How To Collect Seeds From Lavender Plants

You can collect seeds from lavender plants by letting the flower spikes mature and dry on the plant before harvesting the tiny seeds inside.
 
It’s a simple, rewarding process that lets you grow new lavender for free.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to collect seeds from lavender plants, the good news is you don’t need any special equipment.
 
All you need is patience, a pair of snips, and a few paper bags.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to collect seeds from lavender plants, when to harvest them, and how to store them so they stay viable.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Collect Seeds from Lavender Plants

Learning how to collect seeds from lavender plants starts with understanding the plant’s natural cycle.
 
Lavender produces seeds only after its flowers have finished blooming and begun to dry.
 
Here’s how to collect seeds from lavender plants step by step.
 

1. Wait for the Flowers to Fade and Dry

The first rule of how to collect seeds from lavender plants is timing.
 
Don’t rush this part.
 
After your lavender blooms, the flowers will slowly fade from purple to a dull grayish-brown.
 
This is your signal that the seeds are forming inside the dried calyxes.
 
If you harvest too early, the seeds won’t be mature and likely won’t germinate.
 
So let those flower spikes stay on the plant until they look completely dry and papery.
 

2. Pick the Right Time of Day

When you’re ready to collect seeds from lavender plants, choose a dry, sunny morning.
 
Avoid harvesting right after rain or during high humidity.
 
Moisture can cause mold to form on the seeds while they’re drying.
 
A dry morning ensures the seed heads are at their best for collection.
 

3. Snip the Seed Heads

Grab your snips or garden shears and cut the dried flower spikes just below the seed head.
 
Leave a few inches of stem attached, which makes handling easier.
 
As you collect seeds from lavender plants, hold each spike carefully over a paper bag or bowl.
 
The seeds are tiny, so a gentle touch prevents them from scattering everywhere.
 

4. Rub the Seed Heads to Release the Seeds

Once you’ve gathered your dried spikes, it’s time to extract the seeds.
 
Rub each flower head between your fingers over a bowl or paper bag.
 
The dried calyxes will crumble, and the small, dark seeds will fall out.
 
This is the most satisfying part of how to collect seeds from lavender plants.
 
You can also gently shake the spikes inside a paper bag to loosen the seeds.
 

5. Separate the Seeds from the Chaff

After rubbing, you’ll have a mix of seeds and dried plant material.
 
Pick out the larger pieces of chaff by hand or use a fine mesh sieve.
 
A gentle blow of air can also help separate the lighter chaff from the heavier seeds.
 
When you collect seeds from lavender plants, clean seeds store better and are easier to plant later.
 

When to Collect Seeds from Lavender Plants

Timing is everything when you want to collect seeds from lavender plants.
 
Most lavender varieties bloom in early to mid-summer.
 
The seeds are usually ready to collect seeds from lavender plants about four to six weeks after the flowers fade.
 
You’ll know the time is right when the flower spikes turn brown and the seeds inside feel dry and hard.
 
In warmer climates, lavender may bloom again in late summer, giving you a second chance to collect seeds from lavender plants.
 
Just keep an eye on the weather.
 
If rain is forecast, harvest before the wet weather hits to avoid mold.
 

1. Signs the Seeds Are Ready

The seeds are ready when the flower heads are fully dry and the tiny seeds inside rattle slightly when you shake the spike.
 
If you open a dried calyx and the seed inside is dark brown or black, it’s mature.
 
Green or white seeds aren’t ready yet, so wait a bit longer before you collect seeds from lavender plants.
 

2. What About Hybrid Lavenders?

Here’s something important to keep in mind.
 
Many popular lavender varieties, like ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead,’ are hybrids.
 
Their seeds may not grow into plants that look exactly like the parent.
 
So when you collect seeds from lavender plants that are hybrids, expect some variation in the offspring.
 
If you want exact copies, take cuttings instead.
 
But collecting seeds is still fun and worth trying.
 

Storing the Seeds You Collect from Lavender Plants

Once you collect seeds from lavender plants, proper storage keeps them viable for years.
 
Place the dried seeds in a small paper envelope or a labeled glass jar.
 
Add a silica gel packet to absorb any lingering moisture.
 
Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry place, like a pantry or a refrigerator.
 
When you collect seeds from lavender plants and store them correctly, they can stay good for two to three years.
 
Always label your seeds with the variety name and the date you collected them.
 
That way, you’ll remember exactly when you collect seeds from lavender plants for future planting.
 

1. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t store seeds in plastic bags, as trapped moisture can cause mold.
 
Avoid harvesting seeds when the flowers are still damp.
 
And never skip the drying step after you collect seeds from lavender plants.
 
Let them air-dry on a screen or paper towel for a few days before storing.
 

2. Planting Your Collected Seeds

When you’re ready to plant, sow the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
 
Press them lightly into the soil surface, since lavender seeds need light to germinate.
 
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and be patient.
 
Seeds you collect from lavender plants can take two to four weeks to sprout.
 
Once they do, you’ll have new lavender plants grown entirely from your own garden.
 

So, How Do You Collect Seeds from Lavender Plants?

You collect seeds from lavender plants by letting the flower spikes dry on the plant, snipping them off on a dry morning, and rubbing the seed heads to release the tiny seeds inside.
 
It’s an easy, low-cost way to multiply your lavender and share it with friends.
 
Just remember to wait until the seeds are fully mature, keep everything dry, and store your seeds properly.
 
Now that you know how to collect seeds from lavender plants, you can save your own seeds season after season.
 
Happy gardening.