Lavender

Lavender

Since I seem to have cracked the code, continue with the Munstead so I can replant these in a border around the garden. Grow 8 for myself and 8 to give away. Sow heavily, 3-4 per cell as these seeds are older.

Starting Seeds

• Cold stratify for 4 weeks- Jan. 21
• Start seeds 10- 12 weeks- Feb. 21
• Surface sow and only lightly cover
• Use heat mat at 68 degrees during the day
• Turn off heat mat at night
• Humidity dome and regular misting
• 2-3 weeks for germination
• After germination, keep light 1-2 inches above seedlings.
• Fertilize after 4-5 true leaves

Munstead Lavender 

Soil

• Two parts non-clay soil 
• One part coarse sand (NOT playground sand)
• One part aggregate- Poultry grit

To further improve drainage plant your lavender in a raised bed or a mound. Mulch with fine gravel rather than bark or compost. 

Alkalinity

Lavender likes neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 to 8 is ideal. If the pH is too low, add lime when planting to boost the alkalinity. You can test your soil with a combination of vinegar and baking soda. Collect some soil after making amendments, and add about ½ cup of vinegar per 1 cup of soil. If it fizzes, your soil has a pH between 7 and 8, which is considered alkaline.

Lavender Seedlings

The Munstead seeds that I ordered from Hudson Valley seeds did not do well at all. Only one even germinated and is coming on very slowly. On the flip side, I bought a large Munstead plant at ACE Hardware. I'll see how this grows, but maybe it is time to give up on lavender.