This species of Lavender is one of the richest in essential oils, meaning more fragrance power both fresh and dried. Fresh flowers can be crystalized and used in candies and cakes; dried flowers are used in potpourris and satchets; oils are used in creams and perfumes. These are only some of the more common uses - imagination can create endless more.
An evergreen perennial, English lavender has a subtle blue-green coloring and sweet fragrance. Reaching 24 to 36 inches high, it boasts 2½ inch, linear, downy leaves on strong stems. The leaves first open white, then turn a pale gray-blue-green color. Stalks of tiny purple flowers grow up to 14 inches tall.
Grow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in an open, sunny spot. Trim back in spring to encourage bushier growth; also deadhead after flowering.
Approx. 200 seeds per packet
English Lavender Seeds
It is very common for lavender seeds to have low germination in general. Since lavender is a perennial plant, its energy is put into keeping itself and its root structure alive; unlike annuals that are primed for seed production perennials are not. So, their germination rate tends to be lower.
For the best germination, lavender seed needs cold stratification. Place seed on a moist paper towel, roll and seal in a Ziploc bag. Place in the back of the refrigerator for about one month. Check once a week and moisten the paper towel as needed. You may carefully remove seed as it germinates and plant in a sterile seeding mix. At the end of the stratification period, plant remaining seed and barely cover as light aids in germination. You should see growth in 14 to 30 days. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of the true leaves using the same seeding mix. Lavender doesn't like to be water-logged so watch your watering carefully and supply a strong light source.