Are you thinking about growing Lavender or growing Lavender from seeds? If yes, then we can help you out.
Lavender is a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant herb that belongs to the mint family. Its vibrant color offers good aesthetics to your garden and also works as a bug repellent.
The herb can attract useful pollinators to the fragrant blooms. It provides anti-inflammatory/antiseptic properties and purifies the air. It also produces incredible aroma, thanks to its fantastic blue-violet buds.
With this information, you must be curious to know about planting Lavender. Read through to learn in detail:
Things Required for Growing Lavender
Lavender requires adequate sunlight, heat, and space to grow well. It also needs the following conditions for good growth:
Planting time: Spring/fall
Sun Exposure: 6-8 hours
Climate: Warm, moderately dry, sunny summer/mild winter
Soil temperature: 65 degrees Farhanitrate
Heat: Likes heat, grows well in 5-9 zones
Soil pH: Alkaline
Soil type: Well-draining, dry
Spacing: 2-3 feet, 3-6 feet distance between rows
Water: Inch of water every week
Fertilizer: Not required
Mulching: Requires winter mulch (wood mulch/pea gravel)
Pruning: After the plant flowers or at the start of the fall
Tools: Plastic bag, seed starter mix, seedling cell trays, and herb growing accessories
Soil Requirements for Lavender
As mentioned above, the soil for Lavender must be well-drained, slightly alkaline, with a pH range between 6.5 to 8. If you have acidic soil available, then increase its pH by adding garden lime. The soil shouldn’t have high nitrogen content.
Lavender grows well in sandy soil without much improvement. But, you can add compost to improve its quality. It’s recommended not to grow Lavender in clay soil. That’s because clay soil doesn’t drain well and kills the plant.
How to Plant Lavender?
Lavenders can be grown through seeds or cuttings. The process is easy but requires patience.
Before starting, check whether you have all the requirements handy. Once you do, choose the comfortable method for planting Lavender and start the process:
Growing Lavender through Seeds
To grow Lavender through seeds, you can sow them directly into the garden or in the seed tray. Make sure to select the planting area as per your convenience.
Once done, start by choosing a light and seed-specific potting mix. Cover the Lavender seeds with a thin layer of soil but not entirely. The plant must receive adequate heat so try choosing a warm location. Alternatively, you can use a heating pad.
Lavender germinates in two weeks, although it can take a month of time (if not exposed to necessary growing conditions). Once the plant grows a few inches, harden the seedlings by taking them outdoors for some time.
Start by exposing it to sheltered areas and then move it to open areas. After two weeks, the seeds will be available for transplant.
Growing Lavender in Pots
To grow Lavender in pots, you can do so either through seeds or cuttings. We have already discussed how to grow Lavender through seeds, simply repeat the same.
Meanwhile, to grow Lavenders through cuttings, take a part of the plant from below the node. Then, dip the part in root hormone and plant it in moist, warm, and sandy soil.
Make sure that the pots have several holes for drainage. As for the potting mix, it’s best to choose a sandy, alkaline, and well-draining potting mix.
Planting Lavender Indoors and Outdoors
If you are growing Lavender indoors, keep it near the window so the plant can get at least 6+ hours of sunlight. Once you notice the tip inch of the soil drying out, water it. Also, keep the humidity levels low.
Lavenders grow well outdoors. Even if you plant the Lavender indoors, you will have to transition the plant outside to acclimate. So, it needs some time outdoors anyway.
While growing the plant outdoors, keep it 12-18 inches apart. Although you wouldn’t need a large pot, choose a pot that’s 2-4 inches wider than the Lavender root ball. Make sure to do your research and learn more about how to grow herbs outdoors.
How to Care for Lavender?
Lavender’s good growth depends on the conditions you provide it. Like any other plant, it requires care and maintenance to bloom well. Here’s how you can do so
- Keep the plant free from dampness (too much humidity/winter months)
- Plant them beside stone/brick to provide heat and protection
- Repot the Lavender plants by transferring them to larger containers and fresh potting soil.
- Repot the plant during the early spring season before it actively grows.
- Choose clay or terra cotta pots instead of plastic ones.
- Monitor plants for any insects or early threats.
That’s it. Hopefully, now you know everything about growing Lavender and from Lavender seeds in your garden.
