How to Grow Lavender from Seeds: Germinating & Care Tips

This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. 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.

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Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant herb that produces the sweetest purple flowers. If you want to add this herb to delicious meals, enjoy its scent in DIY soaps, or simply enjoy its blooms in your garden, all you need is a pack of seeds and a little patience. In this article, we’ll show you how to germinate lavender seeds, transplant them into pots or to your garden outside, and provide you with all the care tips you need to keep your plant happy and thriving. If you’re ready to get your lavender seeds started, read on!

Things You Should Know

• Fill a seed starter tray with seed starter potting mix and place a lavender seed on top of the soil in each tray cell. Then, cover the seeds with a light layer of soil.
• Mist the seeds with water and place the tray in a warm, sunny spot that stays around 70° F (21° C). After about 1 month, move the sprouted seeds to direct sun.
• Plant the seedlings in 4-inch (10-cm) pots filled with well-draining soil once they have about 4-6 leaves.

Steps

Germinating Lavender Seeds

1. 1Start the seeds 8 to 10 weeks before your area’s last frost date. Lavender seeds germinate slowly, often taking at least 1 month to fully sprout. So, start germinating them 8 to 10 weeks before you get warm weather, which is often the last day of frost for your area. This lets you plant the lavender as soon as it sprouts, and gives your lavender plenty of time to grow into mature plants during the warm growing season.[1] X Research source
   • Lavender comes in several different varieties, such as English, Spanish, and French lavender. English lavender tends to be the most popular lavender variety to grow.[2] X Research source
   • The last frost date is the last day in spring when your area typically experiences freezing weather. Search for your area’s last frost date online, or check out this interactive map if you live in the US.
2. 2Place harvested seeds between damp paper towels in the fridge for 3 weeks. Lavender seeds go through a process called cold stratification, where they stay in cold temperatures to promote germination. If you harvested your own seeds, put them through this process yourself! Just dampen 2 paper towels and drop the seeds in between them. Seal the seeds and paper towels in a plastic bag, then store them in your fridge for about 3 weeks.[3] X Research source
   • Most lavender seeds you buy in seed packs have already gone through cold stratification. Only stratify your seeds if you harvested them yourself from another plant.[4] X Research source

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3. 3Fill a seed starter tray with seed starting mix. Prepare your seeds for germination by choosing a well-draining seed starting mix. Just pour the soil into a multi-cell starter tray, or into a wide, shallow container without divisions.[5] X Research source
   • Lavender seeds germinate the best when they’re kept indoors. While you can sow the seeds directly into your garden, creating a controlled environment inside typically produces more successful sprouts in a shorter amount of time.[6] X Research source
4. 4Drop the seeds on top of the soil. Lavender seeds need light to germinate and sprout. If you cold stratified your seeds in the fridge, carefully pick them up off the paper towel. Then, simply sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil.[7] X Research source
   • If you’re planting the seeds in a multi-cell starter tray, plant one seed per cell.
   • If you’re planting in a division-free container, space the seeds ½ to 1 inch (1-2 cm) apart.
5. 5Cover the seeds with ⅛ inch (⅓ cm) of the seed starter mix. Sprinkle a light layer of the potting mix over the seeds. Make sure it isn’t more than ⅛ inch (⅓ cm), as light still needs to reach the seeds.[8] X Research source
6. 6Set the seeds in a warm spot indoors that stays around 70° F (21° C). Lavender seeds sprout the best when they’re kept around 70° F (21° C), so find a warm, sunny spot for them to rest. If you don’t have an area in your home that stays consistently warm, place a heat mat underneath the seeds.[9] X Research source
7. 7Lightly water the seeds so the soil is moist. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the soil, making sure it is damp but not overly wet. Soil that is too damp and cool can invite fungus to grow, which can harm your seeds.[10] X Research source
8. 8Monitor your seeds’ growth and the soil moisture over the next month. Lavender seeds typically take between 2 weeks to 1 month to sprout, though they sometimes take even longer. Make sure the soil stays moist by pressing your finger into the potting mix. If it feels dry, give the soil a misting of water.[11] X Research source
   • Growing lavender from seeds can be tricky, so don’t be discouraged if only a few lavender seeds sprout, or none germinate at all. Just grab some more seeds and start germinating again.[12] X Research source
9. 9Move the seedlings to a spot that gets direct light once they sprout. Lavender needs a lot of light to grow, so find a bright, sunny spot once the seeds sprout out of the dirt. If you don’t have a spot that gets direct light, place a grow light over the seedlings, keeping it on for about 6 to 8 hours each day.[13] X Research source

