Can I grow Spanish lavender from seed?
Spanish lavender can also be grown from seed starting 12 weeks or so from winter’s last frost. The best time of year to plant Lavender is in early spring, ideally April, when the soil starts to become warm. This is unlike many other plants which we suggest planting in the autumn. Lavender prefers dry soil, and the cold and wet conditions of winter months would leave the plant vulnerable.The spanish lavender grows into a compact, bushy shrub, typically growing up to 24 inches tall and 3 feet wide. Its rounded growth habit and dense foliage make it an attractive choice for garden borders, containers, and hedges.Lavender needs full sun and good drainage. It is more likely to die from excess moisture than from cold in winter. A pot is an excellent way to provide drainage, though the plant will be more vulnerable to cold temperatures than it would be in the ground.Lavender is naturally a hardy, resilient plant, but without regular pruning it can quickly become woody, sparse, and uneven. A careful trim each year rejuvenates the plant, encourages new shoots, and helps maintain the neat, compact shape that gardeners love.With proper care, lavender plants will survive for 10- 15 years. Lavender should be pruned every year after flowering. Shear back the plants to half its size to stimulate new growth and a bushier vibrant plant.
Is it worth growing lavender from seed?
With lavender, the possibilities are endless. There are so many interesting species and varieties to try that it’s worth starting some of your lavenders by seed to get a large number of unique cultivars for the price of the seed packets, planting mix, pots, and a little time. Lavandula stoechas ‘Anouk’ (Spanish Lavender) Highly aromatic silvery foliage. Great for mass planting, low hedges, or containers. This French Lavender blooms almost continuously from mid-late spring to late summer.Best Lavender For Container Gardens & Flower Pots ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’ French lavender plants tick several of these boxes. Goodwin Creek Grey’ is both fragrant and compact, with silver leaves that contrast wonderfully with its deep purple blooms.The fragrant white flower bracts have an especially sweet, clear lavender scent. If started early, plants will begin flowering the first season from seed.Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Spanish lavender blooms in spring and may continue flowering intermittently throughout the summer. Prune lightly after each flush of blooms to encourage more flowers and to keep the plant compact.
Can Spanish lavender grow in pots?
Yes, lavender does well in pots, provided it has the right growing conditions. Direct sowing lavender seeds outdoors can be a low-maintenance method, but it requires favorable conditions such as warm temperatures, good sunlight, and well-drained soil. This method is especially useful for gardeners in climates with mild winters or those who prefer a more natural approach to growing lavender.A: Yes, lavender loves full sun and can stay in sunlight all day. It thrives in bright, direct light, which helps it grow strong and produce scented flowers. Just make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely during very hot days, especially if you grow your lavender in pots.Lavender plants are likely to suffer from root rot if often overwatered, and if the soil drainage is particularly poor around them. You can prevent this by ensuring you plant Lavender hedges and shrubs in full sun and well-drained soil. Lavender almost thrive on neglect!
Can Spanish lavender survive winter?
Spanish and French lavenders, on the other hand, are only hardy to Zone 8 and will need to be brought indoors in colder areas. During winter, the plants want to rest and will not produce much, if any, new growth. They are dormant from September until April. Growing Spanish lavender indoors can be a rewarding experience, bringing beauty and fragrance into your home. By providing adequate light, proper watering, and suitable environmental conditions, your Spanish lavender can thrive year-round.Spanish lavender is a very colorful plant for use in mixed perennial gardens, in mass groupings and in containers. Like other lavenders, it grows well in sunny locations, in well-drained soils and with low to moderate amounts of moisture during summer. It shows tolerance of temperatures to 15°F.Spanish and French lavenders, on the other hand, are only hardy to Zone 8 and will need to be brought indoors in colder areas. During winter, the plants want to rest and will not produce much, if any, new growth. They are dormant from September until April.The lifespan of lavender varies depending on the species, growing conditions, and care provided. English lavender can live up to 15 years or more when properly cared for, while French and Spanish lavenders may have shorter lifespans of 5 to 7 years.
Does Spanish lavender grow back every year?
If you want lavender to come back every year, remember: Lavender will come back after winter if you choose the right variety for your climate. Proper pruning helps lavender prepare for dormancy. French and Spanish lavenders may die after extreme winters. Lavender plants may take a couple years to start blooming. Wait til next year and you will be delighted! I have same plants it took a year till the plants get older.Watering: Although Spanish lavender is drought tolerant, you should water new plants regularly until the roots become established, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. After the first year, let the soil become almost dry between waterings.Sowing Instructions: Sow seeds directly onto the surface of the growing medium, gently press in, and barely cover – lavender seeds need light to germinate. Place in a warm, bright location with ample air circulation; keep growing medium moist but not overwatered. Lavender seeds will germinate in 2-6 weeks.The best way to set your lavender up for an stress-free winter is to start early. In the first weeks of fall, (before the first frost) give your plants a trim — cutting them back by about one-third. This simple step helps keep lavender from splitting, becoming too woody, or toppling under the weight of snow.
What is special about Spanish lavender?
Special attributes: Heat and drought tolerant. Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Rabbit and deer resistant. More tolerant of humid conditions than other lavenders. English lavender is widely acknowledged to have the best and strongest scent, with the top three being ‘Folgate’, ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ lavenders; all cultivated especially for their oil.Lavender is renowned for its soothing aroma, but not all varieties are created equal when it comes to fragrance. If you’re looking for the most beautifully scented English lavenders, consider Aromatico Evolution and Hidcote Improved.Spanish lavenders, like Javelin Forte™, bloom earlier and love the heat. English lavenders are more cold-hardy and deliver that classic fragrance and look. Both types love sun and well-drained soil, but which is right for your yard depends on your climate and goals.
How quickly does lavender grow from seed?
Lavender seeds are especially small, nearly microscopic, and can be notorious for their slower 14-28 day germination as well as having a naturally lower germination rate. The crux of the issue is that Lavender seeds germinate at a higher rate when you cold-stratify them. Cold stratification is the process of simulating a winter cold period followed by a return to spring warmth. That cold-to-warm transition signals to the seed that it is time to germinate.Lavender seeds are especially small, nearly microscopic, and can be notorious for their slower 14-28 day germination as well as having a naturally lower germination rate.