From our perspective, we lavender seeds are tiny, patient vessels of life, but we are in a state of enforced dormancy. This is a survival strategy. Our hard outer coat protects the embryonic plant inside, but it also prevents immediate germination in unfavorable conditions. To break this dormancy and convince us that winter has passed, we require a period of cold, moist stratification. This mimics the natural cycle of falling to the ground in autumn and experiencing the cold winter months. Without this chilling period, our internal chemical inhibitors remain active, and we will simply remain dormant in the soil, potentially for a very long time.
Once our dormancy is broken, our needs become very specific. We demand a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix. Our delicate, nascent roots are extremely susceptible to rot and fungal pathogens (damping-off); heavy, waterlogged soil is a death sentence. We require consistent, gentle warmth, ideally between 65-70°F (18-21°C), which acts as a signal that the spring soil is warming. Most critically, we need abundant light to trigger germination. We are photoblastic, meaning light stimulates our germination process. Do not bury us deeply! We must be surface-sown and gently pressed into the soil medium, perhaps with a dusting of vermiculite to retain moisture without blocking light.
As we germinate and our first true leaves (not the initial cotyledons) emerge, our root systems begin to establish. Our needs shift slightly. We still crave intense light—at least 12-16 hours daily—to prevent us from becoming weak and leggy as we strain for a light source. The soil must be kept consistently moist but never saturated. Water from below to avoid disturbing our delicate structures or encouraging mold on our leaves. Good air circulation is paramount to strengthen our stems and keep fungal issues at bay. At this stage, we are incredibly vulnerable and cannot tolerate dryness, excessive heat, or overcrowding.
We have been nurtured in a controlled, cushioned environment. To survive and thrive in your garden, we must be gradually acclimatized to the harsher outdoor conditions. This process, known as hardening off, is non-negotiable. Abruptly moving us outside would shock us with intense sunlight, wind, and temperature fluctuations, causing severe stress or death. You must introduce us to the outdoors gradually: start with a shaded, sheltered spot for a few hours each day, slowly increasing our exposure to sun and breeze over 7-10 days. This allows our cuticle (the waxy layer on our leaves) to thicken and our cellular structure to toughen, preparing us for a successful transplant.
Once established in our permanent location, our needs reflect our Mediterranean heritage. We require full, unabated sun for the majority of the day to fuel our growth and produce the precious oils we are known for. The soil must be lean, gritty, and exceptionally well-draining. Rich, fertile, or constantly moist soil will lead to root rot and weak, floppy growth; we prefer to struggle a little. Provide us with space for air to circulate freely around our foliage, which is our best defense against foliar diseases. With these conditions met, we will reward you with robust growth and fragrant blooms.
