Lavender Seeds
Note: Germination instructions are not on seed packets, follow the instructions below for starting seed.
Lavender can be started from seeds either by direct sowing or by starting in flats for transplanting at a later date.
Direct seeding can be done in the spring as early as the soil can be worked; it can also be done in the fall as the seeds will benefit from a period of cold (stratification) to increase germination rates when temperatures warm. The only difficulty with direct-seeding is that often weeds will emerge before the lavender, which is commonly slow to germinate and establish itself.
Sowing lavender seed in flats will frequently lead to better results and cold stratifying the seeds before sowing can often increase germination rates
Sow the seeds about an inch apart and no more than ¼ inch deep as light helps germination. Keep moist but not soggy. Room temperature (about 70°F) is optimal. Be patient, as lavender is unusually slow to germinate, sometimes taking up to a month to emerge from the potting mix. For this reason, it is important to use a well-drained sterile mix to prevent disease.
Once the seedlings are established pot them up in four-inch containers and grow them for three months or more before moving to the garden. A well hardened-off, 5–8 inch tall seedling will have the best chance of adapting to the rigors of the garden.
Transplant leaving plenty of space to insure adequate air circulation when plants mature. Space at least a foot apart for true lavender and two feet for the larger lavandins. Transplant any time up until about two months before the first fall frosts to allow the plants to get established before going dormant in winter. If you mulch young seedlings, leave a few inches around the plant for air circulation, which helps prevent damping-off disease.
Once your beds are established, which might take two to three years, they should be fairly carefree with yearly dressings of compost. Mulching will help control weeds, retain moisture, and add fertility, but you might want to remove the mulch in the spring if soils remain soggy.
Lavender Info
Flowers and leaves can be used fresh, and both buds and stems can be used dried. Lavender is a member of the mint family and is close to rosemary, sage, and thyme. It is best used with fennel, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, and savory.
English Lavender has the sweetest fragrance of all the lavenders and is the one most commonly used in cooking. Lavender has a sweet, floral flavor, with lemon and citrus notes. The potency of the lavender flowers increases with drying. In cooking, use 1/3 the quantity of dried flowers to fresh. Because of the strong flavor of lavender, a little goes a long way.
NPV343 Lavender Lady
Lavendula angustifolia. AAS Winner, compact plant, flowers well, needs a sandy soil, 12" tall.
Package of 1,000 seeds. $34.95
NPV344 Spike Lavender
Lavendula Spica. English lavender with long leaves, 18" tall.
NPV345 Lavender Vera
A fine fragrant herbal Lavender, flowers mid summer into fall, ovate leaves, 18" tall.
NPV346 Provence Blue
Lavender Vera. Deep blue shades, for cutting and ornamental use, strongly fragrant, 18" tall.
Package of 1,000 seeds. $17.95
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