There are several ways to propagate lavender: cuttings, layering, dividing the bush, seeds. The sowing method, experts say, is the most difficult, because it requires a stratification process (i.e., placing in cold conditions). It should be remembered that not all types of lavender are suitable for central Russia, but mainly narrow-leaved lavender. To wait for shoots, you need to sow lavender correctly, in compliance with certain requirements.
Instructions
Step 1
Determine a location on the site for lavender. It should be sunny and dry. However, keep in mind that one lavender bush lives for several decades, so the place must be permanent, lavender does not tolerate transplanting well.
Step 2
Prepare the soil for sowing lavender seeds. Apply coarse river sand or fine gravel to the soil, the soil should be well permeable. Dig up the site.
Step 3
It is believed that the best time to sow lavender seeds is October. Sow lavender seeds to a depth of 3-4 mm (no more than 0.5 cm). Compact the soil lightly and water (no heavy watering needed). With the onset of cold weather, cover crops with snow. Seedlings may appear next year at the end of May, or even at the beginning of June. Do not rush to despair ("nothing has sprung up!") To dig up the area with lavender seeds.
Step 4
If you didn't have time to sow lavender in the fall, don't worry - sow in May or early June next year. However, before sowing in spring, keep the seeds in the refrigerator (right in the bag) for a month or two. You can also try this option: In January-February, sow the lavender seeds in a small box with good drainage and nutritious soil, and bury the box in the snow. In the spring, carefully remove the earthen lump from the box and, without shaking it, transfer it to the lavender's permanent place of residence, which you have determined in advance. Naturally, the soil must be prepared by you in advance.
Step 5
There is another option for lavender seed propagation. After keeping the seeds in the cold for 30-40 days, in February or early March, sow them on seedlings in a tray or box (the soil should be nutritious and at the same time permeable, i.e. with a large content of sand or pebbles). Place the tray in a well-lit place, the room temperature should be between +15 and + 22ºC. For faster germination, you can treat the crops with Gibberelin (150-200 mg / l). Plant the grown seedlings in a greenhouse at a distance of 5-8 cm from one another. Air the greenhouse constantly. At the end of May, you can plant each sprout in a permanent place.
Step 6
Avid growers manage to grow lavender at home, although no floriculture guide mentions lavender as a houseplant. If you want to take the risk and try growing lavender at home, take fresh lavender seeds and plant them in a pot with permeable soil (good drainage at the bottom and a mixture of river sand or pebbles with nutrient soil). Water. After a short time, sprouts should appear. For the summer, you can take the pot out to the balcony or loggia. With the onset of cold weather, bring it home and place it in a cool place. Watering is very moderate. It is believed that if lavender survives its first winter, it will continue to grow normally. True, you should not expect abundant flowering from it.
