Yes, lavender seeds can be difficult to germinate. The hard seed coat of some varieties of lavender seeds can take up to three to four months to soften and break down enough to germinate. Some methods such as soaking and scarification can help to speed up the process.
The seeds also need light to germinate and so should be sown on the surface of the soil and kept moist but not soggy. Temperature must also be kept consistent, around 18–22°C (65–71°F). Lavender is best started indoors and then planted out in the garden or containers once the weather has warmed up.
Final germination can take from 7–21 days, depending on the variety and temperature.
Why won’t my lavender seeds germinate?
There could be several factors that could explain why your lavender seeds are not germinating. The first thing to check is the age of the seeds, older seeds are more likely to have a lower germination rate.
Additionally, all seeds have recommended planting instructions, and depending on the type of lavender, you could be planting too deeply or not deeply enough, not providing enough light or allowing the soil to get too moist or too dry.
Seeds often need specific conditions to germinate and some seeds can take weeks or even months to germinate. If the material used to sow the seeds is not of high quality or it was exposed to temperatures above recommended or the seeds were stored incorrectly, this could also be a cause.
It is possible that the seeds may be completely dead and will not grow, but if all the conditions are right and the seeds were fresh, with patience and proper conditions, it is likely that eventually they will germinate.
Why is it so hard to grow lavender from seed?
Growing lavender from seed is notoriously difficult, as the seeds have a very low germination rate and require specific soil and climate conditions to germinate. Lavender seeds also have a hard outer coating that prevents them from taking in moisture easily.
In addition, the seeds can take up to five months to germinate, and because of their small size, they can be difficult to handle and sow. Furthermore, since they are very small, they require frequent watering, and even in the best conditions, it can take several years before the plant starts to flower.
Additionally, the seedlings often don’t look like what is expected, as they can show variations in the leaf shape, color, and the flowers they produce. All in all, growing lavender from seed is difficult due to the low germination rate, the length of time it takes to germinate and grow, the conditions needed for germination, and the variation in the seedlings.
What is the fastest way to germinate lavender seeds?
The fastest way to germinate lavender seeds is to use the following steps:
1. Prepare the seeds: Start by obtaining lavender seeds. Obtain them from a reputable source, as quality can vary. Immediately before planting, spread the seeds thinly onto a moist paper towel on a plate and fold the sides over to keep the seeds from rolling away.
2. Stratify the seeds: Place the paper towel and seeds in a resealable, plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator for two to four weeks. Temperatures in the refrigerator should remain between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Prepare the soil: Fill a deep container with potting soil, and loosely moisten it with water.
4. Plant the seeds: Divide the soil into individual segments, creating tiny indentations in each area, and then sprinkle a few lavender seeds on top of each indentation. Lightly dust the seeds with a thin layer of soil and watering gently.
5. Provide appropriate conditions: Place the container in an area with good air circulation and indirect sunlight. The temperature should be around 65 and 75 degrees during the day and around 55 degrees at night.
Water the soil whenever the top layer of soil becomes dry, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist, but not drenched with water.
6. Monitor the progress: Watch for signs of the lavender seedlings emerging from the soil after about 10 to 15 days. When the seedlings emerge, transplant them in individual, separate containers for more room to grow.
When should I plant lavender seeds?
It is best to plant lavender seeds at the beginning of spring. This allows the lavender plant to establish and grow during the cooler temperatures of the season before the summer heat arrives. Start the seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last average frost date for your region.
Put the seeds on top of the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil and/or mulch to keep them moist. Transplant the lavender seedlings outdoors after the last frost date. Space the plants at least 18 inches apart.
Enrich the soil with compost and mulch. Water the lavender plants deeply and regularly. Lavender plants need well-drained soil, full sun, and temperatures above 40 Fahrenheit degrees.
Does lavender bloom the first year?
No, lavender typically does not bloom the first year after planting. This is because it takes a while for the plant to establish a strong root system so that it can sustain growth. It is typically recommended that you wait until the second growing season for lavender plants before trying to initiate bloom.
This is because, if the root system is too small, the plant won’t have enough energy and water to produce blooms. When planting lavender, it can also be beneficial to plant several varieties instead of just one, as different varieties will bloom at different times throughout the year.
