Where to buy lavender seeds? An introduction to purchasing channels
Lavender is also known as lingxiangcao, xiangcao, huangxiangcao, and other names. It is a semi-shrub or dwarf shrub of the genus Lavandula in the Lamiaceae family. Its leaf shapes and flower colors are elegant and graceful, and its blue-purple inflorescences are long and beautiful. The flowering period is generally from June to August. When used to build a specialized aromatic plant garden, it can achieve greening, beautification, color enhancement, and fragrance in one. Now let us take a look at where lavender seeds are sold!
Where are lavender seeds sold?
Lavender seeds can usually be bought at flower and bird markets or online. Lavender originates from the Mediterranean coast, various parts of Europe, and the islands of Oceania. In production, it can be propagated by seeds and by cuttings. Lavender sown and raised from seed propagates quickly, has a well-developed root system, and produces robust seedlings, but it shows relatively large variation and the seeds are more expensive. Lavender propagated by cuttings can maintain the excellent qualities of the mother plant and has strong adaptability. It can be done in both spring and autumn, and management is relatively convenient. No fertilization is needed throughout the seedling stage, so it is used more often in production.
Cultivation conditions for lavender
1. Temperature: Lavender is semi-heat-tolerant, prefers coolness, and likes warm winters and cool summers. The suitable temperature for growth is 15-25°C, and it can grow at 5-30°C. If it is above 38-40°C for a long time, the top stems and leaves turn yellow and dry. In northern winters, it begins to go dormant when it remains below 0°C for a long time.
2. Water: Lavender is a plant that prefers dryness and does not need much water. It needs more water during the greening stage and bud stage, less water during the flowering stage, an appropriate amount during the seed-setting stage, and winter irrigation or snow cover is needed during the winter dormant period.
3. Sunlight: Lavender is a long-day plant and requires sufficient sunlight during growth and development. It requires more than 2000 hours of sunshine throughout the year. If the plant is in a shady and damp environment, it will develop poorly and age relatively quickly.
4. Soil: Lavender has a well-developed root system and prefers deep, loose, well-aerated, fertile soil rich in silicon and calcium. Soil that is strongly acidic or alkaline, heavily clayey, poorly drained, or has a high groundwater level is not suitable for planting.
How to plant lavender seeds?
1. Sowing time: Try not to sow lavender out of season, because lavender is not heat-tolerant. The best sowing season is mainly spring. Of course, autumn sowing is also possible. The best germination temperature for the seeds is 15-20°C.
2. Container selection: For home sowing of lavender seeds, relatively short small flower pots can be used, and other containers can also be used instead, such as yogurt cups, disposable plastic cups, and so on.
3. Soil preparation: The soil used for sowing lavender needs to be loose, breathable, high in water-holding capacity, and fully sterilized. A mixed soil of vermiculite, peat, sphagnum moss, perlite, osmund fiber, and so on can be used.
4. Seed treatment: Before sowing, lavender seeds should be sun-dried, soaked in 30°C warm water for 12-24 hours, soaked in concentrated sulfuric acid for 5 minutes, and finally rinsed with water and air-dried before sowing.
5. Sowing method: When sowing lavender in April, 2-3 seeds can be spot-sown in each container. After germination, depending on the growth of the seedlings, keep one stronger plant. The minimum germination temperature for the seeds is 8-12°C, and the optimum temperature is 20-25°C.
6. Soaking and watering: After sowing lavender seeds, soak the flower pot in water (the water level only needs to reach the middle of the pot) so that the pot absorbs water from the bottom. After a few minutes of soaking, it can be taken out.
7. Post-sowing management: Before lavender seeds germinate, it is best to place them in a cool place. They generally germinate in about 5-10 days. After germination, move the lavender to a bright place for care.