Seed Depth: ¼ inch (surface sow, lightly press into soil)

Seed Spacing: 12–18 inches

Row Spacing: 18–24 inches

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 14–21 days (may require cold stratification for best germination)

Days to Maturity: 90–200 days (best blooms in second year)

Growth Habit: Compact perennial herb with upright flower spikes

Sunlight: Requires full sun for best growth and fragrance.

Soil Type: Prefers sandy, well-drained soil with low to moderate fertility; avoid heavy or waterlogged soils.

When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed.

Direct Sowing: Can be sown outdoors after the last frost, but germination is slower and less reliable without stratification.

Indoor Sowing: Surface sow seeds and lightly press into soil. Keep at 65–70°F with bright light. Germination may take up to 3 weeks. Cold stratification (placing seeds in moist soil in the refrigerator for 2–4 weeks) improves germination.

Succession Planting: Not needed; lavender is a perennial that grows back year after year in suitable zones.

Watering: Water young plants regularly until established. Once mature, lavender is drought-tolerant; water deeply but infrequently. Avoid soggy soil.

Weeding: Keep the area around plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and airflow.

Fertilizing: Requires little feeding. If needed, apply a light dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. Too much fertilizer reduces fragrance.

Mulching: Use gravel or light mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep foliage dry. Avoid heavy organic mulches.

Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth and prevent plants from becoming woody.

Pest Management: Generally pest-resistant, but watch for root rot in poorly drained soils.

When to Harvest: Cut flower spikes just as the buds begin to open for peak fragrance and color. Harvest in the morning after dew has dried.

How to Harvest: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to cut stems above a set of leaves, leaving plenty of foliage for regrowth.

Storing for Use: Bundle stems and hang upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area until fully dry. Store dried flowers in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.

Seed Collection: Allow some flowers to remain and mature into seed heads. Collect seeds once they are dry and darkened.

Storing Seeds: Keep seeds in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark place; viable for 3–4 years.

Allow to Flower: Leave some flower spikes on the plant to mature fully.

Seed Maturity: Collect seeds when the flower heads are completely dry and turning brown.

Harvesting Seeds: Gently rub dried flower heads over a tray to release seeds; remove any chaff or debris.

Storage: Keep seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place; viable for 3–4 years.