Type of Harvest: Ongoing harvest over the season

Transplant/Direct Sow: Direct sow or transplant - though growing from seed is difficult.

When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the average last frost date for spring.

Days to Germinate: 14-30 days

Days to Maturity: 100-160 days

Planting Depth: 1/32 ” deep - The seeds need sunlight to germinate. 

Germination Temp: 70°F

Seed Spacing: Plant 1-2” apart. Thin to 18” apart.

Row Spacing: 2' apart

Light: Full sun

Soil pH: 6.0-8.0 pH

Water:  1- 1 ½” of water per week

Soil Temperature: Minimum 70°F. These are warm  weather loving plants.

Fertilizer: 20-10-10 N-P-K ratio

Rotation: There is no need to rotate lavender if you amend the soil. Lavendar is a nitrogen loving plant. 

Harvest Type

Selective harvest makes lavender a continuously harvested plant. For larger yields, harvest all at once for a single harvest. 

Transplant / Direct Sow

Lavender seeds are difficult to start. They need sunlight to germinate, which means seeds are broadcast on damp soil and often misted to keep them moist but not soggy. Transplant outdoors when the temperature is over 70°F. 

Sun: 

Full Sun

When to Plant:

Transplant or direct sow seeds when the soil temperature is 70°F.

Days to germinate

It takes most lavender seeds 14-30 days to sprout.

Days to maturity

It takes about 100-160 days for lavender to reach full maturity. 

Planting Depth

Plant seeds on the surface and dust with a very light covering of soil. Seeds need sunlight to germinate. 

Germination Temperature Range

Germination is best when the soil is 70°F.

Spacing Between Plants

Place seeds 1-2" apart and thin to 18" when transplanted to permanent bed. Lavender will grow wide in all direction and fill up the space between neighboring plants. 

TIP: Transplant lavender among your vegetables to help increase pollinations and to deter pest insects.

Companion Plants

The best companion plant for lavender is basil. Basil will deter pest flies that can plague lavender. 

Growing conditions

Lavender likes warm weather. Start with good, well-draining soil—water with 1-1.5" of water per week, keeping the ground evenly moist.  Plant in full sun. Lavender will overwinter if protected. If planted in containers, bring it indoors during the coldest parts of the year. 

Tip: Lavender attracts many beneficial insects to your garden. Plant it as the head of rows and interspersed between larger vegetable plants. 

Rotation

Lavender can be a heavy feeder, especially of nitrogen. There is no reason to rotate lavender if you amend the soil. 

Anticipated yields

Plan your garden yield at 116 plants for each 1-pound of extracted oil. For bundled lavender expect one plant to produce 4-7 bundles.