Lavender Seeds – Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia • Lamiaceae (Mint) • Native to Mediterranean region
Lavender Seeds grow into fragrant perennial plants with silvery-green foliage and spikes of purple-blue blooms. Ideal for sunny borders, herb gardens, containers, pollinator-friendly landscapes, and aromatic garden displays.
Seed Variety: English Lavender Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: English Lavender Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Lavender is highly susceptible to root rot in poorly drained or consistently wet soil, so never plant it in a low-lying spot where water pools after rain.
Botanical profile
Meet the Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia
Step-by-step planting
Growing lavender from seed is a slow and satisfying process that rewards gardeners who pay close attention to light, drainage, and soil temperature from the very start.
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1
Cold Stratify the Seeds
Before sowing, place your lavender seeds in a sealed bag with a pinch of barely damp sand or vermiculite and refrigerate them for 3 to 4 weeks to mimic winter conditions and encourage more even lavender seed germination.
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2
Sow Indoors 10 to 12 Weeks Before Last Frost
Fill seed trays with a gritty, well-draining seed-starting mix and press the seeds lightly onto the surface without burying them deeply, as lavender seeds need light to germinate and should be covered with only the thinnest dusting of mix.
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3
Provide Consistent Warmth and Light
Set trays on a heat mat targeting a soil temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and place them under grow lights for 14 to 16 hours per day, since cool or dim conditions are among the main reasons lavender seedlings struggle.
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4
Water Carefully from Below
Set trays in a shallow pan of water and allow the mix to absorb moisture from the bottom up, then remove the tray promptly, because lavender seedlings are prone to damping off when their stems stay wet.
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5
Transplant After Hardening Off
Once seedlings have two or three sets of true leaves and nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, spend 7 to 10 days gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions before moving them to their permanent spot.
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6
Plant in Full Sun with Sharp Drainage
Choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily and amend heavy clay soils with coarse sand or fine gravel to ensure the drainage that lavender demands, whether in a raised bed, open ground, or a container with drainage holes.
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7
Prune Lightly Each Season
After flowering, cut plants back by about one third to keep them compact and productive, but avoid cutting into old woody stems, which rarely regenerate well on English lavender.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Lavender Seeds – Lavandula angustifolia
How long do lavender seeds take to germinate?
Lavender seed germination is genuinely variable and depends on soil temperature, seed freshness, stratification, and the care taken during sowing. Under warm, well-lit conditions after proper cold stratification, many gardeners see the first sprouts in 14 to 21 days, though some seeds take 4 to 6 weeks or longer. Patience is part of the process with lavender, so do not give up on a tray too quickly.
Do lavender seeds need cold stratification?
Cold stratification is not strictly required, but most experienced growers find it meaningfully improves germination consistency with Lavandula angustifolia seeds. Mimicking a cold winter period by refrigerating seeds for 3 to 4 weeks before sowing signals to the seed that it is safe to sprout. Skipping this step does not make germination impossible, but results tend to be more uneven.
What soil pH does lavender prefer?
Lavender grows well in slightly alkaline to neutral soil, with a pH range of about 6.5 to 7.5 being a comfortable target. If your soil is acidic, a light application of garden lime worked into the planting area can bring the pH up toward a more suitable range. Testing your soil before planting is a practical step that takes the guesswork out of preparation.
Can lavender be grown in containers?
Lavender container growing works well as long as you choose a pot with generous drainage holes, use a gritty or sandy potting mix, and avoid letting the container sit in standing water. A terra cotta pot is a practical choice because it is breathable and helps excess moisture escape through the walls. Container plants may need more frequent watering in heat but should still dry out between waterings.
Is lavender safe for cats and dogs?
Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that are considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in significant quantities, according to the ASPCA. Casual contact with the plant is unlikely to cause serious harm, but pets that chew on lavender regularly may experience nausea or digestive upset. If you share your home with curious pets, it is worth placing containers out of easy reach.
When should I start lavender seeds indoors?
For most gardeners, starting lavender seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the average last frost date gives seedlings enough time to develop before outdoor planting season. Because lavender germinates and grows slowly compared to many herbs, starting earlier rather than later is the more common regret among first-time growers. Factor in your cold stratification period of 3 to 4 weeks when counting back from your target transplant date.
How far apart should lavender plants be spaced?
Standard Lavandula angustifolia varieties typically spread 18 to 24 inches wide at maturity, so spacing plants about 18 inches apart at minimum gives each one enough air circulation to stay healthy. Good airflow around lavender is a practical defense against the fungal problems that humid, crowded conditions invite. In a lavender herb garden designed for cutting or edging, slightly tighter spacing can work, but plan to prune regularly to keep plants from crowding each other.