How To Harvest Seeds From Lavender

You can harvest seeds from lavender once the flower heads have fully dried and turned brown on the plant.
 
Learning how to harvest seeds from lavender is actually pretty simple, though it does require a little patience and good timing.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to harvest seeds from lavender so you can grow more of these fragrant beauties, you’re in the right place.
 
The good news is that harvesting lavender seeds doesn’t demand fancy tools or expert skills.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through when to harvest lavender seeds, how to collect them properly, and how to store them so they stay viable.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

When to Harvest Lavender Seeds

Timing is everything when you want to harvest seeds from lavender.
 
If you pick too early, the seeds won’t be mature.
 
If you wait too long, the pods burst open and scatter the seeds before you get a chance to collect them.
 
Here’s what to look for so you harvest lavender seeds at the perfect moment.
 

1. Wait for the Flowers to Fade and Dry

The first sign that it’s time to harvest seeds from lavender is when the colorful blooms fade.
 
Lavender flowers typically shift from vivid purple or blue to a dull grayish-brown as they dry out.
 
Once the petals drop and the flower heads look shriveled and brown, the seeds inside are developing.
 
This usually happens in late summer or early fall, depending on your growing zone.
 

2. Watch for Brown Seed Pods

After the flowers dry, small seed pods form at the base of each flower head.
 
These pods start green and gradually turn brown as the seeds inside mature.
 
When you see the pods looking brown and slightly dry, that’s your cue that you can harvest seeds from lavender soon.
 

3. Check Before the Pods Split Open

This is the tricky part of how to harvest seeds from lavender.
 
The seed pods will eventually split open and release the seeds on their own.
 
So you want to harvest lavender seeds right before that happens.
 
Gently squeeze a pod between your fingers.
 
If it feels dry and you can see dark seeds inside, it’s time to harvest.
 

How to Harvest Seeds from Lavender Step by Step

Now that you know when to harvest seeds from lavender, let’s talk about how to actually do it.
 
The process is straightforward, and you don’t need much to get started.
 

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you harvest seeds from lavender, grab a few simple supplies.
 
You’ll need a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, a paper bag or envelope, and a shallow tray or plate.
 
A small bowl or container also helps for catching seeds as they fall.
 

2. Cut the Flower Stalks

Use your scissors to snip the flower stalks just below the seed heads.
 
Leave a few inches of stem attached so you have something to hold onto.
 
Cutting in the morning after the dew has dried is ideal because the plant material is dry and less likely to mold.
 

3. Place the Stalks in a Paper Bag

Once you’ve cut the stalks, place them upside down inside a paper bag.
 
The bag catches any seeds that drop as the pods continue to dry.
 
Fold the top of the bag loosely and let it sit in a warm, dry spot for about a week.
 
This step is key when you harvest seeds from lavender because it lets the pods finish drying completely.
 

4. Shake or Rub the Seed Heads

After a week or so, take the stalks out of the bag and shake them gently.
 
You can also rub the dried flower heads between your fingers to release the seeds.
 
The seeds will fall onto your tray or plate.
 
Each flower head typically contains a few tiny seeds, so don’t be surprised if the yield seems small.
 

5. Separate the Seeds from the Chaff

Once you’ve harvested seeds from lavender, you’ll notice bits of dried petals and stems mixed in.
 
Pick out the larger debris by hand or use a fine mesh strainer to sift the seeds.
 
What you’re left with are small, dark seeds that are ready for storing.
 

How to Store Lavender Seeds After You Harvest Them

Storing your seeds properly is just as important as knowing how to harvest seeds from lavender.
 
If you don’t store them right, they can lose viability and won’t germinate when you plant them.
 

1. Let Them Dry Fully

Before storing, spread the seeds out on a paper towel and let them air dry for a few more days.
 
Any lingering moisture can cause mold during storage.
 
Make sure they’re completely dry before you put them away.
 

2. Use an Airtight Container

Once the seeds you harvest from lavender are dry, place them in a small envelope or airtight container.
 
Label it with the date and the lavender variety so you know what you’ve got.
 
A glass jar with a tight lid works great too.
 

3. Keep Them Cool and Dark

Store your lavender seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place.
 
A cupboard away from heat sources or even the refrigerator works well.
 
When stored properly, seeds you harvest from lavender can stay viable for two to three years.
 

So, How to Harvest Seeds from Lavender?

You can harvest seeds from lavender by letting the flower heads dry on the plant and collecting the seeds before the pods split open.
 
It takes a bit of patience, but the process is simple once you know what to look for.
 
Just remember to time it right, dry the pods thoroughly, and store the seeds in a cool, dark spot.
 
Then next season, you can plant the seeds you harvest from lavender and enjoy a fresh crop of these beautiful, fragrant flowers.