Lavender Seeds

Official Name: Lavandula

General desription: Lavender is the name given to several species of herbaceous, perennial shrubs in the genus Lavandula which are grown as ornamental plants or for essential oil. Lavender plants are small, branching and spreading shrubs with grey-green leaves and long flowering shoots. The leaves can be simple or pinnate measuring 30–50 mm (1–2 in) in length. The plant produces flowers on shoots or spikes which can be 20–40 cm (8–16 in) long. The flowers are lilac or blue in color. Lavender can grow to 0.4 m (1.3 ft) in height and live for 20–30 years. Lavender may also be referred to as true lavender, medical lavender, smelling lavender, thin-leaved lavender or English lavender and is believed to originate from the Mediterranean, Middle East and India.

How to grow:

When learning how to grow lavender from seed you should always start indoors. This will help minimize the risk of weather, pests, and disease. You will want to start your seeds inside approximately 12 weeks before you plan on moving your Lavender into your garden or moving your planter outside. 

• Sprinkle 2 to 3 seeds per pot about 1/8 inch deep and then gently brush the soil over the seeds. *Note, do not to bury the seeds.

• Then spray the soil with water again 5 to 8 times until it turns a dark color..
• After planting your seeds, provide at least 8 hours of sunlight by placing the pots by a window 
• You will also want to keep the room temperature at approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit
• After your initial planting, you will need to spray the soil once to twice a day for approximately 2 weeks
• It will take approximately 2 weeks for your seeds to germinate or “pop” through the soil.
• Once your lavender is 3 inches tall you can transplant your it into your pot
• Again, you will want to fill these pots about 80% full with your potting mix.
• Next, you will want to make a hole approximately 3 inches deep (about the size of your lavender plant at this point).
• Then turn your existing small pot upside down, pinch the bottom of it, and then gently pull the soil and your plant out.
• Once your seeds have germinated and sprouted through the soil, you will want to continue to spray them twice a day for 2 more months until they are about 3 inches tall.

Benefits: Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness.