Grow a garden filled with the sweet fragrance of Munstead Lavender, from freshly harvested Lavandula angustifolia seeds. Munstead is an early blooming variety of Lavender, which produces violet colored blooms. These sweetly scented flowers are more compact than Hidcote, or English Lavender, only growing to a mature height of roughly 12 to 18 inches tall. The blooms are known to attract all sorts of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees and hummingbirds as well. Popularly grown in many insectaries and butterfly gardens, Munstead Lavender can also be used as a border plant, along driveways, fences and sidewalks.
Munstead Lavender is categorized as a perennial flowering herb. Perennials will form a deep root system in their initial year of growth, which will allow the plants to return yearly, after all danger of frost has passed. Munstead Lavender is not only a gorgeous flower, but it is also used for its essential oils as well.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Perennial
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Lavender / Violet
- Height: 12″ to 18″ Tall
- Width: 20″ Spread
- Harvest: 100 Days
- Uses: Culinary / Medicinal
- Environment: Full Sunlight
Sowing The Seed
Lavender seeds are best started indoors, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Start in peat pots, sowing 3 to 5 seeds per pot, at a shallow depth of 1/16” under topsoil. The seeds will require a bit of direct light to properly germinate, so try not to bury them deeper than the recommended depth. Transplant small pots into larger containers if necessary, or transplant directly into the garden, when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Lavender herbs will require an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day. Temperatures of at least 70F are recommended. A light soil that contains a small amount of gravel will best suit your Lavender plants, as they will need a well draining medium. They are fond of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. Water the seeds daily with a spray bottle or mist setting, until germination has successfully occurred.
Germination & Growth
Lavender seeds will typically germinate within 7 to 21 days after sowing. The Munstead strain will produce short, 12 to 18 inch plants, which form a compact, bush like growth habit. The plants can be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. Harvest the purple flowers for use as a garnish, and use the oils for all sorts of flavoring and perfumes.