planting lavender in seattle Lavender

planting lavender in seattle LavenderEnglish Lavender is one of the most beloved plants in the worldits rich, sweet, earthy fragrance has been used for centuries in perfumes, sachets, healing salves, and culinary preparations. Growing lavender from seed is a rewarding labor of love, yielding a fragrant, drought tolerant perennial that blooms year after year while attracting bees and butterflies throughout the garden. Once established, this is one of the most low maintenance, high reward

English Lavender is one of the most beloved plants in the world—its rich, sweet, earthy fragrance has been used for centuries in perfumes, sachets, healing salves, and culinary preparations. Growing lavender from seed is a rewarding labor of love, yielding a fragrant, drought-tolerant perennial that blooms year after year while attracting bees and butterflies throughout the garden. Once established, this is one of the most low-maintenance, high-reward plants in your entire landscape.

Growing Instructions: Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost—lavender seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Cold stratification (2–4 weeks in the refrigerator) significantly improves germination rates. Transplant after last frost to a well-drained, sunny spot. Lavender is slow from seed but blooms in its second year and persists for decades.

• Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
• Plant Type: Perennial (Zones 5–9)
• Planting Time: Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost
• Planting Depth: Surface sow — press into moist soil; do not cover (needs light)
• Spacing: 18–24 inches apart
• Days to Germination: 14–21 days (cold stratification recommended)
• Days to First Bloom: 2nd year from seed
• Mature Height: 18–24 inches
• Light Needs: Full sun (8+ hours)
• Water Needs: Low — drought tolerant; excellent drainage required
• Difficulty: Moderate (slow from seed; needs well-drained soil)
• Seed Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated