Product Field NotesLavender Seeds
Imperial Gem Lavender Seeds: Silver Leaves and Deep Purple from Seed
Save
Imperial Gem Lavender Seeds grow a compact English lavender with silvery foliage and deep purple blooms. The contrast between those pale leaves and dark flowers is what makes it such a handsome plant, and its tidy size suits small beds, front borders and containers.
Imperial Gem at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula angustifolia 'Imperial Gem' |
| Packet | 25 seeds |
| Foliage | Silvery |
| Flowers | Deep purple |
| Habit | Compact |
The damp paper towel method, step by step
- Lightly dampen a paper towel. It should feel moist, not dripping.
- Spread the seeds on one half, fold the towel over and slip it into a labeled zip bag.
- Set the bag in the refrigerator for a few weeks, away from fruit and the coldest back corner.
- Check now and then that the towel is still damp.
- Lift the seeds out carefully with the tip of a damp toothpick and set them on the surface of a moist seed-starting mix.
Leave the seeds uncovered, since lavender seed likes light, and keep the tray somewhere warm and bright. Some seeds may sprout within a couple of weeks while others take much longer.
Growing a compact, silvery plant
Silver foliage is a lavender's way of saying it likes sun and dry conditions. Plant Imperial Gem where it gets full sun and the soil drains quickly. In heavy soil, a raised bed or a large container with a gritty mix keeps the roots happy. Water deeply until the plants are established, then let the soil dry between waterings and skip the fertilizer.
After the main bloom, trim spent stems and shape the mound lightly to keep it dense. Avoid cutting into bare, woody stems.
Where it looks best
Its compact size makes Imperial Gem a good choice for the front of a bed, a short edge along a walk or a pot by the door. Pair it with taller lavenders behind it for a layered look.
Frequently asked questions
Can Imperial Gem grow in a pot?
Yes, its compact habit suits containers. Use a pot with drainage holes and a fast-draining mix, and give it full sun.
Why are only some of my seeds sprouting?
Lavender germination is naturally irregular. Keep the tray evenly moist and give the stragglers more time before giving up on them.
Share how it went in your field