Lavender plants are available in several shades, and offer a sweet smelling addition to any garden or flower bed. Geographic areas in the zone 5 and zone 8 regions of the United States can grow lavender plants nearly all year around, due to the warm temperatures. Cooler areas of the county, where frost is an issue, can typically have lavender plants from the late spring to fall seasons.
Step Two
English Lavender - The hardy English lavender plants will flourish in zones 1 to 5, but must have adequate drainage. This type of lavender should be planted in the middle to late spring season. By the late spring or early summer, the English lavender should bloom and will need pruning by summer for continued healthy growth.
Step Three
Hybrid Lavender - English lavender hybrid plants can typically weather all zones, and should be planted in the late spring. Blooms will begin to appear by the middle of the summer. Common varieties of English hybrids include the Grosso, Fred Boutin, Provence, Grappenhal, Dutch Mill, Seal, Giant, Hidcote and White Grosso.
Step Four
Seeds and Cutlings - While lavender seeds are available, most plants sprout from cuttings taken from large and healthy plants. By using, cut lavender plants, the growing process is much quicker than starting from a seed. Not all varieties of lavender plants are readily available in seed format. The Spanish, yellow and Hidcote lavender varieties can be found in seeds at most garden centres.
Step Five
Planting Tips - A much slower germination period is involved when growing lavender from seeds, with weather becoming much more of a factor when planting outdoors. Lavender seeds can be started indoors in cooler climates, and transplanted outside when the danger of frost is over. Spring seeds are more likely to produce plants than fall seed plantings. Sprouting from seeds commonly takes at least two weeks and should be grown in a 21.1 degrees C setting. The growth of fungus is a common problem when growing lavender plants from seedlings. Typically, lavender seeds require at least one to three months of growing time before they can be transplanted outside. The addition of fertiliser to fight fungus and promote growth is recommended.