Question
hi, today i harvested lavendar seeds from my lavendar and am wondering how best to start new plants from these seeds. i understand that these seeds may not be true to species because of cross pollination. questions: how long before these seeds are ready to plant?.....what is the best medium to plant in?.... is there a required amount of daylight necessary? how long does germination take before seeing them sprout?........thanks for helping!

Answer
Hi John,
Thanx for your question.  Your lavender seeds sound to me like they are ripe and so would be ready to start if you wanted to do so, now.  The thing is, will your climate allow for it?  Basically, most of us in the U.S. and Canada should wait until spring to start perennial seeds.  I usually start mine in early February and they are nice and strong seedlings by our last frost here in Kansas City around April 10-15.  It takes 2-3 weeks for lavender seeds to germinate at 75癋/24癈.  The seedlings will need to germinate beneath a 40-watt flourescent shop light suspended about 8 inches above the seed tray.  Keep the seedling under lights about 12 hours per day. I just use potting soil from Walmart because it is inexpensive and it does the trick.  When the seedlings are large enough to handle, gently prick them out and plant them in separate cells or pots.  After the last frost, take them outdoors and put them in the shade for 10 days.  This gets them acclimated to being outside and the stronger light, wind, rain, etc.  Then plant in full sun.

I hope this helps.
Tom