- Start the seeds indoors from February-April.
- Sow the seeds thinly on the surface of moist, seed compost and press in lightly.
- Place in a heated propagator at 18-21c until germination occurs.
- Germination is erratic and will occur within 14-90 days.
- If germination hasn’t occured after 28 days, cold stratify for 4-6 weeks before returning to warmth.
- Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.
- Grow on in cooler conditions in bright light and avoid overwatering.
- Gradually acclimatise the plants to cooler, outdoor conditions before planting out.
- Plant out after the risk of frost has passed into their final flowering position.
- Space plants about 30-40 cm apart to allow good air circulation.
- Water sparingly once established, avoid over‑watering.
- Prune back lightly in early summer after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Harvest flowers when in full bloom for drying or aromatic use.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) ‘Common English’ is a long-lived perennial with fragrant violet-blue flower spikes and aromatic grey-green foliage, lasting 20-30 years. Ideal for sunny borders, or containers, it can be used for lavender oil and also attracts pollinators.
