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How to Grow Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Ready to grow Lavender?

Order seeds or buy established plants.

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πŸ› οΈ Supplies You'll Need

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Find Your Lavender Planting Dates

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Lavandula angustifolia
Category herb
Type Shrub
Days to Maturity 90 days
Starting Method Start Indoors

β˜€οΈ Growing Requirements

β˜€οΈ

Sun

Full Sun (6+ hours)

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Water

Low (drought tolerant once established)

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Spacing

24" apart

🌱

Depth

0.125" deep

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Height

18-36"

🌱

Germination

14-21 days

Ready to Grow Lavender?

Buy seeds or established plants from trusted suppliers.

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🀝 Good Companions

TomatoBrassicasRoseSage
See the full companion planting guide for Lavender β†’

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟑 Moderate
βœ… Open-pollinated β€” seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let flower spikes dry fully on the plant before harvesting.

Processing

Strip seeds from dried spikes, winnow to remove chaff. Seeds are small and germination is slow.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Cold-stratify seeds for 4–6 weeks to improve germination rates β€” without stratification, germination is erratic.

Seed Storage Supplies

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Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4Γ—8 bed fits 8 plants of Lavender. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size β†’

Lavender Planting Calendar by Zone

Lavender Planting Calendar by State

Other Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lavender? +

Start Lavender seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

How long does Lavender take to grow? +

Lavender typically matures in about 90 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Lavender indoors or direct sow? +

Lavender should be started indoors 10 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

How much sun does Lavender need? +

Lavender requires full sun (6+ hours) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Lavender? +

Space Lavender plants 24 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Lavender need? +

Lavender has low (drought tolerant once established) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Lavender? +

Yes β€” seed saving difficulty for Lavender is rated moderate. Let flower spikes dry fully on the plant before harvesting. Strip seeds from dried spikes, winnow to remove chaff. Seeds are small and germination is slow.

How long do Lavender seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Lavender seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Lavender seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes β€” Lavender is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Lavender

Fragrant perennial herb with purple flower spikes. Excellent for pollinator gardens, culinary use, and dried arrangements. Slow from seed β€” consider buying transplants.

Expect your Lavender to be ready for harvest in approximately 90 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.