Topic: lavender

[rdak]

wasn't sure whether to put this in the Edibles group, but it's kind of edible.

Have bought some different types of lavender seed...can't believe how different each type is in terms of how to get them to germinate- some relatively simple on a windowcill, some need 6 weeks in a fridge and then take 1-3 months to germinate!
Any hoos, they all say to cover with a polythene bag- just wondered whether I could use a normal thin white supermarket carrier bag or whether it needs to be completely transparent.
many thanks

[Muddy_Boots]

Well, rdak, on a purely practical level, clear is best so you can keep an eye on how fast they are germinating and when to prick out, not to mention they need light!

What I sometimes did was to put evenly sized sticks or twigs or whatever around the edge of the seed tray or pot and then cover with clingfilm if I didn't have clear polythene bag of the right size.

Feel sure that supermarket bag wouldn't be too good cos not clear for the light!

Kate

[Mrs Ava]

I would agree and say it should be clear plassy bags.  This lets the light in, I guess keeps the compost a little warmer, and keeps it nice and moist and ooooomid.  I guess a pain of glass over lots of pots would do the same as the clingfilm, in fact, in days of old when knights were bold and sandwich bags weren't invented, they probably did use glass.  I have grown lavender and rosemary from seed and it has always been okay-ish.  Only thing is, it's a couple of years before you get a decent sized plant.

[teresa]

Hi I dont do so well with plastic bags.
but use a large tray half filled with peat,  place pots or small seed trays on it.  
cover with the small clear seed tray covers or cut pop bottles (plastic ones) one bottle makes two good size covers?
Some meat come with a plastic cover even fruit saves buying. Istant propergaters.
Yep used glass years ago, everymorning turn the glass and wipe of the condensation. You had to do that or seeds would root.

Tip

start drinking pop

[rdak]

thanks. have sown the seed in those module trays, so sandwich bags aren't big enough. will try some clingfilm as suggested.
EJ- didn't realise lavender took so long to grow until I got the seed packets home! One variety is hopefully a bit quicker- it's called Lavender angustifolia Lady and it says it flowers in the same year as sown
http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en/product/9544/1

[tim]

Tell me about eating lavender??  Rose petals, nasturtiums, maybe, but..... = Tim

[rdak]

never tried it myself, but you can eat the flowers on some varieties. And then there's lavender jelly, lavender tea, lavender ice cream.

[tim]

OK - I'll believe you!! Great with brussels??  = Tim

[teresa]

Brussels Tim perhaps you could chew a few flowers after eating onions or garlic.
Lavender like cloves and mixed spice to flavour puddings. Lavender is lovely to help you relax.

[tim]

Relax?? That'll be the day!! = Tim

[Mrs Ava]

another goodie, you know how you put a vanilla pod in a jar of caster sugar to scent the sugar....you can do the same with lavender or rosemary.  Yum!