This morning planted 2 packets of Lavender. This was the first time I have ever planted lavender, so before I started, I carefully examined the seed packet for any sort of special instructions.
For starters, I learned lavender seeds can take as long as 60 days to germinate. Lavender also needs to go though a process called stratification. Strata what? Stratification is a process of subjecting the seeds to a moist/cold treatment to break dormancy which occurs naturally when seeds are planted outside in the fall.
So basically, I filled a small container with moistened potting soil, planted the seeds, and placed the container in our refrigerator where it will stay for the next 3 to 6 weeks, until they are finished chilling in the refrigerator and ready to go under grow lights.
I’m sure my husband will absolutely LOVE this. It’s bad enough I’ve taken over his office, the garage and the entire backyard. Now I’m staking claim to the refrigerator too. Ha! But who cares right? Lavender is da’ bomb, and it smells soooo good. I know he’ll be thanking me when I start stuffing lavender sachets in his sock drawer. You just wait and see.
Brief description: Lavender is a very fragrant perennial {in zones 5-9} with deep purple flowers.
Where to Plant Lavender: In garden beds, rock beds, raised beds, or containers.
Planting Seeds: Plant 1/8″ deep, with 8 seeds every 10″. Thin to 1 plant every 10″ once plants are 1″ tall.
Growing Tips: Lavender likes a sunny place, but is very drought tolerant and can withstand quite a bit of neglect. {Hmm, if only more people were like this.}
How to Harvest: Clip off as needed, leaving the base of the plant intact.
Here are a few lavender recipes to try:
Lavender Jelly I love lavender, it smells amazing and is easy to grow. It never fails to bring in the bees, and it’s supposed to repel mice, flies and mosquitoes. What a helpful little bugger–or I guess I should say de-bugger. Ha!
Who wouldn’t love to get a jar of Homemade Lavender Bath Salts as a hostess gift? They are super easy and very inexpensive to make.
These homemade lavender sachets are basically the simplest things ever. And, I really like the idea of throwing them in my sock and underwear drawer…because people will totally believe that my feet and butt naturally smell of lavender.
Michele says
I planted a lavender plant outside a couple of summers ago. I am sad to say it never did anything. I was disappointed. I love lavender. And these recipes look yummy!
Kate Gwinn says
Ummm… are you reading my mind again? Maybe lavender is what all the cool kids are posting about today. 🙂 Anyway, you should check out the herbes de provence chicken pot pies recipe (Sunset, March ’01). Holy cow it’s good! I’ll be attempting to make my own herbes de provence herb mix this year. Also, I discovered an awesome recipe for lavender hot chocolate! I put both of the links on my blog. Enjoy!
Mavis says
We are so unbelievably cool Kate, lavender is just the tip of the iceberg for us.
Kimberly R says
I’ve got it written down in my calendar to plant in Feb but now I’m thinking I should do out asap. Did you put both packets into 1 container or is it in a seed starting tray?
Mavis says
I planted the seeds in a Gladware container and will move them to a seed starting tray as soon as I remove them from the refrigerator.
Kimberly R says
I’ll ask you ( I asked Botanical as well, no answer yet) too, do you think I can stratify them in the freezer for 2 weeks rather then the frig for 4-6?
Mavis says
This is my first year starting them from seed so I don’t know. I would wait for Botanical Interests to answer or ask a Local Master Gardener. Let me know what you find out.
Wendy says
I don’t think the seeds will sprout in the cold temperatures. I think they need the cold temps, but then need to be moved out and warmed up in order to sprout.
Mavis says
Thank you Wendy, I went in and updated the post. 🙂 I shouldn’t multitask and type at the same time.
suzanne says
I agree with Wendy also can’t they be stratified outside maybe? Our local crepe shop sells lavendar ice cream. It was actually pretty good.
Robin says
I hope it does well for you and overwinters also once established. I planted a few varieties (Grosso and French) around my yard at least five years ago and they all survived and thrive. Hummingbirds and bees love lavender. I planted some right outside my kitchen window I get to watch the baby hummingbirds this time of year, so fun. Are you beefing up your herb varieties this year?
Becky says
If you have deer, you’ll like your lavender because they don’t. Mine is always giving me new starts to share too. Hope yours does as well as mine.
Mavis says
Yay! I had no idea deer did not live lavender. Maybe I’ll plant it out front too!
Denise says
Hm, I started lavender from seed last year and just did it under the grow lights, and it turned out fine. Still growing out there in the garden now! I wonder if it’s just a certain kind that needs that time in the fridge?