Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that is often used in gardening and aromatherapy.
But, as with all plants, it needs the right amount of water to thrive. So, how often should you water lavender seeds? Well, let’s dive in and find out!
Factors that Affect the Watering Frequency of Lavender Seeds
When it comes to watering lavender, there are a few factors to consider. These include:
Soil type
Sandy soil drains faster than clay soil, so it will dry out quicker and need watering more often.
Weather
Hot and dry weather will dry out the soil faster than cool and humid weather.
The size of the container
A small container will dry out faster than a large container.
The stage of growth
seedlings will require more frequent watering than established plants.
Watering Schedule for Lavender Seeds
When it comes to watering lavender seeds, you’ll want to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water the lavender seeds once a week, or when the top inch of soil is dry.
Here’s a handy table to help you keep track of your watering schedule:
Soil Type | Weather | Container Size | Watering Schedule |
Sandy | Hot and Dry | Small | Water every 3-4 days |
Sandy | Cool and Humid | Small | Water once a week |
Clay | Hot and Dry | Large | Water every 5-6 days |
Clay | Cool and Humid | Large | Water once a week |
It’s also important to remember that these are just guidelines and you should always check the soil moisture level before watering.
Tips for Watering Lavender Seeds
- Use a watering can with a fine nozzle to avoid washing away the seeds.
- Water in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler, to prevent evaporation.
- If you’re using a watering system, make sure it’s set to the correct watering frequency.
When to Plant Lavender Seeds
The best time to plant lavender seeds is in the late winter or early spring, ideally around six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your area.
This will give the seedlings enough time to establish themselves before the hot summer weather arrives.
How to Plant Lavender Seeds
To plant your lavender seeds, you’ll need a seed tray or small pots, seed compost or a mixture of seed compost and horticultural sand, and, of course, your lavender seeds.
- Fill your seed tray or pots with seed compost or a mixture of seed compost and horticultural sand.
- Sow your lavender seeds on the surface of the compost or sand, spacing them out evenly.
- Gently press the seeds into the compost or sand to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
- Water your seeds gently and cover the tray or pots with a piece of clear plastic wrap or a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse.
- Place the tray or pots in a warm spot, ideally around 15-20°C (60-68°F), and keep the compost or sand moist but not waterlogged.
Germination and Care
Lavender seeds can take anywhere from two to four weeks to germinate, so be patient! Once they’ve sprouted, remove the plastic cover and place the tray or pots in a sunny spot. Keep the seedlings well-watered and fertilize them every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, you can transplant them into individual pots or into the garden. When transplanting, make sure to choose a spot with well-draining soil and full sun.
Expectations and Yield
It’s important to keep in mind that growing lavender from seeds can be a bit more challenging than growing it from cuttings or established plants. You may not get as many seedlings as you’d like, and some may not make it to maturity.
But for those that do, you can expect to harvest your first blooms in about two to three years. And you know, the satisfaction of growing your own lavender from seeds is worth the wait!
Final Thoughts on Watering Lavender Seeds!
Watering lavender seeds doesn’t have to be a mystery and by following the tips we mentioned in this article you would know how often one must water lavender seeds.