The time it takes to grow lavender will depend on the variety you are growing and the climate you live in. If you are growing lavender from seed, it can take 4-10 weeks before the seedlings emerge. If you are planting lavender from a cutting, it will require 6-8 weeks of additional growth before the plants are ready to move outdoors.
When planted outdoors, most varieties of lavender will reach maturity in 1-2 years. However, there are some varieties that can take up to 3 years to reach full maturity. To ensure healthy growth, lavender should be planted in full sun and well-draining soil.
Additionally, lavender should be watered once a week with a deep soaking to encourage deep root growth, and pruned regularly to increase air circulation and enhance flowering. Over time, the original lavender plant can become woody and unproductive, so to keep the plants healthy it is important to replace them every three to four years.
Why are my lavender seeds not growing?
Most likely, the seeds were not given the proper environment to germinate, or the seeds may have been too old or inactive.
In order for the lavender seeds to germinate, they must be provided with the correct temperature, moisture and light. Lavender grows best in sandy soil at temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The soil should be kept lightly moist and seeds should also be given plenty of light. If the conditions are too hot or too cold, or the soil contains too much clay, the seeds aren’t likely to sprout.
In addition, old or inactive seeds may not germinate.
It may be helpful to use a heating pad or pad of some kind to increase the temperature of the soil and provide the ideal temperature for the lavender. Water the soil regularly and make sure it has adequate drainage.
Be sure to provide plenty of light to ensure the seeds have the best chance of sprouting.
Finally, if the lavender seeds are more than a year old, you may have to purchase fresh ones, as older seeds may be inactive. With the right conditions, your lavender seeds should have a better chance of germinating and growing.
When should I plant lavender seeds?
Lavender seeds should be planted in late spring or early summer, as long as temperatures have warmed up and the danger of frost has passed. It’s best to wait until the soil temperature has reached about 70°F (21°C).
If planting indoors, you can begin 6-8 weeks before the last frost date for your area. Make sure to soak the seeds in warm water for 2-4 hours before sowing so that they have the best chance of germination.
Sow the small seeds onto the surface of a seed tray filled with moist seed starting mix, and then lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil. Be sure to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater.
Generally, it should take 3-4 weeks for the seeds to begin to sprout. Once they begin to grow, you can either pot them up or replant them outdoors.
Is it better to plant lavender seeds or plants?
Whether you decide to plant lavender from seeds or from pre-existing plants is largely a matter of personal preference. Planting from seed will likely be less expensive in the short term, since purchasing established lavender plants is generally more costly.
However, it also requires a significantly higher level of care and patience since it will take quite a bit longer for the seeds to mature into plants. You should be aware that lavender can be challenging to propagate from seed and may require a specialist’s help.
On the other hand, purchasing established lavender plants can save you the hassle of the growing process and allow you to reap the benefits faster. Planting established lavender plants also allows you to start off with more mature and established plants, giving them a better chance at survival.
Also, established lavender plants won’t need as much maintenance (e. g. , pruning, fertilizing) as lavender grown from seed would require.
Ultimately, it depends on your individual circumstances, preferences, and timeline. If you have the resources and patience, then planting lavender from seed may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for an easier and faster way of getting lavender in your garden, then purchasing established lavender plants may be the better option for you.
Does lavender come back every year?
Yes, lavender is a perennial plant, which means that it can come back year after year once it is established. To ensure that your lavender will come back each season, it is important to choose a planting site that has good drainage, as lavender doesn’t like sitting in wet soil.
Additionally, lavender needs full sun to thrive, so selecting a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. Depending on the type of lavender you are planting, you may need to prune the plant after it blooms in the summer to encourage bushier growth for the next season.
With proper care and attention, your lavender should come back each year, providing beautiful blooms and a calming scent.
Does lavender spread on its own?
No, lavender typically does not spread on its own. It will grow via seed or vegetatively, but to get it to spread, it is usually necessary to propagate it. Vegetative propagation can include cuttings, division, and layering.
All of these techniques can help lavender to spread and thrive. Lavender should be propagated in the early spring and should be planted in well-draining soil. It is important to keep in mind that lavender is a perennial plant, which means that its spreading process can be slow.
Patience and regular maintenance are important when attempting to grow lavender through propagation.
What can you not plant with lavender?
It is best not to plant lavender near other herbs or plants with similar needs, such as rosemary and thyme. Planting it with other Mediterranean herbs, such as oregano, or other types of plants that require similar soil and climate conditions can create competition and lead to growth issues.
Lavender does not do well when planted among plants that may need more water or nutrition, like azaleas or chrysanthemums, as these can attract different pests and diseases that can harm the lavender.
Additionally, lavender does not grow well with vegetables or fruits, as these will compete for the same nutrients and moisture. Additionally, lavender does not do well in shade or moist areas, making it a poor choice for most gardens.
How many lavender seeds should I plant?
The number of lavender seeds you should plant ultimately depends on how many plants you’d like to have and the size of the area in which you are planting. Generally, it’s recommended to plant lavender seeds in rows and leave at least 12-24 inches between plants.
For a small area, you can plant just a few seeds. For example, you could plant 4-8 seeds in a 4 foot row. If you’re planting in a larger sized area, you’ll want to plant more lavender seeds. For example, you could plant 8-16 seeds per 8 foot row.
Spacing is important when planting lavender seed, so it’s important to leave enough space for the seedlings to work their way up.
Should you soak lavender seeds before planting?
Yes, it is advised to soak lavender seeds before planting. To do this, first prepare a container filled with twice the amount of semi-moist seed compost than the volume of the lavender seeds, and mix in some grit or sharp sand to help aerate the soil.
