We admire the elegant and serene beauty of Lavender. Thus, we have your back if you want to broaden your lavender landscape. To help you, we researched whether it is possible to plant Lavender using dried buds. Here's the answer!
Lavender can grow from dried buds. But first, separate the seeds from the flower heads before propagation. Explore simple ways for seed collection. Then, store them in a dry, cool place until the spring months come.
In this post, we have a detailed discussion on growing Lavender. We will also explore other related topics, such as the uses of dried buds and the primary care of lavenders. So, please keep on reading to learn more.
How Do You Identify A Lavender Plant?
Its common types include English (Lavandula Angustifolia), French (Lavandula stoechas), Portuguese (Lavandula latifolia), and lavandin (hybrid), to name a few. Similarly, its average height is 1-3 feet.
Nonetheless, Lavender's defining physical qualities are the woody stems, spiral gray-green foliage, and flowers on stalks.
Its flower colors range from purple to white during summer. The leaves and buds, whether open or pine-like petals, emit a sweet and soothing scent when crushed.
Where Are The Seeds In Lavender?
The lavender seeds are within the flower heads or buds. While detaching, you can witness the small, black, and oval-shaped seeds. They are smaller than sesame seeds.
How To Harvest Lavender?
The best time to harvest lavender flowers is in the morning to get their concentrated oils. Trim long portions of stems with small shears when the buds partially blossom. Then, bundle 20 to 30 stems using rubber bands.
After harvesting, hang the bundles of lavender flowers in a dark-covered area for a few weeks until they become brittle and brown or gray. You can try four ways to strip them off gently from the stems using your hands.
- Slid your fingers to each stem downward
- Roll your hands repeatedly
- Shake the bundles inside a container
- Put the bundles inside a cloth sack or pillowcase, then swirl between the fabric.
Finally, place dried buds in jars with lids and keep them in a cool, shady place.
In contrast, you must collect lavender seeds to expand your landscape.
First, lay a paper towel inside a plastic container to easily store the fallen seeds upon shaking the dried flowers.
Isolate them from buds, then fold the sheet to keep them either in a paper envelope, shoebox, or plastic canister. Don't forget to label the seed container with the date of collection.
Finally, cool the container in a refrigerator to undergo a cold stratifying. Remember, the storage life of seeds lasts only for a year. Thus, the best time to plant is during the spring of the same year you gathered them.
Can You Plant Lavender Seeds Directly In The Ground?
You can sow lavender seeds directly on the ground. For better soil drainage, experts recommend planting Lavender in raised beds. It can serve as borders or hedging.
We have more details about lavender soil requirements. So, read this article. Can Lavender Grow In Clay Soil?
How To Grow Lavender Seeds?
Lavender is a popular choice for flowering plants, whether indoors or outdoors. It is easy to grow because of the minimum care it needs.
Aside from the low fertilizer intake, it is not prone to pest infestation. However, it cannot resist over-watering. Hence, ensure the soil is dry before watering.
The essential factors for speedy germination are light, humidity, and temperature. To grow lavender seeds well, meet the following basic needs:
- Soil conditions: dry, sandy, well-draining, neutral to alkaline
- Light exposure: full sun
- USDA hardiness zones: 5a-9a
Along with field and tissue culture, below are the methods to propagate Lavender in a smaller area:
This technique requires more time. The sowing season for indoor Lavender is late winter, while the outdoors is early spring or late fall.
Push the seeds into the soil but not too immersed. You will leave a 1/2 inch deep allowance from the topsoil. Likewise, do not cover the pot or use a humidity dome.
Cuttings And Layering
Unlike seeds, cutting and layering are more straightforward methods and appropriate for hybrid lavenders. Experts recommend performing them during mid-summer.
You will need to cut mature branches without flowering yet. The length must be four inches.
Take away three to five segments of leaves at the bottom. It is where roots will germinate. Then, lay them on clean trays with the soil-less mix. Avoid the direct sun until rooting happens.
