English Lavender Seeds - Lavandula angustifolia

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

USDA Zones 5-9 - English Lavender grows as a hardy woody perennial, forming a small shrub. It requires excellent drainage to successfully overwinter, especially in wetter climates.

Best Performance in Zones 5-8 where summers are warm and sunny but not excessively humid, and winters provide a sufficient cold period. This climate most closely mimics its native Mediterranean habitat.

Northern Zones (5-6) - Very hardy but requires a protected location, such as against a south-facing wall. Excellent drainage is absolutely critical to prevent root rot from winter moisture. A layer of gravel mulch can help.

Hot Climate Zones (8-9) - Can struggle with high humidity. Ensure it is planted in a location with excellent air circulation and in sandy or gritty soil to prevent fungal issues. Afternoon shade can be beneficial in the hottest regions. Not recommended for the humid climates of the deep south in zones 8-9.

Soil Temperature - Germination is slow and requires patience. It is best achieved at soil temperatures between 65-75 degrees F, after a period of cold stratification.

Growing Season - As a perennial grown from seed, it will focus on vegetative growth in its first year and may only flower lightly, if at all. It will reach its full size and produce a spectacular bloom display in its second and subsequent years.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

Important Note: Lavender seeds are notoriously slow and erratic to germinate. Patience and proper preparation are key to success.

When to Plant:
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your last spring frost date. The seeds require a period of cold, moist stratification to break dormancy.

Where to Plant:
Full sun is essential (6-8+ hours per day). The single most important factor for success is excellent drainage. Plant in sandy, gritty, or rocky soil. If you have heavy clay soil, you must amend it heavily with sand or fine gravel, or plant in raised beds or containers. Lavender prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

How to Plant:

Cold Stratify: Before planting, mix the seeds with a small amount of damp sand or vermiculite. Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate it for 3-6 weeks.

Sow Indoors: After stratification, prepare a seed tray with a sterile, light seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the mix and cover with a very thin layer (1/8 inch) of soil or vermiculite, as seeds need some light to germinate.

Germination: Place the tray in a warm location (65-75 degrees F) and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Using a spray bottle is ideal. Be patient; germination can take anywhere from 14 days to over a month.

Transplant: Once seedlings have several sets of leaves and all danger of frost has passed, harden them off for a week before transplanting into the garden.

Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Water young plants regularly to help them establish. Once mature, lavender is extremely drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common reason lavender fails.

Fertilizing: Lavender thrives in lean soil and does not require fertilizer. Rich soil can lead to weak, leggy growth with fewer flowers.

Pruning: Prune plants back by about one-third in the early spring or after flowering in the fall. This encourages bushy growth and prevents the plant from becoming overly woody and splitting open at the base.

Harvesting: For drying, harvest the flower spikes when the bottom third of the buds have opened. Cut the stems in the morning after the dew has dried. Gather into small bundles and hang upside down in a dark, warm, well-ventilated area.