How to Plant Lavender Seeds

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that is widely used in various applications such as cooking, aromatherapy, and medicine. Growing and planting lavender from seeds is a great way to start your very own lavender garden. Here are the steps on how to plant lavender seeds.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting the lavender seeds, it is important to prepare the soil properly. Lavender prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5. If your soil does not meet these requirements, you can add sand or perlite to improve drainage, and limestone or wood ash to adjust the pH level.

Sowing the Seeds

The best time to sow lavender seeds is in the spring, after the last frost. You can start the seeds indoors in early spring or plant them directly in the ground. If you choose to start the seeds indoors, sow them in a seed tray with a good quality seed-starting mix. Press the seeds lightly into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of sand.

Watering and Care

Lavender seeds require moist soil to germinate. Water the soil until it is evenly moist, but not saturated. Keep the soil moist by watering it lightly every day. Once the seeds have germinated, reduce watering to once a week, to avoid over-watering and root rot.

Transplanting the Seedlings

When the seedlings are big enough to handle, you can transplant them into individual pots or into the ground. If you choose to transplant them into pots, use a good quality potting mix and add some slow-release fertilizer. If you prefer to plant them directly in the ground, prepare the soil as mentioned above and plant seedlings at least 18 inches apart.

Harvesting Lavender

Lavender can be harvested when the flowers have fully opened. Cut the stems with flowers and buds, leaving a few inches of stem attached. Hang the cuttings upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. Once dry, remove the flowers from the stems and store in airtight containers.

In conclusion, planting lavender seeds is not difficult, but it requires some patience and care. By following these simple steps, you can grow your own lavender garden and enjoy the scent and beauty of this versatile herb.