Then soak the lavender seeds in room-temperature water for a few hours. This will hydrate them, making them easier to handle and also aid in germination. Once the lavender seeds have been soaked, transfer them to the container you have prepared, covering them with a thin layer of more compost.
Water the seed container once more and cover the container with a sheet of kitchen paper or plastic wrap. Place the container in a warm and bright but shady place, and keep the surface of the soil moist by watering it regularly.
After a few days, the lavender seeds will have begun to germinate, and can then be planted in the ground.
How many seeds do you put in one hole?
The amount of seeds you should put in one hole will depend on the type of plant you are trying to grow and the size of the seed. For most vegetable or flower seeds, one to three seeds per hole is typically recommended, however if you are using very small seeds (such as carrots or lettuce) you may need to add more for a good chance at germination.
If you are dealing with larger seeds (such as okra or beans) you may need to lessen the number in a hole as some plants may become overcrowded when too many seeds are in one container. It is also important to consider the germination rate of the type of seed you are using as sometimes a lower number of seeds per hole can still be successful with a high germination rate.
How do you start a lavender plant?
Starting a lavender plant can be relatively simple, yet comes with some considerations. Firstly, it is best to get a healthy, young plant from a nursery or garden center, so that you can ensure your lavender plant is disease-free.
You will then want to find a spot outdoors with plenty of sun and good drainage. Lavender prefers soil that is slightly alkaline, so you may need to create a soil mixture of 20% compost, 20% peat moss, 20% play sand, and 5% limestone in order to encourage growth.
Plant the seeds or seedlings 6-12 inches apart, and make sure there is room for them to spread out. Water the lavender when the soil seems dry, and add a light layer of mulch around it to protect it from weeds and retain moisture.
When the plants are established, prune them regularly to keep them healthy and flowering for years to come.
Can you just sprinkle flower seeds?
Sprinkling flower seeds can yield a beautiful, flower-filled garden, but it’s not an ideal method for achieving the best results. When you sprinkle flower seeds randomly, the clusters of plants are likely to be uneven and the colors will be harder to predict once the seeds have germinated.
Additionally, larger flower seed varieties may fail to sprout since they will be too deeply planted in the soil.
When planting flower seeds, it is best to prepare and loosen the soil to remove any weeds and to ensure seeds can reach the desired depth. Additionally, thoroughly mixing flower seeds with some compost will help retain adequate moisture needed for germination.
When planting the flower seeds, it is recommended to plant in small clusters and to be consistent with spacing to create a more pleasing garden full of colors and textures. Finally, it is also important to keep the soil moist until germination is complete.
Do you put lavender seeds in the fridge?
No, lavender seeds should not be put in the refrigerator. Lavender seeds should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place in an airtight container. This will help preserve the quality of the lavender seeds for as long as possible.
Also, the refrigerator is not a good environment for lavender seeds as it can cause them to rot and become moldy. Instead, it is best to store the lavender seeds in a pantry or kitchen cupboard.
Can I just scatter lavender seeds?
Yes, you can scatter lavender seeds, but you should be aware of a few things first. Ideally, you will start your lavender seeds indoors and then transplant them outdoors after they have developed a few true leaves.
This is because lavender has a very long germination period and it is important to get the seedlings started in a climate-controlled environment. It is also important to make sure you use a high-quality potting medium that is well-draining and not overly moist.
Once ready, the seedlings should then be transplanted outdoors in an area that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Lavender prefers a slightly alkaline soil, so make sure you check the pH of your soil before transplanting.
Additionally, for best growth, you’ll want to give the plants plenty of space so they have space to spread their roots and can receive lots of sun. After transplanting, water thoroughly and make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
Lavender should start blooming the following year, and if you follow these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of lavender in your garden for a long time.
Does lavender grow easy from seed?
Lavender is a versatile and beautiful plant that can be grown from seed with some patience. Generally speaking, lavender is relatively easy to grow from seed, but it can be temperamental and finicky.
For the best results, it is best to start lavender seeds indoors in the winter and transfer them outside when the chance of frost has passed. Before planting, make sure to scarify the seeds so that moisture can penetrate the woody outer coating.
Once planted, lavender thrives in a warm environment with plenty of direct sunlight and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Make sure to keep soil continually moist until the seedlings have emerged, then adjust the frequency of watering depending on soil type and weather conditions.
If all is done correctly, lavender should eventually sprout and grow quite easily, filling your garden with its iconic bright purple flowers.
How quickly does lavender grow?
Lavender is a relatively fast-growing plant compared to other herbs, typically reaching mature heights of 1 to 3 feet tall within 12-18 months. The growth rate of lavender plants is largely determined by factors such as exposure to sunlight, soil quality and humidity levels.
When cared for properly, lavender grows quickly and reliably, with some varieties able to produce flowers within as little as 2 months after planting. To ensure maximum growth, lavender plants should be regularly tended to, including being planted in well-draining soil, in an area with full sun, and watered to avoid dryness.
Moreover, regular pruning of lavender plants can help to promote growth and the development of new flowers.
How many seeds do I need to plant lavender?
The amount of seeds you need to plant lavender will depend on the size of your garden. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that you plant 3-4 seeds per foot in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
If you are growing a large number of lavender plants, plan on spacing the plants 1-2 feet apart in the rows. If planting in pots, use one seed per pot. Once your lavender plants have reached maturity, you can harvest the seeds and store them in a cool and dark place.
To ensure success, remember to water your lavender plants consistently and only fertilize in the early spring months.