If you want to try starting some plants from seeds, sow indoors about 12 weeks before the last expected frost. Germination rates can be low, so plant extra. A full-sun location will be perfect. Space plants at least 18 inches apart. Depending on variety and conditions, lavender plants will grow 15 to 30 inches tall.
Lavender is a perennial with woody, upright stems and narrow gray-green leaves.
F. A little mulch around the plants in the fall can help them through winter cold snaps. Prune after bloom cycle in late fall. To harvest, collect flowers when buds are full but before all the tiny, purple flowers open. Strip the buds and flowers from the stem and dry in a cool dark place. For some recipes using lavender, see sidebar.