Baby Lavender Plant...need help and tips!?

Question

Hello! I just germinated a French Lavender (it popped out of the ground a few days ago) in my apartment in Ohio. My first concern is that the second day the plant was out of the ground, I noticed a very small brown spot on its little leaf. I noticed this yesterday, the plant is still going strong, but is this an indictation that I overwatered maybe?

Also, any useful tips on freshly germinated lavender very much appreciated! I want it to grow and live as long as it can. Like I said, I live in an apartment in Ohio and try my best to give it as much sunlight as possible and water seldom. I am also looking for a plant light for those darker days...suggestions would be great!

Thank you everyone!

Answer 1

Dr. Art Tucker, of the University of Delaware, advises taking cuttings in the fall before the first freeze (August-Nov.) when stems are semi-hardened. He recommends a mix of one part coarse perlite to one part sterilized, baked clay frit (cat litter). Cuttings are placed in trays being careful not to allow leaves to touch soil surfaces, which can result in burning the leaves. Uncovered flats are placed in a partially shaded greenhouse for propagation. Slow growth rates should be expected in the first year (6-8 in).

Lavender grows best in light soil, sand, or gravel, in a dry, open and sunny position. It requires good drainage and prefers a warm, well-drained loam with a slope to the south or southwest. Lavender varieties are susceptible to frost injury. English lavender varieties prefer chalky soils, whereas the lavandin varieties require slightly more acidic soils.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/staff/jmdavis/lav.html

Lavender will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output fluorescent , compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of your plant, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above your plant, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plant, depending on wattage. Have an oscillating fan gently stir the seedling for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit.
http://herbgardening.com/growinglavender.htm

When seedlings emerge, provide strong lights so that they don’t grow weak and leggy.
When seedlings have several sets of true leaves, gently loosen the soil around the plants and transfer them into a 2” pot or 2” apart in deeper flats of well-drained planting mix. Since nutrients quickly leach out of containers, add some granular slow-release fertilizer to the soil. Snip off the growing tip to encourage branching.

When all danger of frost is past, gradually expose your plant to outdoor conditions over the course of a week, being careful not to leave it in full sun right away. Plant outdoors into well-drained garden soil which has had compost mixed in. In poorly drained, damp soil, lavender roots are highly susceptible to rotting. Adding lime to acid soils also helps improve its chances, since lavender prefers a soil pH of 6.0-8. Lavender often does not require additional nitrogen fertilizer; in fact, too much nitrogen can result in less fragrant flowers and plants that are more sensitive to frost and fungal infections. Make sure air circulates freely around your plant.
http://reneesgarden.com/articles/rose-lav.html
Good luck! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 2

I have to say that anything in the munchkin brand line is the awesome! They don't have a product that I don't like so far. I did the diaper champ over the diaper genie so I could use my own bags. The diaper genie you have to buy the bags that go with them. I prefer huggie supreme diapers. I tried others but they never fit him right and they leaked. I absolutly LOVE the disposable huggie washcloths. They are the best especially before their belly buttons heal during those first few weeks and you can't submerge them in water. I have also found that the only baby nail files I like are the first years brand. I hope this helps and congratulations!!