Lavender

Basic Information

Seed Number

36

Seed Name

Lavender

Variety

English

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Plant Type

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Planting Method

Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Feb 24

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 1

Plantable Months

February, March, May, June

Indoor Start

Feb 24 – Mar 10

Direct Sow

Not Recommended

Transplant

May 6 – Jun 1

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

10 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

0 weeks

Germination Days

14–21 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65-70°F

Planting Depth

1/8 in

Plant Spacing

12-18 in

Row Spacing

24-36 in

Thin-To Spacing

Not recorded

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist while establishing; once established, allow soil to dry between waterings

Soil Preference

Very well-drained soil; neutral to slightly alkaline soil is preferred; avoid wet winter soil

Minimum Container Size

3-5 gal

Plant Height

12-36 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Perennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors early; transplant
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 15 – Jun 15
Germination Time: 14–30+ days
Days to Harvest / Bloom: Blooms year 2 usually
Container Friendly: Yes, well-drained pot
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Aromatic/herbal
Succession / Reusable Notes: Slow and fussy from seed; cold stratification may help.
Zone 6B Notes: Hardy types do best with dry, well-drained soil.
Companion Plants: Roses, sage, thyme, oregano, echinacea, yarrow, fruiting vegetables nearby
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Wet soil, shade
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: English lavender is perennial in Zone 6B when planted in full sun with excellent drainage. Start seed indoors 8-10 weeks before the May 5 last frost and transplant after frost danger has passed.
Germination: Seeds require some light for germination. Sow only 1/8 inch deep and maintain 65-70°F.
Harvest: Harvest flower stems when the lower flowers begin opening. For drying, cut on a dry day and hang small bundles in a shaded, well-ventilated location.
Seed Saving: Allow selected flower spikes to mature and dry before collecting seed. Seed-grown English lavender may show natural variation.
Special Care: Good drainage is critical for winter survival. Excess moisture and wet winter soil are more damaging than cold temperatures.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/herbs/lavender/lavender-key-growing-information.html — 14-21 day germination, 65-70°F soil temperature, 8-10 week indoor start, sowing depth, spacing and transplant timing
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]