Generally, hybrid lavenders (Lavandins, Lavandula x intermedia) are considered to produce seeds that are largely sterile or have very low viability. This is a common characteristic of many F1 (first-generation) hybrids, especially when the parent species have different chromosome numbers or significant genetic differences.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
-
Hybrid Infertility: Lavandins are a cross between Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) and Lavandula latifolia (Spike Lavender). While these two species are compatible enough to produce offspring, the resulting hybrids (Lavandins) often have issues with consistent, fertile seed production. Their genetic makeup makes it difficult for them to produce viable pollen or ovules, leading to a very low "seed retention rate" (the number of seeds produced per flower spike) and low germination rates for any seeds that do form.
-
One study found that a Lavandin cultivar had very low pollen viability (1.08-3.32%) and produced only trace numbers of seeds (0.15% on average per flower), compared to high viability and seed retention in true lavender cultivars.
-
-
"Breeding True" Issue: Even if a Lavandin does produce a few viable seeds, these seeds will not "breed true." This means that if you plant them, the resulting plants will not be identical to the parent Lavandin. They will be a mixed bag of characteristics, potentially reverting to traits of either the L. angustifolia or L. latifolia parent, or exhibiting new combinations of traits. This variability is why popular Lavandin cultivars like 'Grosso' or 'Provence' are almost always propagated vegetatively (from cuttings) to ensure genetic consistency.
-
Intentional Hybridization: While natural cross-pollination can occur between L. angustifolia and L. latifolia to create Lavandins, these natural hybrids are not always reliably fertile. When breeders intentionally create new Lavandin cultivars, they often rely on controlled crosses and then propagate the desirable resulting plant clonally through cuttings. Some research has even explored using techniques like colchicine treatment to induce polyploidy (changing chromosome numbers) in sterile Lavandins to restore fertility, producing seeds that can then grow into larger, more vigorous plants.
In summary:
If you have Lavandin plants in your garden, they may produce some seeds after being cross-pollinated (or even self-pollinated if capable). However, the general expectation is that these seeds will have very low viability, and if they do germinate, the resulting plants will not be true to the parent Lavandin variety.
Therefore, if you want more Lavandin plants, taking cuttings from your existing plants is by far the most reliable and recommended method.
Lavender Farm in Door County Wisconsin. You can buy lavender products online at islandlavender.com