Transplanting Lavender

1. 1Move the seedlings to pots when they grow 4 to 6 true leaves. True leaves are the leaves that grow after the 2 round seed leaves that sprout with the plant. Growing 4 to 6 true leaves signifies that the seedlings are mature and their root systems are too large to keep in their starting container.[14] X Research source
2. 2Fill a 4-inch (10 cm) pot with well-draining potting mix. Lavender is a drought-tolerant plant, which means that it doesn’t like to stay in wet soil. Choose a well-draining potting mix that is slightly sandy or gravelly or part soil, part peat, and part perlite. Then, pour the soil into 4-inch (10 cm) pots that have drainage holes.[15] X Research source
   • If you mix your own soil, combine regular, well-draining potting mix with a sandy potting mix for succulents or cactuses in a 1:1 ratio.[16] X Research source
   • Alternatively, use a larger pot or division-free tray and space multiple lavender plants in the tray 2 inches (5 cm) apart from one another.
   • Peat moss is a non-renewable resource, so it’s best to use coir dust instead, if possible. Do not use vermiculite, which may contain asbestos, even when the label doesn’t say so.
3. 3Mix a handful of slow-release fertilizer into the soil. Place a small amount of granular slow-release fertilizer into each pot and mix it well with the soil. Choose a fertilizer that contains a balanced 1:1:1 proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.[17] X Research source
   • If your potting mix already contains fertilizer, skip adding more fertilizer to your pots. Lavender doesn’t need much fertilization to grow well, so too much can harm your plants.
4. 4Plant the lavender into the prepared pot. Dig a small hole in the potting soil that is about as big as the container the lavender is currently in. Loosen the soil around the lavender by pressing a small shovel or butter knife around the edge of the container. Then, gently scoop it out. Place it into the hole in the new pot, packing the soil around it to keep it firmly fixed in place. Then, water your plant thoroughly.[18] X Research source
5. 5Give the potted lavender 6 to 8 hours of light and keep the soil moist. Choose a spot for your newly potted lavender plant that gets lots of bright, direct light. If you don’t have a sunny area indoors, place a grow light over the lavender. Then, water your plant when the top 1 inch (2 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch.[19] X Research source
   • Keep your lavender inside as an indoor plant if you don’t want to plant it outside. Just make sure to repot your plant in a container 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) larger than its current one when its roots grow visible at the top or bottom of its pot.
6. 6Let the lavender grow to about 3 inches (7.6 cm) before planting outdoors. Your tiny lavender plants need to grow established root systems before you transplant them outdoors in your garden. Just wait until they’re about 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall, which often takes 1 to 3 months.[20] X Research source
7. 7Expose the lavender to outdoor conditions over the course of 1 week. Immediately planting your lavender outside can damage it because it’s not used to the outdoors. So, place your pots outside in partial shade or partial sun for a few hours at a time, increasing their time outdoors a little each day. Do this for about 1 week, which is long enough for the lavender to adapt to outdoor conditions and direct sunlight.[21] X Research source
   • This process of acclimating your plant to the outdoors is called “hardening off.”
8. 8Find a location outside that gets direct light and has well-draining soil. Lavender plants grow best when they get 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sun each day. Shaded areas tend to be soggier, and soggy soil can invite fungi that harm the plant. Make sure the spot you choose doesn’t collect standing water, as lavender does best in soil that drains quickly.[22] X Research source
9. 9Loosen the garden soil with a trowel and mix in compost. This helps aerate your soil, which improves the air circulation around your plants. Chop the soil up with a trowel or a digging fork to loosen it. Then, mix in about 1 inch (2 cm) of compost. Compost has uneven particles, creating looser soil and making it easier for the lavender’s roots to stretch out. The loose soil also helps water to drain faster.[23] X Research source
   • Check the soil pH after adding compost with a pH test strip. Lavender grows best in soils between 6.5 and 7.5 pH. If your soil pH is too low, mix in a handful of agricultural lime. If it is too high, add a small amount of plant litter or pine sawdust.[24] X Research source
   • Plant your lavender on mounds if your area has a damp winter or spring. Create dirt mounds that are about 18 to 24 inches (46-61) tall. When you dig out the hole inside the mound, mix gravel into the soil at the bottom to help improve water drainage.
10. 10Plant the lavender plants about 24 to 36 inches (61-91 cm) apart. Dig a hole that is as deep as the container the plant is currently in. Remove the plant from its pot by using a garden trowel to carefully slide it out. Set the lavender into its new hole and pack soil around it to fill it in. Dig another hole about 24 to 36 inches (61-91 cm) away and set the next plant inside. When you’re done planting, water each lavender plant thoroughly.[25] X Research source
    • Most lavender varieties grow between 1 to 3 feet (30-91 cm) tall and wide. They need good air circulation to grow well, so spacing them far apart ensures their success in your garden.[26] X Research source