How long does lavender grow from seed?
Lavender can take anywhere from 1-2 months to germinate and then several months of growing before it blooms. In general, lavender from seed may not produce flowers for at least a year. That being said, the actual length of time that it takes for lavender to grow from seed varies depending on the type, climate, and the care it is receiving.
For example, in a warm climate with plenty of sunshine, lavender will grow faster than in a colder climate. Additionally, different types of lavender may have different growth cycles, with some taking longer than others.
Ultimately, it’s important to be mindful of the type of lavender you choose and the climate you’re in to help estimate the length of time it will take for the plants to reach full maturity.
What do you do after lavender seeds sprout?
Once the lavender seeds have sprouted, the young plants need to be acclimated to their environment, which includes exposing them to sunlight and fresh air. To do this, it is important to start off with a few hours of direct sunlight each day and then gradually increase the amount of time and intensity of light until the young plants are exposed to full sunlight.
In addition, it is important to make sure that the soil and the roots of the lavender plants are properly hydrated, which can be done by watering sparingly but consistently.
As the plants continue to grow and flourish, it is important to provide ample space between the individual plants in order to allow the roots and leaves to develop properly. If the plants are planted too closely together, they can become overcrowded, which can result in reduced growth and development.
It is also important to keep the soil adequately mulched to protect the roots from extreme temperatures and to provide organic nutrition.
When the plants become tall and bushy enough, it is important to trim them back in order to promote fuller growth. Additionally, lavender responds well to fertilization and it is important to use an organic fertilizer that is specifically formulated for use with lavender plants.
Finally, once lavender plants become fully matured, it is time to harvest them for their fragrant and therapeutic purposes.
Does lavender spread on its own?
No, lavender does not spread on its own. As with most plants, it requires a bit of effort to ensure it spreads properly. To help it spread, you can do a few things. The first is to divide and replant the lavender every few years, making sure to replant it in ideal conditions.
You can also propagate it with cuttings, which involves taking a cutting from the existing plant and planting it in soil. Once the cutting has developed its own roots, it can then be transplanted to a new area and will grow as a separate plant.
Finally, you can spread lavender by collecting the seed heads and seeding them in new areas. For the best results, be sure to keep the soil moist and in full sun, and if needed, you can add amendments to the soil to help it spread.
Does lavender grow back every year?
Yes, lavender is a perennial herb that can grow back every year. It prefers warm, dry conditions, so it is often planted in areas that have full sun, well-drained soil, and mild winter temperatures. In areas with colder climates, it is best to keep the soil covered to protect the plant from harsh winter temperatures.
If the winter temperatures are too cold for the lavender to survive, it will not come back the following year. In areas with milder winters, the lavender should come back each year. It can be pruned back each spring to encourage new growth and help keep the plant tidy.
However, in times of drought or overly wet conditions, the lavender may not survive from year to year.
Can I start lavender seeds indoors?
Yes, you can start lavender seeds indoors. Growing lavender from seed starts with setting up an ideal growing environment: a warm room with a lot of light, adequate ventilation, and well-draining, sterile soil.
Be sure to lightly mist the seed starter mix with a mild sprayer prior to sowing the seeds. Sow the seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them in, then mist the seeds with a light spray again. Cover the seed tray with plastic wrap or wet newspaper to keep in the humidity until the seeds have germinated.
Remove the cover once the seedlings have begun to sprout. Lavender seedlings can take anywhere from two to four weeks to appear. Once the seeds have sprouted, make sure to provide the seedlings with adequate light, as lavender plants need plenty of sun to reach their full growing potential.
Transplant the seedlings once they reach a few inches in height and give them plenty of space to spread out. If you are transplanting to an outdoor garden, wait until all danger of frost has passed before you move them outside.
How deep should lavender seeds be planted?
Lavender seeds should generally be planted about ¼ inch deep in a well draining potting mix or soil. The soil should be kept slightly moist and it is best to generally provide some light shade or afternoon shade to the growing lavender plants.
Lavender will still grow in full sunlight, but keeping plants a bit shaded during the hottest part of the day will help them to grow better and endure the heat. During the first few weeks after planting, it is important to water the soil regularly, but not excessively, as the lavender seedlings become established.