How to Grow Lavender from Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide
Growing lavender from seed is a rewarding but slow process, requiring patience and the right conditions. While many gardeners prefer to buy lavender plants, starting from seed is a cost-effective way to grow a large number of plants for your garden.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ Best lavender varieties to grow from seed
✔️ How to germinate lavender seeds successfully
✔️ How to transplant and care for lavender seedlings
✔️ Common problems and how to fix them
Let’s get started with growing lavender from seed! 🌿💜
1. Can You Grow Lavender from Seed?
Yes, but lavender seeds take longer to germinate than other plants. The process requires:
✔️ Cold stratification – Mimics winter conditions to boost germination.
✔️ Well-draining soil – Lavender doesn’t like excess moisture.
✔️ Full sun – Lavender seeds and seedlings need plenty of light.
Tip: Germination can take 2–4 weeks, so be patient!
2. Best Lavender Varieties to Grow from Seed
Not all lavender varieties grow well from seed. Some hybrids like ‘Grosso’ and ‘Provence’ can only be propagated from cuttings.
Best Lavender Varieties for Seed Growing:
🌿 Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ – Cold-hardy, compact, and easy to grow.
🌸 Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ – Deep purple flowers, great for borders.
🌿 Lavandula multifida (Fernleaf Lavender) – Fast-growing, fragrant variety.
🌸 Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) – Butterfly-shaped flowers, grows quickly.
Tip: English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best variety for UK gardens because it’s hardy and easy to maintain.
3. How to Grow Lavender from Seed: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Cold Stratification (Pre-Treatment for Seeds)
Lavender seeds germinate better after cold exposure.
✔️ Place lavender seeds in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag.
✔️ Store in the refrigerator for 2–4 weeks.
✔️ Check weekly to prevent mold.
Tip: If your seeds are freshly harvested, they may not need cold stratification.
Step 2: Sowing Lavender Seeds Indoors
✔️ Fill seed trays with a light, well-draining compost (mix with sand or perlite).
✔️ Sprinkle lavender seeds on top – Do not bury too deep!
✔️ Gently press them into the soil – They need light to germinate.
✔️ Mist lightly with water to moisten the soil.
✔️ Cover with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to retain moisture.
✔️ Place in a warm location (18–21°C / 65–70°F).
Tip: Use a heat mat to improve germination speed in colder climates.
Step 3: Germination & Seedling Care
🌱 Germination Time: 2–4 weeks (be patient!)
🌿 Light Requirements: Place under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
💧 Watering: Keep soil lightly moist but not soggy.
✔️ Once seedlings appear, remove the plastic cover.
✔️ After 4–6 weeks, thin out weak seedlings and transplant into small pots.
Tip: If seedlings look leggy, they need more light.
4. Transplanting Lavender Seedlings Outdoors
Once lavender seedlings reach 3–4 inches tall and have several sets of leaves, they’re ready for hardening off and transplanting.
Step 1: Hardening Off
- Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days.
- Place in partial sun for a few hours each day, increasing exposure over time.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Spot
✔️ Full Sun: Lavender needs at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
✔️ Well-Draining Soil: Mix sand or gravel into clay soils to improve drainage.
✔️ Spacing: Leave 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) between plants.
Step 3: Planting in the Ground or Pots
✔️ Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
✔️ Place the seedling at the same soil level as in the pot.
✔️ Water lightly after planting (but avoid overwatering).
Tip: Lavender thrives in terracotta pots, which help drain excess moisture.
5. Caring for Lavender Plants After Transplanting
Lavender is low-maintenance once established.
Watering & Feeding
✔️ Water only when soil is dry – Overwatering causes root rot.
✔️ Avoid heavy fertilizers – Too much nitrogen reduces flowering.
Pruning & Maintenance
✔️ Prune after flowering to keep plants compact.
✔️ Remove dead flowers to encourage more blooms.
Mulching & Winter Protection
✔️ Use gravel mulch instead of organic mulch to prevent rot.
✔️ In colder climates, cover with fleece in winter to protect roots.
Tip: Established lavender plants are drought-tolerant and need very little care.
6. Common Problems When Growing Lavender from Seed
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| ❌ Seeds not germinating | Needs cold stratification | Chill seeds for 2–4 weeks before planting |
| ❌ Seedlings too tall & weak | Not enough light | Place under grow lights or full sun |
| ❌ Seedlings turning yellow | Overwatering | Water only when soil is dry |
| ❌ Plants not flowering | Too much nitrogen | Use low-nitrogen, high-potash feed |
Tip: Lavender takes 2–3 years to fully mature, so be patient!
7. FAQs About Growing Lavender from Seed
How long does lavender take to grow from seed?
✔️ Germination takes 2–4 weeks; full maturity 1–2 years.
Do lavender seeds need light to germinate?
✔️ Yes! Sprinkle seeds on the surface and do not bury deeply.
Can I plant lavender seeds directly in the ground?
✔️ Yes, but indoor germination is more successful in colder climates.
How often should I water lavender seedlings?
✔️ Only when the top inch of soil is dry—lavender hates soggy soil.
What’s the best soil for lavender?
✔️ Sandy, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5.
Final Thoughts: Growing Lavender from Seed
✔️ Lavender seeds take patience but are rewarding to grow.
✔️ Choose the right variety for your climate (‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ are best for the UK).
✔️ Use cold stratification for better germination rates.
✔️ Transplant into full sun and well-draining soil.
✔️ Prune and care for lavender to keep it healthy for years.
Growing lavender from seed is a slow but satisfying process. With proper care, you’ll have fragrant lavender plants that last for years to come! 🌿💜
Have you grown lavender from seed? Share your experience in the comments!
Now you’re ready to grow lavender from seed like a pro! 🌿💜 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