Caring for and Harvesting Lavender

1. 1Water the lavender when its soil is dry. Mature lavender is fairly drought-resistant, but it needs regular waterings during its first year of growth. Give your lavender a good soak about once or twice a week. Just allow the soil to dry out in between watering, checking if it’s dry by sticking your finger 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) deep into the soil.[27] X Research source
   • As your lavender matures in its second year of growth, cut back to watering it every 2 to 3 weeks. When it starts growing flowers, move back to watering it every 1 to 2 weeks.
2. 2Harvest lavender flowers when they’re fully open and vivid. The best part about growing lavender is cutting off and enjoying its beautiful blooms. Just wait until the flowers are completely open. Then, snip the flowering stems off with scissors or cutting shears in the morning, which helps preserve the sweet-smelling oils in the flowers.[28] X Research source
   • If you want to dry out your lavender, cut off several blooming stems and tie them together in a bunch. Then, hang them upside down in a dark, dry place for about 1 to 2 weeks. When they’re dry, use them in your cooking, make soap, or craft DIY potpourri.
   • To store dried lavender, seal the flowers in dark, plastic containers and place them in a cool, dark, and dry area.
3. 3Prune lavender after it flowers each year. Pruning lavender encourages more flowering, so snip off the top ⅓ of its stems after it finishes producing flowers at the end of the summer.[29] X Research source Lavender grows slowly during the first year, as most of the plant’s energy goes toward root and vegetative growth. Your plant might flower slightly in its first year, but by its 2nd or 3rd year of growth, it’ll reach its full blooming potential.[30] X Research source
   • Even if your lavender does not bloom in its first year, still prune back ⅓ of its new growth. This encourages more stem growth and flowers when it blooms next year.[31] X Research source
   • Do not cut into stems that are hard and woody. When you cut into lavender’s woody base, those stems typically don’t grow back.
4. 4Place gravel mulch around the lavender when the weather gets cold. When you plant lavender outside, keep the soil warm by applying gravel or rock mulch around the base of the plant. Just leave about 6 inches (15 cm) of free space around the stem to promote air circulation.[32] X Research source
5. 5Avoid using chemicals around your lavender plants. Herbicides, pesticides, and even some fertilizers can kill the beneficial organisms that live in the garden soil and help your lavender thrive. Skip adding more fertilizer once you plant the lavender in the ground. If you are treating the lavender for pests, use an organic pesticide solution that contains no chemicals.[33] X Trustworthy Source University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension program of the University of California system devoted to educating and improving local communities Go to source
   • Lavender is not very susceptible to pests, though in some cases they can get infected by spittlebugs. These bugs generally don’t harm lavender and are easy to wash away with a spray of water.[34] X Research source

Expert Q&A
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• QuestionCan you sow seeds directly in the ground?Lauren KurtzLauren 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 GardenerProfessional GardenerExpert AnswerYes, 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.
• QuestionShould I nip the tops of lavender seedlings?Lauren KurtzLauren 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 GardenerProfessional GardenerExpert Answer
• QuestionI have 4-5 seeds sprout in one small section tray, should I dig them out and put them into individual tray?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
  Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff Answer

