Lavender is a gorgeous flowering herb that is beloved for its relaxing fragrance and vibrant purple blooms. With proper care, lavender can thrive for many years in gardens and containers. While lavender is most often propagated from cuttings growing from seed is a rewarding (and inexpensive) way to get started. However lavender seeds are notoriously slow and finicky when it comes to germination. If you’re wondering how long it takes for lavender seeds to germinate, you’ve come to the right place! In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about germinating lavender seeds and how long the process takes from start to finish.
An Overview of Lavender Seed Germination
On average, lavender seeds take 14-30 days to germinate after sowing. However, the germination rate is often uneven, with seeds sprouting sporadically over several weeks. Here’s a quick overview of the germination timeline:
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Stratification period: Expose seeds to cool temps (32-40°F) for 4-6 weeks before planting. This cold period is key for breaking dormancy.
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Time to germination 14-30 days on average after sowing potentially longer. Germination happens gradually.
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Germination rate: Only 10-30% without stratification. Up to 80-90% with proper stratification.
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Time to transplant: 8-12 weeks after germination before seedlings can be moved outdoors.
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Time to bloom: Approximately 2 years from seed sowing date. Much slower than propagating by cuttings.
As you can see, lavender seeds are not known for their speed. But with the proper steps, these seeds can deliver an abundant harvest. Now let’s break down each step of the process in more detail.
Step 1: Stratification
Stratification is the process of exposing seeds to cold, moist conditions to break dormancy. In nature, seeds require exposure to winter weather before germinating in spring. To mimic this, home gardeners can stratify seeds by placing them in refrigeration for 4-6 weeks before planting.
This cold period tricks the seeds into “thinking” they’ve experienced winter, allowing protective enzymes to break down. It kickstarts the germination process and leads to more uniform sprouting. In contrast, unstratified seeds may only have a 10-30% germination rate.
For the highest success rate, be sure to stratify lavender seeds by:
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Placing seeds between moist paper towels and putting in a sealed bag in the fridge for 30-40 days.
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Checking that paper towels remain moist, misting with water if needed.
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Moving to a warm sunny spot after the stratification period ends.
Step 2: Planting and Care
Once your seeds have been stratified, it’s time to plant them. You can either direct sow in the garden or start indoors. Indoor sowing has a higher success rate since climate is easier to control. Follow these tips:
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Sow seeds into cell trays or flats filled with a fast-draining seed starting mix.
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Plant just 1-2 seeds per cell, barely covering with soil. Lavender needs light to germinate.
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Place trays in a warm spot (60-70°F) with plenty of sunlight. You can add a heating mat.
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Mist soil daily to keep moist, but avoid soggy conditions.
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If direct sowing outside, plant in fall or early spring and water gently. Amend soil with sand or peat moss to improve drainage.
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Expect germination in 14-30 days on average. But it may take longer and be sporadic. Be patient!
Step 3: Transplanting
Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves after 8-12 weeks, they can be transplanted either outdoors after frost or into larger pots. Follow these tips for transplanting lavender starts:
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Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days by slowly reducing watering and exposing to outdoor conditions.
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Choose a sunny spot with well-drained alkaline soil. Amend clay-heavy soil with sand or gravel.
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Dig holes and gently place seedling roots inside, backfilling with surrounding soil. Space plants 12-24 inches apart.
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Water thoroughly after transplanting and mist leaves for the first few weeks.
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If transplanting to pots, choose terracotta pots with drainage holes. Use a quality potting mix.
Step 4: Wait for Flowers
Here comes the hard part—more waiting! Lavender grown from seed is extremely slow to reach maturity and produce flowers.
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The first year consists of basic vegetative growth. Do not prune year one plants.
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The second year, plants will continue maturing and may produce a handful of flowers on long stems late in summer.
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By year three, your lavender plants will be mature enough for full flowering and harvest.
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Enjoy the journey! Growing from seed is about the experience. Try to appreciate every small win along the way.
Tips for Improving Germination Rates
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Always stratify seeds properly before planting. This cold period is absolutely essential.
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Start seeds indoors for more controlled conditions. Direct sowing leads to lower success.
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Use a fast-draining seed starting mix. Avoid waterlogging.
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Plant very shallow, just 1/8 inch deep. Seeds need sunlight to germinate.
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Keep soil consistently moist, misting daily. Erratic water leads to poor germination.
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Add a heating mat for warmth. Cool temps below 60°F slow germination.
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Grow from cuttings for faster establishment and first year flowers.
Common Problems With Lavender Seed Germination
No germination at all – Probably indicates a lack of stratification before planting. Always expose seeds to 4-6 weeks of cold moist conditions.
Slow, sporadic germination – Try using a heating mat for extra warmth and more even sprouting. Cool temps slow things down.
