Growing lavender by seed hydroponically is a new approach that holds great promise for aspiring lavender growers. While this method may not have been widely explored, it presents an exciting opportunity for those looking to cultivate lavender without the need for a greenhouse.
As pioneers in the field of lavender seed germinated hydroponic cultivation, we are thrilled to share our insights and experiences on how to successfully grow 6000 lavender plants a year without relying on traditional greenhouse methods. By embracing innovative techniques and leveraging hydroponic systems, we aim to revolutionize the way lavender is grown and inspire others to embark on this unique journey with us.
“You Cannot Grow Lavender Hydroponically”
We embarked on our lavender seed growing journey in 2019. There is VERY little information out there about growing lavender from seed. Period. It was a lot of trial and error to get our boutique lavender seed grown farm started. Our Michigan lavender farm is approximately 80% seed grown and we are probably the only lavender farm in the US that can humblebrag that statistic. The only plants that are not seed grown are sterile lavandin (does not produce seed) and 2 patented English lavender varities.
Peer and Trade Group Rejection: “Lavender Doesn’t Like Wet Feet”
We have experienced harsh words from peers and trade groups. We have been thrown out of facebook groups because we are so bold to not only grow from seed, but to grow from seed hydroponically. There are several lines of thought behind this and they are all myths. Old school thinking is preventing the field of lavender farming from progressing into this century.
Hydroponic starts use less water and a smaller footprint – no huge greenhouse wasting precious space is necessary. I produce 6000 lavender plants a year in a 2 foot by 4 foot vertical space in my house.
The big objection and rejection came because “lavender doesn’t like wet feet.” This is true, established lavender has very low water requirements. Seedlings and propagated clone plugs need water all the way until establishment.
We have been discredited, shunned, mocked and ridiculed by lavender farmers and trade groups since 2019 because we dare to be different.
No, Thank You
This past winter 2023, two years after I have this dialed in, I was invited, by a trade group, to go to Kansas (at my own expense,) to show lavender farmers (the lion’s den,) how to grow lavender from seed (as if I can carry seed in my pocket and toss it in the ground.)
I invited them to come to my farm and they rejected my offer. I did not want to be ridiculed, at my own expense, to show my peers how to do this without my extensive equipment. Rather, I will just write this blog post to show everyone it can be done!
Hold My Beer
Summer 2021: We obtained a “Lettuce Grow” hydroponic unit to grow greens for personal use all year long. Paul is a diabetic and there were still COVID food supply chain shortages. We thought this was the perfect solution to having fresh greens no matter the season!
Fall 2021: I obtained a smaller seed starting hydroponic unit to get the greens started and to prevent the seedlings from taking up precious real estate in the larger Lettuce Grow unit.
Winter 2021: I wondered if I could start lavender seeds hydroponically in the smaller unit and had some room, so why not try! I must quote my sailor: “Well, I will be dipped in dog shit!” It worked!
Hydroponic Seed Grown Lavender is Healthier than Propagated Lavender Clones: Lavender Does Need Water For Establishment!
We busted all myths for seed grown hydroponic lavender and proved the naysayers wrong. In fact, we found that the lavender hydroponic seed grown plugs are healthier and stronger than propagated lavender clones. The survival rate of the hydroponic grown lavender kicks the propagated lavender plugs to the curb!
Our aeroponic setup grows 500 viable lavender plants per month or 6000 lavender plants per year in a 2 foot by 4 foot vertical footprint:
How We Grow Lavender Hydroponically
You may use any hydroponic or aeroponic unit to start lavender from seed. We do not endorse any specific unit. You do, however, need to create the ideal growing conditions for growing lavender hydroponically.
The same basic fundamentals apply to germinating lavender in hydroponics as growing lavender from seed in dirt.
So Easy to Seed Trays
You simply add 3-5 lavender seeds to each growing medium. We personally use a sphagnum peat medium. I think this type of medium helps establish lavender plants in the ground as it retains water. Then it disintegrates over time.
Alkaline Well Water
You do need alkaline water for lavender to grow and thrive in hydroponics. You will want your hydroponic water to be untreated and chemical free (well or distilled water.) The pH should be maintained between 6.5-7.5.
Luckily our well water has seriously high alkaline properties so we do not need to make amendments or adjustments to the water pH.
Grow Lights
Lavender seeds need light to germinate. You never want to bury your lavender in dirt or hydroponic medium. Keep the seeds on the top so the lavender can “see the light.” Choose a hydroponic or aeroponic unit with grow lights affixed to the unit for best results. Set your lights for 18 hours on, 8 hours off daily. When germinating lavender the lights should be 6 inches above the growing medium. After the lavender has two sets of true leaves, the lights should be adjusted to 12 inches above the seedlings. This is to avoid “leggy” lavender seedlings.
Heated Room
Lavender needs lots of heat to germinate! We keep our “plant room” a toasty 75-85 degrees.
Viable Plant in 3 Weeks
If you recreate the above conditions, you will have viable lavender plants within 3-4 weeks!
Live English Lavender Plant 6 Pack For Sale | Hydroponic Starts
Buy Lavender Plants in a 6 Pack and Save!
This English lavender plant offering is for six different varieties of “grower’s choice” rooted starter lavender plugs. You will be pleasantly surprised with our different varieties of lavender: we have purples, blues, pinks and white! Comes with planting and care instructions.
Renee started out as an avid real estate blogger in 2006. Opting for a less stressful life, Paul and Renee moved to Michigan in 2018 and started a lavender farm in 2019.
There are very few resources available to aspiring lavender farmers for growing lavender, lavender aromatherapy and lavender culinary infusion.
Renee hopes to change and shake up the world of lavender by sharing her knowledge and experience she has gained by being a lavender farmer and aromatherapist with lavender lovers all over the world.
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