Tips

• If you’re having a tough time growing lavender from seeds, grow them from cuttings. Cuttings usually grow quicker and more easily than seeds. Just cut off a long stem from your plant and remove the bottom half of its leaves. Dip the end of the stem in a rooting hormone and plant the cutting in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist by misting it. Cuttings typically grow roots after about 1 month.[35] X Research source⧼thumbs_response⧽
• Use lavender in decorative arrangements, recipes, aromatherapy, and homeopathic medicines.⧼thumbs_response⧽

Things You’ll Need

Germinating Lavender Seeds

• Lavender seeds
• Paper towels, optional
• Plastic storage bag, optional
• Seed starter tray
• Seed starting mix
• Spray bottle
• Heat mat, optional
• Grow light, optional

Transplanting Lavender

• 4-inch (10 cm) pot with drainage holes
• Well-draining potting mix
• Granular slow-release fertilizer
• Grow light, optional
• Trowel or garden fork
• Compost
• pH test strip
• Agricultural lime, optional
• Pine sawdust, optional

Caring for and Harvesting Lavender

• Shears or scissors
• Gravel mulch

References

1. ↑ https://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/herbs/lavender/
2. ↑ https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/growing-lavender-in-central-virginia/
3. ↑ https://www.ruralsprout.com/grow-lavender/
4. ↑ https://okrainmygarden.com/4-ways-to-successfully-propagate-lavender/
5. ↑ https://herbsathome.co/how-to-grow-lavender-indoors/
6. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/growing-lavender-in-michigan-advice-for-a-purple-garden
7. ↑ https://herbsathome.co/how-to-grow-lavender-indoors/
8. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/english-lavender-in-the-garden
9. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/english-lavender-in-the-garden

1. ↑ https://herbsathome.co/how-to-grow-lavender-indoors/
2. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/english-lavender-in-the-garden
3. ↑ https://newcropsorganics.ces.ncsu.edu/herb/lavender-history-taxonomy-and-production/
4. ↑ https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/sites/default/files/WMGF/Home-Page/Projects/Mint%2C%20Rosemary%2C%20and%20Lavender%20Plant%20Care%20Sheets.pdf
5. ↑ https://www.ruralsprout.com/grow-lavender/
6. ↑ https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/growing-lavender-in-central-virginia/
7. ↑ https://herbsathome.co/how-to-grow-lavender-indoors/
8. ↑ https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2020/04/29/growing-lavender-in-the-coastal-south/
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/zfvwaX7tzSk?t=104
10. ↑ https://herbsathome.co/how-to-grow-lavender-indoors/
11. ↑ https://okrainmygarden.com/4-ways-to-successfully-propagate-lavender/
12. ↑ https://okrainmygarden.com/4-ways-to-successfully-propagate-lavender/
13. ↑ https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/growing-lavender-in-central-virginia/
14. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/english-lavender-in-the-garden
15. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/growing-lavender-in-michigan-advice-for-a-purple-garden
16. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/growing-lavender-in-michigan-advice-for-a-purple-garden
17. ↑ https://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/herbs/lavender/
18. ↑ https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/growing-lavender-in-colorado-7-245/
19. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/english-lavender-in-the-garden
20. ↑ https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/growing-lavender-in-central-virginia/
21. ↑ https://www.ruralsprout.com/grow-lavender/
22. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/english-lavender-in-the-garden
23. ↑ https://newcropsorganics.ces.ncsu.edu/herb/lavender-history-taxonomy-and-production/
24. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=52295
25. ↑ https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8135.pdf
26. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/english-lavender-in-the-garden

About This Article

To grow lavender from seed, start by putting the seeds in a sealable plastic bag filled with moist soil and storing it in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. Next, plant the seeds in a container filled with seed starting mix and cover them with ⅛ inch of potting mix. Then, keep the container in a warm place, and water the seeds every morning for 2 to 4 weeks until they sprout. Afterwards, move them to an area with direct sunlight, then transplant them into individual pots once the sprouts develop leaves. For more advice, including how to plant the lavender sprouts in your outdoor garden, keep reading.

Reader Success Stories

• “The article was helpful regarding when the seedlings are ready to be moved to deeper pots. I have observed that seedlings left too long in a shallow pot will die. I have had success seeding directly into the deeper pots (5 – 8” deep). I put 4 seeds to each pot. “…” more