Seeds rotting – Sign of overwatering. Allow starter mix to dry out slightly between mistings. Improve drainage.
Leggy, weak seedlings – Lack of sunlight. Move to the brightest location or add grow lights. Seedlings stretch when light is insufficient.
White fuzz or damping off – Fungal issue caused by excess moisture. Allow soil to dry between waterings and increase air circulation.
Tips shriveling or drying out – Under-watering. Seedlings need consistently moist (not soggy) soil in the early stages. Mist gently each day.
It typically takes 14-30 days for lavender seeds to germinate after sowing, but the process can be sporadic. Proper cold stratification, warm temperatures, and bright light will encourage the best germination rates. From seed planting to the first bloom, expect the journey to take around 2 years. While it requires dedication, growing lavender from seed can be an extremely rewarding gardening adventure!
Step #5: Be Patient Again
I did the cold stratification process with my lavender seeds and expected them to germinate quickly afterward. That was not the case with mine. It took several more weeks before I saw the tiny little green leaves emerging from the seed casing.
It’s also important to note that they did not all germinate at the same time. They germinated over several additional weeks.
Eventually, I started more lavender seeds than I could provide space for and I threw away the seeds that had yet to sprout.
Step #3: Leave it Alone for 3-6 Weeks
Leave the sealed seed bag in your refrigerator for 3-6 weeks. I wrote it on my calendar so I would remember when to take them out. If you’re more technologically prone you can set a reminder on your phone or device.
Sprouting Lavender Seeds: 4 Things Lavender NEEDS for Successful Germination
FAQ
Is lavender hard to grow from seed?
- Choose a variety: Some good varieties for starting by seed are Lavender Lady and Munstead.
- Prepare the soil: Use a light, well-draining soil mix or a vermiculite blend.
- Sow the seeds: Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil, lightly pressing them down.
- Provide light: Keep the seeds in a warm, sunny location or use a grow light.
- Maintain moisture: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Be patient: Germination can take time, so don’t give up too soon.
- Transplant seedlings: Once the seedlings have several leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
What is the fastest way to germinate lavender seeds?
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Cold Stratification:
- Place the seeds on a damp paper towel or in a small container of moist seed-starting mix.
- Seal the container in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks.
- This mimics winter conditions and encourages germination.
- Place the seeds on a damp paper towel or in a small container of moist seed-starting mix.
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Post-Stratification Planting:
- After cold stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
- Provide plenty of light, either through a sunny window or with grow lights.
- Maintain a warm temperature, ideally around 70°F (21°C).
- You can use a heat mat to help maintain this temperature.
- After cold stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix.
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Germination:
- Lavender seeds typically germinate within 2-4 weeks, but can take longer.
- Be patient and don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately.
- Lavender seeds typically germinate within 2-4 weeks, but can take longer.
Can I just scatter lavender seeds?
Scatter the seeds on the soil surface, pressing them lightly into the soil. Lavender seeds need light to germinate, so avoid covering the seeds with too much soil. Water the seeds lightly but regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Does lavender bloom the first year from seed?
The fragrant white flower bracts have an especially sweet, clear lavender scent. If started early, plants will begin flowering the first season from seed.
How long do lavender seeds take to germinate?
Lavender seeds can take 30-60 days to germinate after the cold stratification process. This means you could start cold stratification on January 15th, place them under light on February 7th, and wait until April 7th for germination. This is a long wait.
How do you grow lavender seeds fast?
Another speedy approach involves using a seedling heat mat. Keep the lavender seeds in a warm environment, around 70-75°F (21-24°C), to accelerate the germination process. The added warmth encourages quicker seed development, helping you enjoy aromatic Germinate lavender blooms sooner.
Do lavender seeds germinate in winter?
Or winter sow them as soon as the outdoor temps stay below freezing in your area. Lavender seeds need a period of cool temperatures called “cold stratification” to germinate. If you skip this step, you may still have success. But most likely, you’ll see a very low germination rate.
Do lavender seeds need light to germinate?
Yes, lavender seeds need light to germinate, so do not plant them very deep. Just cover them lightly with soil, no more than 1/8 of an inch. Why aren’t my lavender seeds germinating?
How do you plant lavender seeds?
Use a soil thermometer to monitor the temperature. Lavender seeds need cold stratification for the best germination rate. Simply place them in moist soil, then put them into the refrigerator for 3-6 weeks before planting them. I’m the founder and owner of Get Busy Gardening, a book author, and an expert gardener.
When should I start planting lavender seeds?
This mimics the overwintering process that lavender seeds would undergo in nature. Ideally, you should begin the cold stratification method in late winter so that your seeds are ready to sow 10-12 weeks before the last frost date. I love the paper plate method for its simplicity: