Propagating lavender is not difficult in itself when using cuttings. The situation is different with seeds. Getting the lavender to germinate is not that easy. In addition, if varietal seeds are not used, the plants can remain small and stunted. The bloom and the scent are not as powerful as expected. Nevertheless, you can try sowing the lavender, you can find out here what you need to consider.

useful information

Only with real lavender seeds will the expected success come about. Especially breeds that are not pure variety can disappoint in the garden. The same applies if seeds are obtained from your own lavender plants. If these are hybrids of different lavender varieties, the success of the new sowing is rather low.

Notice: When buying seeds, pay attention to the Latin name. Real lavender is called Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis or Lavandula vera

Claims of Lavender

Even real lavender does not germinate everywhere and not at all times. In contrast, however, he can unexpectedly self-seed if told the conditions. So it can happen that it germinates, for example, between sunny stone slabs or on gravel paths.

The right site conditions are derived from this:

  • nutrient-poor substrate
  • no waterlogging or compacted soil
  • neither too cold nor too warm germination temperature
  • sunny, warm place

Preparation of the seed

Purchased lavender seed should be stratified before sowing. This increases the germination rate, since lavender is a cold germ that first has to go through a cold period before it germinates.

Action

  1. Spread a layer of moistened sand in a sealable container.
  2. Place the lavender seeds on top and press gently.
  3. Seal container and place in refrigerator.

Stratification is not necessary for your own seeds if the seeds are only harvested from the plant after the winter. You have then already gone through the natural cold phase.

cultivation

From around February, a first attempt can be made on the windowsill or in the greenhouse. For this, nutrient-poor substrate, seed soil or herb soil is used. Compost soil is unsuitable because of its high nutrient density. At best, it can be stretched with plenty of sand.

manual

  1. Fill the seed box with soil. Press this down lightly.
  2. Moisten the substrate.
  3. Spread seeds on the ground. Press down carefully with a board. Don't cover with soil. Lavender is a light germinator.
  4. Put the jar in a bright place. But not too warm. About 15 degrees are sufficient.
  5. Check regularly whether the substrate is still moist, do not water too much.
  6. After sowing the lavender, it can take several weeks for the seeds to germinate.

Sowing outdoors

Although lavender is hardy, the seeds only germinate above a certain temperature outdoors. In addition, young plants should be protected from frost. It is therefore only worth sowing outdoors in May.

manual

  1. Prepare seedbed. The soil should be finely crumbly and well-drained. Soil that is too nutrient-rich is thinned out with sand.
  2. Moisten the soil and press down lightly.
  3. Sow the seeds and press down carefully with a board.
  4. Keep soil moist but not too wet.
  5. Depending on the weather, germination can take several weeks. In the meantime, carefully remove any weeds that form.

Notice: Seeds that have been stratified in the refrigerator should be spread thinly along with the sand.

pricking

Separation takes place when the first additional leaves after the cotyledons are visible on the plants. Indoors, depending on how quickly the seeds germinate, it may be necessary to transplant the seedlings into pots first and later plant them outdoors. Lavender plants grown outdoors are planted immediately where they are to grow later.

Action

  1. Low-nutrient soil is also best suited as a substrate for further cultivation. Special herbal soil or compost mixed with sand can also be used.
  2. The location should be chosen warm and sunny.
  3. The soil must be permeable. Waterlogging can affect the winter hardiness of lavender.
  4. Small holes about 20 - 40 cm apart are dug in the substrate for the plants.
    Notice: The actual planting distance depends on the lavender variety. As a guideline, the distance should be about half the expected final height.
  5. Very carefully loosen the soil around the young plants and then pull them out of the ground. The plant must not be injured.
  6. Place the young plant in the hole, press down the soil around the roots well and water a little. However, lavender does not generally require a lot of water.

Category:

Vegetable garden