Lady Lavender Seeds AAS Winner

Lady Lavender sets the standard for earliness and uniform, dark violet blooms. Begins blooming 10 weeks after germination. Hardiness to Zone 5. Package (50 seeds).

How to Grow Lavender From Seeds

SOW INDOORS then TRANSPLANT

Days to germination 14-21.
Cover seed lightly, then transplant when all danger of frost is past-12-18" apart.
Plant lavender in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3.

Lavender is a natural choice for any perennial or herb garden. The cool, gray-green foliage is a nice contrast against its own flowers and also dark green herbs and other plants. Lavender also grows quite well in containers. In the Deep South, you might prefer planting lavender in containers, as it benefits from better drainage and air circulation. While the plants thrive in arid Western climates, they are usually considered annuals in the South.

Set out transplants in an open area with full sun and good air circulation. You can add builder�s sand to the soil before planting to increase drainage, which is vital because lavender will not tolerate excessive soil moisture or humidity. To further improve drainage, plant lavender in a raised bed, along a wall, or near the top of a slope. In an herb or perennial bed, ensure good drainage by planting lavender on a small mound.

Lavender flowers bloom in summer; you can clip faded blooms to encourage continued blooming throughout the warm season. Prune lightly to promote branching, especially in spring once the plants show new growth.

Sprinkle bone meal or other phosphorus-rich fertilizer around each plant in the fall to make it stronger and more winter hardy. Work the fertilizer into the first inch of soil, or let the rain soak it in.

Remember that lavender needs good drainage and good air circulation. Do not over-water, and allow the soil to dry before watering again.
In heat and humidity fungus can attack the plants, turning the leaves brown. This is almost impossible to avoid in really humid climates, but you can minimize the problem by mulching with pebbles or sprinkling sand around the base of the plant for faster evaporation at the base. If you cut the blooms, trim in a way that thins the plant a bit, leaving it open for better air circulation.

Harvest lavender stems at any time by cutting them from the plant. However, avoid clipping more than every third stem to keep the plant looking full. Flowers will keep their perfume for months when you harvest just before they are entirely open. To dry flowers, gather a bunch of stems and hang them upside-down in a dark, well-ventilated place to preserve color and keep the stems from molding.

Fresh flowers may be used in sauces, marinades, and desserts.
Handle fragile dried blossoms with care and use them in potpourri, sachets, and crafts.