How to Propagate Lavender? Detailed Explanation of Seed Propagation Methods
Lavender is a flower that everyone rather likes. A home decorated with lavender is romantic and full of ambiance, and it is also a flower with a very wide range of uses. I believe everyone would like to grow a few pots at home. Propagation mainly includes sowing, cuttings, layering, root division and other methods, and in production, cutting propagation is mainly used. Let us take a look at lavender propagation methods together below!
Lavender Division Propagation
Lavender division propagation can be carried out in spring or autumn. Use 3-4 year old plants, and in spring from March to April, divide the old roots of mature plants, with each division carrying bud eyes.
Lavender Seed Propagation
1. Seed collection: Lavender blooms in April, and the seeds can be harvested after they mature in June-July. After picking the spike inflorescences of lavender, spread them indoors or in a greenhouse with plastic film. Do not pile them too thickly. Let them dry naturally in the shade. After about 10 days, when the pedicels and outer fruit skins have lost water and become brittle, rub them, then winnow them so the nutlets and impurities can be separated. The nutlets of French lavender need further air drying. When their moisture content drops to 12-15%, they can be collected and stored in a ventilated, cool place for later use.
2. Sowing method: Lavender is suitable for spring sowing (March-May) and autumn sowing (September-October). For sowing, it is better to use a special sowing medium, or a mix of peat plus a small amount of perlite. Put the medium in a seedling tray, level it, spray a small amount of water to moisten it, and then sow. Either drilling or broadcasting is fine. Sow about 10 seeds per square decimeter. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of coconut coir or vermiculite, then spray water once more. Afterwards, spray water appropriately depending on whether the medium is dry or wet.
3. Post-sowing management: After lavender seeds are sown, they can emerge in about one week. The seedlings have strong disease resistance. After emergence, spray 800-fold carbendazim once every two weeks to prevent disease. They need a certain amount of light and nutrients, otherwise they tend to grow leggy and form slender seedlings. When lavender grows to 4-6 true leaves, it can be transplanted once to encourage side branches. Autumn-sown seedlings can be planted out in spring, and spring-sown seedlings can be planted out after 50-60 days.
Lavender Cutting Propagation
1. Cutting period: Lavender has strong adaptability to cutting propagation and can be propagated in both spring and autumn. Even in summer, softwood cuttings are feasible, but the requirements for conditions are stricter: if humidity is too low, they easily wilt, and if humidity is too high, they easily suffer stem rot. From a production perspective, cuttings are generally best taken in autumn when the ground temperature drops to 15-25°C.
2. Cutting treatment: The quality of the cuttings has a direct effect on the cutting survival rate. Cuttings should be taken from vigorous, healthy plants, selecting one-year-old semi-lignified branches that have not yet headed and have short, thick internodes. Cut them at 8-10 cm from the top as cuttings. The cut end of the cutting should be 0.5-1 cm below a node, and the cut should be as smooth as possible. Remove two-thirds of the lower leaves, and do not let the phloem rupture.
3. Cutting method: For the cutting medium, a mixed medium of half perlite and half peat is best. Nurseries with the conditions can make a cutting bed in a greenhouse for cuttings, while those with poorer conditions can make a cutting bed in the open field. After cutting, set up arched rods and cover with plastic film. The cutting bed is generally 1.5 m wide, and the length depends on the site. Spread the medium to about 15 cm thick, and pay attention to disinfecting it before use. Insert to a depth of 5-8 cm, with a plant spacing of 3-4 cm and a row spacing of 5-6 cm. Water thoroughly immediately after inserting, and cover with plastic film to retain moisture.
4. Post-cutting management: With appropriate humidity after lavender cuttings, raising the ground temperature can promote well-developed roots and increase the seedling success rate. Roots will form in more than 10 days after cutting. Lavender is fairly sensitive to water, so slightly dry conditions are preferable. After two months, they can be put into nutrient pots or transplanted to promote sound root development, increase branching, and cultivate strong seedlings.