Given that common lavender in particular likes to self-seed in the garden, the otherwise reluctant germination of lavender seeds seems paradoxical. In fact, lavender only germinates when the conditions are right.

Only use mature seeds

In contrast to the plants, you can grow lavender seeds on the windowsill or in the greenhouse as early as February / March. However, the seed should only be spread outdoors when no more frosts are to be expected. This applies in particular to the sensitive French lavender, which should not be cultivated outdoors anyway. In the trade you usually only get seeds of the so-called "wild lavender", which means real lavender. This seed-strong strain is easiest to propagate from seed, but the method doesn't work so well for all others. Lavandin - the Provençal lavender - is actually sterile and can only be propagated by cuttings. If, on the other hand, you want to use lavender seeds from your own garden, you should first let them ripen properly. The seeds are formed immediately after the plant has flowered, so you simply leave the spent stems on the plant.

Stratify seeds in the fridge if possible

Lavender seed germinates best if you stratify it first, i. H. expose to a prolonged cold period. However, this measure is not absolutely necessary, as you can also sow the fine grains. However, stratification increases the likelihood of success. And this is how you do it:

  • Take a resealable (e.g. a zip lock) freezer bag and some (little) sand.
  • Slightly dampen the sand and pour it into the bag.
  • Now place the seeds on the sand.
  • Seal the bag and place it in the crisper in the refrigerator.
  • The seeds should be stored there for about one to two weeks.

Then fill the pots with potting soil and simply pack the sand with the seeds on top. Covering with cling film should not be done, as lavender does not tolerate high humidity particularly well.

Lavender is a light germinator

Gardeners generally distinguish between dark and light germinators, whereby light germinating varieties are best placed in a bright location and should not be covered with soil if possible. Instead, it is sufficient to lightly press the fine seeds onto the previously moistened soil, for example with a board. Keep the seeds evenly moist, which works beautifully with a spray bottle. Light germinators usually have very fine seeds that are quickly washed away when watered. Note that the lavender likes it drier as soon as it shows the first leaves.

Sow lavender seeds

Lavender plants grown from seed are rarely varietal, i. H. they differed considerably in the color and shape of their leaves, in the growth habit and height, and sometimes also in the color of their flowers. If you want plants that look the same, it is better to resort to propagation by cuttings. Planting the seeds is done in this way:

  • Plants brought forward in February/March usually flower in the same year.
  • Use nutrient-poor potting or herb soil, as germ-free as possible.
  • Fill this substrate in pots or in a propagator.
  • Moisten the soil before sowing.
  • Place the seeds on the ground, only very lightly covering them with soil.
  • Make sure that the humidity remains low - no drops should form in the greenhouse.
  • The seedlings need a bright place and temperatures around 20 °C.
  • Germination occurs after one to two weeks, but can also take much longer.

tips and tricks

You can prick out the seedlings and plant them at least five centimeters apart as soon as the first leaves appear after the cotyledons. Shorten the roots a bit with clean nail scissors, then they branch out better.

IJA

Category:

Herbs