Starting Lavender from Seed

By Joannabanana
January 28, 2013

It's possible to have early blooms the first year. Lavender seeds break dormancy when stratified. Roll seeds in a damp paper towel, put in a freezer bag and let sit at room temperature for a few hours. Place sealed bag in the freezer overnight. Thaw, sow in pre-moistened soil mix and place under lights. The seeds will germinate within a few days and will bloom by mid-June if you sow them the end of February. Lady Lavender is a consistent first year bloomer.

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Avatar for KyWoods
Jan 27, 2013 8:28 PM CST
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Name: Renée
Northern KY
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That's good to know, as I just bought some lavendar seeds a couple of days ago!
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Jan 27, 2013 8:45 PM CST
Name: Joanne
Calgary, AB Canada (Zone 3a)
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I hope it works well for you. I've done this a few years now. Since our growing season is so short, sometimes the freezer thing works for perennials and 1st year or earlier blooms. I find that most perennials that I winter sow, bloom the following year.
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Jan 28, 2013 1:53 AM CST
Name: Caroline Scott
Calgary (Zone 4a)
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Thanks for that tip! Joanne!
This year I have lavender seeds to try.

And freezing them worked!
I sowed them on the Saturday of Easter weekend (March 30) and forgot about them.
On the Monday (April 1) they were into the freezer.
I forgot them again so it was Wednesday (April 3) that I took them out of the freezer.
They went under the lights onThursday morning and today , Saturday the 6th---there are sprouts on the pink one.
The others were older seeds so I expect them to take longer.

Thanks for sharing a really good tip!
Last edited by CarolineScott Apr 6, 2013 4:35 PM Icon for preview
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