How To Harvest Lavender Seeds

You can harvest lavender seeds by letting the flower spikes dry on the plant and then collecting the tiny seeds from the dried calyxes.
 
It’s a slow but rewarding process, and once you know how to harvest lavender seeds, you’ll never need to buy them again.
 
The best time to harvest lavender seeds is when the flowers have faded and the stems turn brown.
 
If you pick them too early, the seeds won’t be mature and they won’t germinate.
 
So patience is key when you harvest lavender seeds.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to harvest lavender seeds, when to do it, and how to store them properly.
 
Let’s get started.
 

How to Harvest Lavender Seeds Step by Step

Harvesting lavender seeds isn’t complicated, but it does take a bit of timing and care.
 
Here’s how to harvest lavender seeds the right way:
 

1. Wait for the Seed Heads to Dry

The first step in how to harvest lavender seeds is waiting for the flower heads to fully dry.
 
After lavender blooms fade, the calyxes (the little cups that held the petals) dry out and turn brown.
 
Inside each calyx, you’ll find tiny black or dark brown seeds.
 
If you harvest lavender seeds while the plant is still green, the seeds won’t be viable.
 
So let the spikes stay on the plant until they look dry and papery.
 

2. Snip the Flower Spikes

Once the spikes are dry, grab a pair of clean scissors or pruning shears.
 
Cut the stems a few inches below the flower head.
 
You can harvest lavender seeds from as many spikes as you like, but leave some for the bees if you can.
 
Gently place the cut spikes into a paper bag or a bowl.
 

3. Rub the Calyxes to Release the Seeds

This is the fun part of how to harvest lavender seeds.
 
Take a dried spike and rub it between your fingers over a bowl or tray.
 
The dried calyxes will crumble and the tiny seeds will fall out.
 
You might need to rub each spike a few times to get all the seeds.
 
Don’t worry if you get some chaff mixed in; we’ll clean that up next.
 

4. Separate the Seeds from the Chaff

After you harvest lavender seeds, you’ll notice bits of dried petals and stems mixed in.
 
To clean them, gently toss the mixture between two bowls or use a fine sieve.
 
The seeds are heavier than the chaff, so a light breeze or a gentle shake will help separate them.
 
Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a small pile of clean lavender seeds.
 

When to Harvest Lavender Seeds

Timing is everything when you harvest lavender seeds.
 
The best time to harvest lavender seeds is late summer to early fall, depending on your climate.
 
In warmer zones, lavender seeds are ready by late July or August.
 
In cooler regions, you might not harvest lavender seeds until September.
 
Watch for the flower heads to turn brown and dry on the plant.
 
If you wait too long, the seed pods may split open and drop seeds on their own.
 
So check your plants every few days once the flowers fade.
 

How to Store Lavender Seeds

Once you harvest lavender seeds, you need to store them properly.
 
If you don’t, they’ll lose viability quickly.
 
Here’s how to store the seeds you harvest lavender seeds from:
 

1. Dry Them Completely

Before storing, make sure the seeds you harvest lavender seeds from are bone dry.
 
Spread them on a paper towel for a few days in a cool, dry spot.
 
Any moisture left in the seeds can cause mold during storage.
 

2. Use an Airtight Container

Place your dried lavender seeds in a small envelope, a glass jar, or a zip-top bag.
 
Label it with the date and the lavender variety.
 
Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry place.
 
A cupboard or a drawer works great.
 

3. Keep Them Cool

Lavender seeds stay viable for about 2 to 3 years if stored properly.
 
For even longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge.
 
Just make sure the container is sealed tight so no moisture gets in.
 

Common Mistakes When You Harvest Lavender Seeds

Even folks who know how to harvest lavender seeds can run into a few snags.
 
Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
 

1. Picking the Seeds Too Early

If you harvest lavender seeds before the calyxes are brown and dry, the seeds won’t sprout.
 
Always wait until the flower heads look completely dead and dry.
 

2. Storing Damp Seeds

Moisture is the enemy of stored seeds.
 
If you harvest lavender seeds and store them before they’re dry, they’ll rot.
 
Let them air-dry for at least a week before sealing them up.
 

3. Not Cleaning the Seeds

Chaff and plant debris can introduce mold or pests.
 
Take the time to separate the seeds you harvest lavender seeds from the dried petals and stems.
 

So, How to Harvest Lavender Seeds?

To harvest lavender seeds, simply let the flower spikes dry on the plant, snip them off, and rub the dried calyxes to release the tiny seeds.
 
It’s a simple process that anyone can do, even if you’re new to gardening.
 
Just remember to wait until the seeds are fully mature, dry them completely, and store them in a cool, dark place.
 
That way, you can harvest lavender seeds year after year and never have to buy them again.
 
Happy harvesting.