With the right conditions, it will sprout within two weeks.
Hydroponic gardening is on the rise. Especially if you are living in multistory buildings, you have limited space for plants. However, not all the species of Lavender are conducive to this propagation.
The Munstead (seed-grown), Portuguese, and English ones will thrive in a water-based method.
Moreover, it bolsters the Lavender's development by 30 percent, unlike the soil grown. It offers aquaponics, deep water culture, and nutrient film technique. Despite being water-based, it will consume less water.
The hydroponic approach brings disadvantages, such as being costly, high maintenance, electric-dependent, and susceptibility to waterborne diseases and nutrient deficiencies.
Here are some recommended tools for lavender hydroponics:
As mentioned earlier, temperature plays a significant role in the lavender to thrive.
Maintain the heat between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The most typical tool to produce artificial heat is using a heating mat. This innovative mat is perfect for seeding or cutting.
Net pots are durable and convenient for transporting your Lavender. They are widely compatible with the mentioned hydro-systems. They come in plastic and steel.
Fit the right-sized pots inside transparent glass jars to control the water level easily.
If your house lacks sufficient sunlight, try LED lights. Outdoor weather will not interrupt the 6 to 8 hours of light exposure, whether it is rainy or cloudy.
Since these fixtures will consume energy daily, find energy-efficient ones.
For a good selection of plant light fixtures, explore this guide: 5 Best Floor Lamps For Plants.
Does Lavender Spread Quickly?
Lavenders spread between 16 to 40 inches, depending on their type. While some varieties are fast-growing, their height expands equally with their thickness.
Although they have seed-bearing flowers, they will not cultivate freely without the required conditions. Lavenders do not self-propagate, unlike oreganos. As a result, you do not need to worry about their range.
Meanwhile, the lavender root system is non-invasive. It means it has shallow and fibrous roots. It is safe for your house's sewerage and foundation. Its span is about 8 to 10 inches.
Nonetheless, cutting back is still an essential part of shrub maintenance.
How Do You Prune Mature Lavenders?
Every after blossoming, shorten the lavender stems. Although flowering is usually in the late summer, some species will adapt to their environment. In return, their growth will deviate from the general ones.
Spring is the ideal pruning time for matured lavenders in temperate climates, whereas the autumn is better for warm surroundings. So, monitor this aspect.
When pruning, pinch any dead or dying flower stalks and an inch of leaf sprouts. Dead-heading lengthens the blooming time.
Here are a handful of reminders when pruning Lavender:
- Snipping off the woody stems will hamper regrowth and flowering.
- Pruning during the winter months will weaken the plant.
- Too much pruning will stress and kill your shrub.
What Happens If You Don't Prune Lavender?
Failing to prune regularly will make the Lavender appear worn out and decrease its branching. Likewise, it increases the risk of weather damage. It produces fewer or no blooms despite becoming tall.
Aside from being low-maintenance, Lavender wants companion plants to boost its development and function as a barrier to dangerous pests. You can plant it alongside these herbs and flowers.
- African daisy
Meantime, avoid these plants because they will compete with Lavender instead.
What Can You Do With Dried Lavender?
Besides re-planting, the dried lavender buds offer several purposes to maximize the natural aroma and appearance. They also have antibacterial properties. Hence, they are helpful for your home and loved ones.
- Air freshener
- Bath salts
- Beauty products
- Beverages (tea, juices)
- Bug repellant
- Deodorizer (carpet, drawer, and shoes)
- Aromatherapy oil
- Laundry scent bags
- Hanging decor
- Herb (marinades and sauces)
- Homemade soy candle
- Party favors
- Sleep aid
- Sugar scrub
- Sweetener (cookies and bread)
- Wedding confetti
To Wrap It All Up
Growing Lavender using its buds is a simple and free alternative to purchasing seeds.
Knowing different horticulture techniques for Lavender will help you assess which one will fit your lifestyle and desired outcome.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, explore these articles about herbs: