Lavender Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Lavender Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Lavender

Planting Schedule:
For even germination, collect lavender seeds in autumn and sow them on the surface of a seed tray, ensuring bottom heat of 4-10°C (40-50°F). Overwinter the seeds in a cool greenhouse or cold frame with good ventilation.

Alternatively, start seeds indoors, place a few in sterilized seed starting mix within pots, and lightly press seeds into the surface. Encase pots in plastic bags and freeze them for about a week. Afterward, allow them to return to room temperature gradually, then apply bottom heat as initially described.


Seed Starting:
Instead of using a plastic cover, which can over-moisten the soil, lightly cover the seeds. Expect germination within 14-21 days in warm conditions.

Should germination be sparse after 3-4 weeks, cool the temperature to 5-10°C (40-50°F) for two weeks, then warm again. Transfer the delicate seedlings to a protected area until they are ready for outdoor planting in spring.


Growing:
Lavender thrives in full sunlight and requires fertile, well-drained soil. As new growth emerges in spring, trim plants back significantly but avoid cutting into the woody stems to encourage a burst of growth. Conduct a secondary trimming in early autumn, and be mindful again to preserve the woody base.


Harvesting:
Harvest flowers as they open, drying them on trays or in small bunches. The leaves can be picked at any time for fresh use. For dried leaves, collect them before the flowering phase for optimal aroma and preservation.

Lavender Pests & Diseases

Whiteflies:
Whiteflies feed on lavender plant sap, leading to yellowing leaves and weakened plants.

Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce whitefly populations.

Introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps. Apply a suitable organic pesticide in severe cases, carefully following the product instructions.


Botrytis Blight:
This fungus causes gray mould on flowers, stems, and leaves, thriving in humid conditions.

Prune plants to enhance airflow and reduce humidity around the foliage. Remove any dead or infected plant material promptly.

Apply a copper-based fungicide at the first sign of infection, adhering to the usage directions on the label.


Lavender Beetle:
This pest feeds on lavender leaves, causing damage that can reduce the plant's vigour.

Regularly inspect plants for signs of damage and manually remove beetles if spotted.

If beetle populations become problematic, use an organic pesticide suitable for the pest, applying as directed to minimize the impact on beneficial insects.