Lavender, cherished for its aromatic blooms and versatility, can be grown through two primary methods: propagation by cuttings or starting from seed. Each approach has its strengths and challenges, but for gardeners aiming for uniformity and efficiency, cuttings often stand out as the preferred method. Jason from Fraser Valley Rose Farm provides valuable insights into both methods, sharing updates from his experiments with lavender propagation.
This article delves into the results of his three-month journey, exploring the differences in growth, care, and performance between lavender propagated from cuttings versus seed.
Cuttings: The Fast Track to Uniformity
Lavender cuttings offer gardeners a fast and consistent way to produce plants identical to the parent plant. Jason demonstrates this with a tray of lavender propagated from cuttings, highlighting their uniformity in size, color, branching, and flowering. Because cuttings are clones of the parent plant, they inherit its exact traits, making them ideal for gardeners seeking reliability and high-quality results.
Advantages of Propagating Lavender from Cuttings:
- Uniform Growth: Every cutting grows at the same rate, creating a cohesive look across all plants.
- Fast Establishment: Cuttings root and grow faster than seedlings, saving valuable time.
- Reliable Traits: By replicating a single plant, cuttings ensure consistent color, growth habit, and hardiness.
Seeds: Diversity with a Longer Timeline
Growing lavender from seed offers a different set of benefits. Seeds can be an excellent choice for experimenting with new varieties or introducing genetic diversity. However, Jason’s comparison reveals that seed-grown lavender takes longer to establish and produces plants with greater variability. Differences in branching, foliage color, and flowering timing are common in seedlings, which may or may not suit a gardener’s goals.
Challenges of Seed-Grown Lavender:
- Variability: Plants grown from seed show differences in size, shape, and performance.
- Longer Development: Seeds require more time to germinate and reach maturity.
- Inconsistent Traits: Seedlings may not perfectly replicate the parent plant’s characteristics.
Care Tips for Lavender in Pots
Whether propagated from cuttings or grown from seed, lavender requires thoughtful care to thrive in pots. Jason emphasizes key practices to ensure healthy, robust plants:
1. Pinching for Fuller Growth
Pinching encourages branching and results in bushier lavender plants. Jason initially pinches individual stems by hand when the plants are young. For larger batches, he uses a “ponytail” technique, gathering stems together and trimming them evenly across the top. This creates uniform branching and a denser, more attractive plant.
2. Choosing the Right Soil
Jason uses a potting mix made from composted bark mulch and shredded wood fiber, but other well-draining options like peat and perlite also work well. Regardless of the mix, the soil should support root aeration and minimize water retention to prevent rot.
A key consideration for lavender in pots is avoiding compaction, which can reduce drainage. Over time, soil can settle and restrict airflow to the roots, so choosing a light, coarse medium from the start is crucial. This ensures the plant’s health and reduces the risk of diseases like root rot.
3. Fertilization
Incorporating a slow-release fertilizer into the potting mix provides steady nutrition. Additionally, Jason recommends supplementing with water-soluble fertilizer if foliage appears pale or yellow, ensuring plants maintain healthy growth throughout the season.
4. Watering Lavender in Pots
Lavender’s reputation as a drought-tolerant plant can be misleading when grown in pots. In containers, lavender lacks the deep roots it uses in the ground to find water. Jason advises gardeners to water potted lavender generously, especially during the off-season when it remains semi-active in greenhouses or sunrooms. He notes that keeping the soil evenly moist—not soaked—is key to avoiding stress or disease.
Overwatering can also pose risks. While lavender needs sufficient water, Jason cautions against letting the soil become waterlogged, as this creates conditions for fungal infections like botrytis. Observing the plant’s leaves can help gauge hydration: limp, grayish leaves signal water stress, while vibrant foliage indicates proper care.
5. Preventing Disease
In winter, when lavender grows more slowly, maintaining consistent moisture without overwatering is especially important. If leaves lose their firmness and become susceptible to rot, pathogens like botrytis can take hold. Regularly checking for signs of stress and adjusting watering habits can help avoid these issues.
Comparing Growth Results: Cuttings vs. Seeds
Jason’s side-by-side comparison of lavender grown from cuttings and seed underscores the practical advantages of each method.
- Cuttings: After three months, lavender propagated from cuttings had achieved uniform size and appearance, with consistent branching and flowering. These plants developed quickly and were ready for transplanting sooner than their seed-grown counterparts.
- Seeds: While seedlings showed more variation in size, color, and flowering, they offered the advantage of genetic diversity. Some plants exhibited unique traits that might appeal to gardeners exploring new possibilities.
For gardeners prioritizing efficiency and consistency, cuttings are the clear choice. However, seeds remain a valuable option for those seeking variety and a sense of discovery.
Using Lavender in the Garden
Regardless of how it’s propagated, lavender’s versatility makes it a staple for many gardeners. It thrives in containers, formal hedges, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Lavender is also an excellent choice for crafting, whether used for dried bouquets, sachets, or essential oils. By propagating lavender yourself, you can quickly scale up your garden and customize its layout to suit your needs.
Jason’s Winter Tips for Lavender Propagation
Jason is currently propagating a new batch of lavender under grow lights and a humidity dome. His plan is to transplant the rooted cuttings into larger pots, pinch them for bushier growth, and hold them over winter for a formal lavender planting next spring. He reiterates the importance of watering potted lavender generously through the off-season, as the plants do not go fully dormant and require care to avoid stress and disease.
Final Thoughts
Propagating lavender by cuttings or seeds each has its place in a gardener’s toolkit, but for uniformity, speed, and reliability, cuttings take the lead. Jason’s experiments at Fraser Valley Rose Farm showcase the value of thoughtful propagation techniques, from the initial cutting to the care required for thriving, healthy plants.
Whether you’re planning a lavender hedge, filling pots for your patio, or experimenting with new varieties, the choice between cuttings and seeds depends on your goals. For more guidance or to see Jason’s latest lavender updates, explore Fraser Valley Rose Farm’s website or drop your questions in the comments section of his videos.
