When to Plant Lavender Seeds

Growing lavender from seed can be a rewarding experience, but knowing the right time to plant is crucial for success.

Our Lavender plants, grown in Nursery from seeds in 2023

Lavender, with its soothing fragrance and delicate purple blooms, is a beloved addition to any garden or landscape. In this guide, we'll explore the ideal timing for planting lavender seeds, whether you're starting indoors or outdoors.

Indoor planting, Lavender seeds in late winter

Indoor: Late Winter

For those eager to get a head start on the growing season, late winter is the perfect time to sow lavender seeds indoors. Typically, this falls around February or early March, depending on your location and local climate. Indoor sowing provides controlled conditions, ensuring that your lavender seeds germinate successfully.

To begin, gather your supplies – a Bio Dome or seed flat, starting medium, and of course, lavender seeds. Place one seed in each bio sponge of your Bio Dome or on top of the starting medium in your seed flat. It's important to note that lavender seeds require light to germinate, so don't bury them too deep.

After sowing, maintain a consistent level of moisture and warmth to encourage germination.

Within 15 to 20 days, you should start to see tiny lavender seedlings emerging, a promising sign of a successful start to your growing season.

Outdoor planting, Lavender seeds in Spring and Fall

Outdoor: Spring and Fall Planting

If indoor sowing isn't your preference or if you missed the late winter window, fear not – lavender seeds can also be planted outdoors with great success. The key is timing, and there are two optimal seasons for outdoor planting: early spring and late fall.

Early Spring: As temperatures begin to warm and the threat of frost diminishes, usually around March or April, it's time to prepare your outdoor lavender bed. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, as lavender thrives in these conditions. Sow your seeds directly into the soil, ensuring they have access to plenty of sunlight.

Late Fall: In regions with mild winters, late fall presents another opportunity to plant lavender seeds. Aim for planting about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost date. This timing allows the seeds to establish roots before winter sets in, giving them a head start for the following spring.

Regardless of whether you choose spring or fall planting, keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Once the lavender seedlings emerge, provide them with adequate spacing to encourage healthy growth and airflow.

Soil Condition for Lavender Planting

For both indoor lavender planting from seed and outdoor lavender planting from seed, Lavender thrives in slightly alkaline soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. You can test the pH of your soil using a soil testing kit available at most garden centers. If your soil is too acidic, you can raise the pH by incorporating lime into the soil.

Avoid over watering, but keep the soil moist for indoor planting of lavender seed

Watering Lavender Seeds

When sowing lavender seeds indoors, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the seeds lightly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid over watering, as this can lead to damping off and other fungal diseases. Once the seedlings have germinated, you can reduce watering frequency slightly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering.

Outdoor-planted lavender should be watered deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to encourage deep root growth and prevent root rot. During the establishment phase, which typically lasts the first year, water newly planted lavender once or twice per week, depending on weather conditions. Once established, lavender is drought-tolerant and generally only requires watering during prolonged dry spells.

Conclusion

Knowing when to plant lavender seeds sets the stage for a successful growing season. Whether you opt for indoor sowing in late winter or outdoor planting in early spring or late fall, providing the right conditions is key to nurturing vibrant lavender plants. With patience, care, and a bit of timing, you'll soon be rewarded with fragrant blooms and lush foliage, adding beauty and tranquility to your garden or landscape.