How To Grow Lavender In Pots From Seed

Growing lavender in pots from seed requires careful planning and attention to detail.

Begin by selecting a hardy, compact variety such as Hidcote Blue or Lavender Lady.

Sow seeds indoors 3-4 months prior to the last frost date in your area, using a well-draining seed-starting mix. Lightly press seeds onto the soil surface, ensuring adequate light exposure and maintaining a consistent temperature of at least 60°F (15°C).

Once seedlings reach 2 inches in height, transplant them into terracotta pots filled with perlite-enriched soil.

Water consistently, avoiding overwatering, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Regular pruning is essential to promote robust growth and blooming.

Key Takeaways

To successfully grow lavender in pots from seed:

Sow lavender seeds indoors 3-4 months before the last frost date to allow for optimal germination and development.
Use well-draining potting mix and terracotta pots to prevent root rot and ensure proper air circulation.
Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging and provide ample light for successful germination.
Gradually harden off seedlings before transplanting them outdoors to acclimate them to external conditions.
Prune regularly and apply balanced liquid fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and robust blooms.

Choosing Lavender Seeds

When selecting lavender seeds, consider the type that best fits your growing conditions and intended uses.

English lavender is a popular choice, with Hidcote and Munstead being notable varieties. Hidcote Blue is renowned for its hardiness, making it suitable for climates prone to fluctuations. Munstead is a low-growing variety often used for hedges and borders, providing an attractive and functional addition to your garden.

For culinary purposes, English lavender is ideal due to its softer, less bitter flavor compared to French lavender or Lavandin. Lavender Lady, a dwarf variety, produces flowers perfect for flavoring foods and can thrive in smaller pots.

If you want to attract bees, consider Spanish lavender, such as Fathead, which features showy flowers that are visually appealing and beneficial for pollinators.

When choosing seeds, align your selection with your specific needs. If you want to create a visually stunning garden while supporting local bee populations, Fathead might be the best option.

For culinary uses, English lavender varieties like Lavender Lady are perfect. Lavandin, a hybrid, is another option, although it's generally more suited for ornamental purposes due to its stronger aroma.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting lavender seeds indoors provides a strong foundation for their growth before transplanting them outdoors. For optimal results, begin the process 3-4 months prior to the average last frost date, allowing sufficient time for germination and development into sturdy lavender plants.

Prepare a seedling tray with good drainage using a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for starting seeds. Since lavender seeds require light to germinate, lightly press them into the soil surface without burying them. Consider cold stratification to increase germination rates by chilling the seeds for 3-6 weeks before planting.

Position the tray in a location with ample light. If natural light is insufficient, utilize grow lights to provide the necessary illumination. Maintain a consistent soil temperature of at least 60°F (15°C) for successful germination, using a seedling heat mat if necessary.

Watering is crucial; maintain consistently moist soil without waterlogging. Overwatering can lead to mold and rot, so achieve the right balance. Gentle misting with a spray bottle is often the best method to keep the soil damp without disturbing the seeds.

Transplanting Seedlings

When the danger of frost has passed, it's time to transplant your lavender seedlings outdoors. However, before doing so, you must harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days, allowing them to acclimate and promoting successful growth.

Begin by moving your seedlings to a sheltered outdoor area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and wind. This step is crucial because it helps the seedlings adjust to the harsher outdoor environment, reducing the risk of transplant shock.

For transplanting, consider using terracotta pots, which provide good air circulation and help maintain well-draining soil, essential for lavender's health. Fill the pots with a well-draining soil mix that includes perlite, which improves drainage and prevents root rot, a common issue for lavender.

Lavender thrives in slightly alkaline soil, so ensure your soil mix isn't overly nutrient-rich. In fact, lavender prefers soil that isn't packed with nutrients, as this can lead to leggy growth rather than the compact, fragrant plants desired.

Transplant the seedlings into larger pots once they reach about 2 inches tall. Gently remove them from their current containers and place them into the prepared terracotta pots. Make sure the roots are well-covered and the soil is firm around the base of the seedlings. Water them lightly to settle the soil, but avoid overwatering.

Selecting Pots

Now that your lavender seedlings are ready for their permanent homes, selecting the right pots is crucial for promoting healthy growth. A 7-10 gallon container is ideal, allowing your lavender to grow into a compact bush without wasting space.

When choosing a container, opt for an unglazed terra cotta pot or a fabric grow bag, as they provide excellent drainage and facilitate good air exchange, essential for healthy lavender plants. Avoid containers with materials like gravel or ceramic shards at the bottom, which can hinder drainage and lead to root problems.

The following comparison highlights the benefits of different pot types:

Pot Type	Drainage	Air Exchange
Terra Cotta Pot	Excellent	Moderate
Fabric Grow Bag	Excellent	Excellent
Plastic Pot	Poor	Poor

For the DIY potting mix, combine ingredients like compost, steer manure, wood fines, and fertilizer to create a solid foundation for your lavender. Avoid using sphagnum peat moss, as it can retain too much moisture and increase soil acidity, unfavorable for lavender growth.

Selecting the right pot and materials is crucial for creating a thriving environment for your lavender, allowing you to share its beauty and fragrance with others. By choosing the proper pots and materials, you'll foster healthy growth and reap the rewards of your efforts.

