Q&A for How to Grow Lavender from Seed

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can you sow seeds directly in the ground?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can sow the seeds directly into the ground, but this method is less successful than starting your seeds indoors. Your seedlings will need more care and attention than an outdoor bed can provide. If you start your seeds indoors or in a greenhouse, you can make sure your seeds have the right conditions to sprout.
  • Question
    Should I nip the tops of lavender seedlings?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    No, don't trim the tops of your seedlings. Don't trim the lavender until its second season of growth, then prune the plant.
  • Question
    I have 4-5 seeds sprout in one small section tray, should I dig them out and put them into individual tray?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, once your seeds sprout out of their starter tray, move each seedling into an individual pot that's about 4 inches (10 cm) wide.
  • Question
    If I started growing my seeds in a cute pot and they've grown a lot of leaves, do I have to move them? Or can I just keep them in the pot?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can definitely grow your lavender in pots. Just make sure to repot your lavender when it outgrows its current pot. You'll know it's outgrown its pot because its roots are visible at the top or bottom of the pot. When you repot your lavender, just choose a container that's 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) larger than its old one.
  • Question
    I have a balcony garden in Bangladesh! In the summer the temperature grow up to 35-40 degrees celsius. Is it possible to grow lavender in a pot outside?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Plant a lavender variety that is heat tolerant, such as Bandura purple lavender, fringed lavender, Grosso lavender, or Hidcote lavender. If it looks like the lavender isn't doing well outside, simply move it inside. Just make sure it gets a lot of bright, direct light while indoors.
  • Question
    What do lavender seedlings look like?
    Community Answer
    Most species of lavender seedlings will have one (1) stem and two (2) small leaves at the top.
  • Question
    Do lavender seeds come from their flowers?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can harvest seeds from your flowers and started new seedlings from those.
  • Question
    Can the seeds be harvested after the flowers fall off?
    Community Answer
    Yes. When the flowers fall off, that usually means it's fulfilled its purpose in reproducing.
  • Question
    I put the seeds in a Styrofoam tray with peat land and bio humus. I did not water them but sprinkled them with a sprinkler. In two weeks nothing has grown. The Styrofoam was not draining. What am I doing wrong?
    Community Answer
    Put drain holes on the Styrofoam make sure you've got it in or near a window, they need sunlight 8 hours a day.
  • Question
    I have a balcony garden in Bangalore. Can lavender be grown here?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but make sure to water them a lot during the dry months, and especially August, when it's cold.
  • Question
    Why have only a few of my lavender seeds come up even though they get sun in the morning?
    Viktor Henry
    Community Answer
    Lavender needs full sunlight to grow and thrive. Make sure you are watering the seeds and keeping them from harsh conditions.
  • Question
    If I start from seed, can I get flowers for an October wedding?
    Community Answer
    Depends when you start. From the time you start in the refrigerator, it's about 5 months before they are even planted in the ground. If you start in Feb/March, you will have them in the ground by August, and they may be flowering by October. However, notice above that it is recommended to cut off the flowers in the first year so that the plant can devote its energy to developing a root system.
  • Question
    How much heat does lavender require? I live in Sri Lanka where there is between 70 to 80% humidity. Can I grow lavender here?
    Community Answer
    Lavender needs around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in order to keep it healthy. With humidity, you’d have to adjust watering habits as it won't thrive if overwatered.
  • Question
    May I keep my plant in a pot for as long as it lives?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as it has some space to grow. A 12-16 inch diameter pot would work.
  • Question
    Can I place my store bought sown lavender seeds in the refrigerator? Do they need heat to germinate?
    Community Answer
    They won't germinate in the refrigerator. They will definitely need light to germinate. Putting them in the fridge mimics winter for them, so it isn't until they come out of the cold that they will start.
  • Question
    Can I start my seedlings indoors in the fall and plant them outside in the spring?
    Community Answer
    Yes of course. Make sure that the frost is over, and they get proper sun. Then it is okay planting them outside. As long as they get warmth and light indoors then they will grow just fine.
  • Question
    Can lavender seedlings be planted in the ground during the summer?
    Community Answer
    Yes, though it tends to be more risky doing so. Make sure that frost season is completely over and that the ground is not to wet/cold as it is the ideal weather for them and may not survive. In summer it is usually very hot, of course depending where you live.
  • Question
    When should I collect the seeds from my lavender? Is there a specific season or month that would be best for that?
    Community Answer
    If you collect them in winter, when the flowers have already died and dried a bit on the bush, then the seed heads will be open so you can shake the seeds out. Early December in the northern hemisphere, June-August in the southern hemisphere.
  • Question
    How do I know if lavender will grow well in my state?
    Community Answer
    Look up the hardiness zone of your state. Use that to judge. It can grow most anywhere with the proper care.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article