Growing English lavender from seed can be a rewarding but patience-testing process. It typically takes about 30 days for the seeds to germinate, and then another 10 to 12 weeks before the seedlings are ready to be transplanted into the garden. It’s important to keep in mind that plants grown from seed usually don’t flower until the following year, so you’ll need to have a bit of patience before you can enjoy the beautiful blooms.
To start growing English lavender from seed, it’s crucial to provide the right conditions for germination. Lavender seeds require light to germinate, so it’s important to sow them very shallowly. This means that you should barely cover the seeds with soil, or even just press them lightly onto the surface of the soil. This will ensure that they receive the sunlight they need to sprout.
Once you’ve sown the seeds, it’s time to wait. This can be the most challenging part of growing lavender from seed, as it can take up to a month for the seeds to germinate. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist during this time, but not overly saturated. Too much water can cause the seeds to rot, so it’s important to find the right balance.
As the seedlings start to appear, they will require proper care to ensure their healthy growth. It’s important to provide them with adequate sunlight, ideally around 8 to 10 hours a day. If you’re growing them indoors, you may need to use fluorescent grow lights to provide the necessary light intensity.
In terms of temperature, English lavender prefers cooler conditions during germination and early growth. Keeping the temperature around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 21 degrees Celsius) is ideal. Once the seedlings have established themselves and are ready to be transplanted, they can tolerate a wider range of temperatures, including heat.
Transplanting the seedlings into the garden should be done after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. This is typically in late spring or early summer. Before transplanting, it’s a good idea to harden off the seedlings. This involves gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of about a week, starting with a few hours of sunlight and gradually increasing the time each day.
When planting the seedlings in the garden, make sure to space them about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation. Lavender prefers well-draining soil, so amending the soil with compost or sand can help improve drainage if needed. Water the plants deeply after transplanting and then allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Growing English lavender from seed requires patience, as it can take up to 30 days for germination and another 10 to 12 weeks before transplanting. Plants grown from seed typically don’t flower until the following year. Providing the right conditions, such as shallow sowing, adequate sunlight, and proper temperature, will help ensure successful germination and healthy growth. So, if you’re willing to wait and provide the necessary care, growing English lavender from seed can be a rewarding experience.
