flower. Lavenders in the garden are beautiful, but you can also use them as wreaths for the home.
They can also be framed and hung on walls.
Moreover
They can be made into potpourris or air fresheners.
We also mentioned its medicinal uses. Although, it’s more in the line of traditional medicine. It can be used to treat burns and some allergic reactions from poison ivy.
Take note
It’s still best if you ask your doctor for the appropriate way to treat those issues. It’s still great to have options.
Essential oil is also used as alternative medicine and lavender is a popular ingredient in such products.
Finally
Lavender is also a pest repellent. It’s great for keeping away mosquitoes. That’s why a lot of mosquito coils are made from lavender, both for the scent and for its repellent properties.
They can also repel moths and scorpions. Deer also don’t like lavender. This could be helpful if you live in an area where deer are bound to saunter in your garden.
How Do You Grow Lavender?
Lavenders prefer growing in sunny areas. They also look better with the sun shining down on them.
They also prefer warm but well-drained soil even if it is slightly sandy.
They can also grow in both the ground and in pots.
Ways to grow lavender
There are two ways to propagate lavender: one is through seeds and the other through cuttings.
There are different types of lavender. Most of them will be able to grow well when planted through cuttings.
However
If you want to grow them through seeds, you should look for the Lavendula species. The germination rate of the other species is really low.
In fact, Lavandin seeds are pretty sterile.
What are the most common types of lavender to grow?
- English lavender
- French lavender
- Spanish lavender
- Lavandin (but as mentioned, if you want to grow lavender through seeds, this is not a great option)
Look
If given the right conditions, lavender can last for several years as it is a perennial plant.
Lavenders are actually quite easy to grow, you just need a bit of patience.
How to Grow Lavender from Seeds: 6 Steps
Germinating lavender seeds is more difficult than growing the herb through its cuttings. But the end-result is really rewarding.
Just imagine having to look at your purple garden in the next couple of years or so. Not to mention, you will surely be satisfied by the scent that would be emanating from your garden.
Here’s the deal
Your lavender may not produce flowers in the first year of growing them through seeds. You shouldn’t be discouraged though.
So, here are the steps.
1. Find the right species to plant
Knowing the right species of lavender to grow is going to be important. For one, not all varieties would germinate as seeds.
Lavender lady and munstead are great varieties for growing through seeds.
2. Plant the seeds
It’s ideal that you use a shallow tray for the lavender seeds. As for the soil, you can use enough just to barely cover the seeds.
While lavender prefers warmth, it needs moisture as well. So, the seeds should be moist but not too wet.
It takes time
Germination of lavender seeds could take up to three months. Patience is really important when growing lavender from seeds.
3. Keep them warm
Lavender loves to be warm, so you have to grow them indoors so they will not be exposed to the chilly nights.
If you have a greenhouse, that would be fantastic. If not, you could just take them indoors and put them atop a heating mat.
What’s the ideal temperature?
It should be between 65℉ to 70℉ or 18℃ to 21℃.
4. Transplant the seedlings
When you see a good number of leaves growing for every plant, that’s already the right time to transplant the seedlings.
They can be placed in pots or you could transplant them on the ground.
Find the right spot:
Lavenders should have full sun, so make sure you find a spot that doesn’t get impeded by shade.
5. Water consistently until they are strong enough
Remember, lavender may love the warmth of the sun but it also needs moist soil. So, you have to water the seedlings substantially.
It’s also important that you have well-drained soil so that the seedlings will not be overly wet.
So how consistent should you be?
You have to water at least twice a week.
You can lay off the consistent watering when the plants have been established. When they are strong enough, you don’t have to water them as much.
In fact, you shouldn’t water them as much because lavender can be stressed with overwatering.
How often should you water mature lavender?
Once they are established, you can lessen your watering to just every two weeks. But once buds are forming, you can water once or twice a week to spur the growth of the flower.
You can then go back to watering every two weeks after harvest.
6. Prune every spring
Pruning is important in most plants. This could spur growth in plants. It’s no different with lavender.
You want to prune every spring so they will grow healthy.
Some things to expect
The first year of growing your lavender will not be satisfying. Most of them won’t produce flowers. If they do, it’s just barely.
The second-year would be amazing. Most of the flowers will be in full bloom and the air will be filled with a luscious lavender scent.
Then
Lavender doesn’t need fertilizer. It can grow healthy even if the soil is not as fertile as you usually want garden soil to be.
Summary
Lavender is such a great addition to your garden. It is just so gorgeous. The purple color will certainly brighten up your home. Not only that, the scent that emanates from the plant will just make your day better.
So, how to grow lavender from seeds? This will certainly require patience. Lavender grows better from cuttings. But that doesn’t mean growing from seeds is impossible.
The first step is just knowing the right variety that will grow from seeds. Then you just have to remember that lavender loves being warm but the soil has to be moist. You have to make sure lavender gets full sun to maximize their growth potential and their beauty.
Useful Resources
- 12 Things You Maybe Don’t Know About Lavender – HGTV
- Everything You Need to Know About Lavender – Gardenista
- What Are the Health Benefits and Risks of Lavender? – Medical News Today
