Lavender Planting and Care Guide

Lavender is arguably one of the most popular herbs. They are delicate and versatile, providing colorful flower spikes with a wonderful sweet aroma that attract humming birds, bees and butterflies. Lavender plants are in the mint family, and they are easygoing perennials, loving hot dry summers and cool, moist winters.

Lavender seeds can be started any time indoors in starter trays. Prior to any sowing, the seeds require a cold stratification for the best germination results. If sowing Lavender seeds directly outdoors, sow the seeds in the winter when the seeds will receive the natural cold exposure.

Lavender plants needs to be in a full sun exposure, in soil with good drainage, and in an area large enough that the plants will have good air circulation.

• If planting indoors, allow 10 - 12 weeks for a cold treatment
• Mix the seeds into a handful of moistened sand or soil and put this into a plastic bag
• Place the plastic bag in the refrigerator for the 10 - 12 weeks
• Remove the seeds from the refrigerator and sow the seed into warm, moist soil in trays
• Gently press the seeds into the soil, sprinkle light soil on top
• Provide moisture, warmth, and ample light
• After 10 - 12 weeks of growth, harden the plants off prior to transplanting outside - when there is no danger of frost

• Lavender plants are fairly easy to maintain
• Irrigate only when the soil is dry
• Prune the plants back in the early spring
• Put compost around the base of the Lavender plant each spring
• Harvest flowers after the 2nd season of growth
• Cut flowers as desire