lavender seeds in castings

[GardenRN]

Had some nice results and just thought I'd put them out there. I know lavender seeds are notoriously slow to germinate. Last year mine took about a month to sprout and I have heard similar results.

This year I started my lavender seeds (from the same batch as last year), under the same fluorescent lights (literally even on the same shelf) and at 70 degrees F. in my basement. The only difference this year was that I sprouted them in 100% fresh worm castings. They sprouted after just 7 days! now after 2 weeks total they are about 2" tall and have their 2nd set of true leaves. I can already smell the lavender smell if I get real close and give a good sniff.

All 4 seeds I started came up at the same time also, so I really don't think it was a coincidental thing with just one seed.

Anyway, take it for what it's worth. IDK why the castings would offer quicker germination, but it just seemed like it so I thought I'd throw it out there.

[gofarmer]

I have never had any luck growing lavender. Can start it off and get seedlings but then just die after a few weeks.

[rainbowgardener]

gofarmer - with no other info to go on, but what you said, I would guess too much moisture. Are you trying to grow them in potting soil? Lavender likes sandy, very well draining soil and does not like to stay damp all the time (and of course warm and sunny).

Not saying they can't be grown in potting soil, I have done it, but if you are having trouble getting them going, it would help to get some cactus mix or something free draining like that.

[gofarmer]

Cheers. Yes thinking about it, probably was compost/potting soil. And they were probably kept too damp. Will try again in the spring.

[bangstrom]

GardenRN,
I suspect you have something microbial going on. Plant seeds often have a tough outer coat that needs to be dissolved away by soil microbes before the seeds can germinate. Sterilized soil media may be lacking in the proper microbes and the common molds that later take over are the kind that cause damping off in seedlings. I like to add a few well composted wood chips to my seed starting media to give the good microbes a head start for better germination and fewer disease problems. Worm castings are likely to have the same effect.

[GardenRN]

GardenRN,
I suspect you have something microbial going on. Plant seeds often have a tough outer coat that needs to be dissolved away by soil microbes before the seeds can germinate. Sterilized soil media may be lacking in the proper microbes and the common molds that later take over are the kind that cause damping off in seedlings. I like to add a few well composted wood chips to my seed starting media to give the good microbes a head start for better germination and fewer disease problems. Worm castings are likely to have the same effect.

I'm confused. Do you mean you think that's the reason the seeds took forever to germinate in the past? I have never used a sterile seed starting mix. And I have seen many people comment on how long it took lavender seeds to germinate. I normally just use garden soil. However, the advantage I think the worm castings had was that they tend to stay more evenly moist over a longer period of time. Just not sure what you were getting at.