Soil and Amendments

To ensure optimal growth, lavender requires a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter and low in acidity.

A DIY potting mix consisting of compost, steer manure, wood fines, and a balanced fertilizer provides the necessary nutrients while preventing waterlogging. Avoid using sphagnum peat moss, as it can lead to acidic and waterlogged soil.

When preparing the container, add an inch of compost at the bottom to provide essential nutrients.

Unglazed terra cotta pots or fabric grow bags are ideal for lavender, as they offer good drainage and air exchange. Soil temperature is crucial, so ensure the soil remains warm, especially in cooler climates, to promote healthy root development.

In the spring, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to support growth and blooming.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Gently mix the fertilizer into the soil to avoid disturbing the roots.

Watering Lavender

Proper watering is crucial for maintaining healthy lavender plants and preventing issues like root rot and fungal diseases.

To achieve optimal soil moisture, water transplants 1-2 times a week initially, and reduce this to every 2-3 weeks once established. During blooming, increase watering as needed, but avoid soggy soil.

Use well-draining soil to prevent overwatering, and ensure pots have good drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Check soil moisture by pressing a finger into the soil; water only when it feels dry.

Avoid morning dew-like conditions, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Water lavender plants in the morning to allow excess moisture to evaporate before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can promote fungus growth.

Monitor soil moisture diligently, especially for transplants, and avoid over-fertilization. Provide just enough water to keep the soil slightly moist, but never waterlogged.

Fertilizing Plants

After ensuring your lavender plants are well-watered, provide the right nutrients through careful fertilization. Lavender plants require minimal nutrient supplementation, but timely fertilization is crucial for healthy growth.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer in early spring to give your plants a strong start in the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization, as excessive nutrients can lead to weak and leggy growth.

To fertilize lavender plants correctly:

• Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and prevent yellow leaves, a sign of poor nutrition. • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can cause rapid growth and weak stems. • Add 1 inch of compost to the container to renew the soil and provide essential nutrients. • Fertilize sparingly, as lavender requires minimal nutrient supplementation.

The goal is to support your lavender's growth without overwhelming it. Over-fertilization can be as harmful as under-fertilization. Monitor your plants for signs like yellow leaves to adjust your fertilization approach.

Compost is an excellent way to renew the soil and provide a nutrient boost without the risk of over-fertilizing. By providing a balanced diet and avoiding high-nitrogen fertilizers, you can ensure your lavender remains strong and healthy.

Pruning and Harvesting

Pruning your lavender plants regularly is crucial for maintaining their shape and promoting robust blooms. Begin pruning when your young lavender plants have developed true leaves, as this early pruning guides the plant's growth, ensuring it becomes bushy and healthy. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make precise cuts just above leaf nodes.

When growing lavender indoors, ensure adequate light exposure by using grow lights if natural sunlight is insufficient. Lavender thrives in full sun, so place your pots in the sunniest spot available. Consistently warm temperatures also support healthy growth.

Perform your first major pruning when the lavender begins its first flowering. Trim back about one-third of the plant, focusing on removing old, woody stems. This encourages new growth and more flowers. Regularly inspect your plants for any dead or diseased parts and remove them promptly.

Harvest lavender in the early morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Use sharp scissors to cut the stems just above a pair of leaves. Gather the stems into small bunches and hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area to dry. Dried lavender can be used in various ways, from making sachets to culinary uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Lavender Take to Grow From Seed?

Lavender seeds typically take 1-3 months to germinate, requiring proper seed stratification and optimal soil temperature (around 65-75°F). To ensure successful growth, provide seedlings with good care, including adequate light, a suitable watering schedule, and a well-draining growing medium in a large enough pot. Transplant seedlings when they are around 2-3 inches tall and have 2-3 sets of leaves.

Can I Just Scatter Lavender Seeds?

Scattering lavender seeds is not enough for successful germination. To increase the chances of growth, it's crucial to properly prepare the seeds, choose the right soil, and maintain a consistent watering schedule. Ensure the pot has drainage holes, meets the required light conditions, and maintains the optimal germination temperature.

Is It Worth Growing Lavender From Seed?

Growing lavender from seed can be a rewarding experience if you ensure seed viability and quality. To increase the chances of success, it is essential to meet the specific soil requirements for lavender, maintain a proper watering schedule, implement effective pest control measures, prune correctly, and transplant seedlings at the right time. By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of lavender, including its calming scent.

Can I Start Lavender Seeds Indoors?

You can start lavender seeds indoors by using a seed tray with a suitable planting medium. Maintain a consistent soil temperature, follow seed stratification procedures, and meet the specific lighting requirements. Establish a regular watering schedule and transplant seedlings to containers of appropriate sizes.

Conclusion

Growing lavender from seeds in pots requires attention to detail, but with the right approach, you can successfully cultivate these fragrant plants.

Begin by selecting high-quality seeds, using well-draining potting soil, and choosing pots with good drainage holes.

Consistent watering and fertilization are crucial, as lavender plants require regular moisture and nutrients.

With patience and proper care, you'll be rewarded with thriving lavender plants that fill your space with their calming scent and vibrant color.