Question
I've recently moved to Jakarta and am wondering if you can help me even though I'm way over here:)  Although seeds are not readily available I've found a packet of lavendar seeds, and am wondering how I should start them.  Moist soil in the shade...put in early sun and move later...what would be the best way to give these little guys a fighting chance (don't see much lavender here)?

Answer
Hi Kim,
Thanx for your question.  If you have the standard lavender, lavendula angustifolia or lavandula vera you'll probably have to grow it like an annual as it will eventually wear itself out not being able to go dormant for the winter.  Just plant them barely covered in moist potting soil and keep evenly moist about 75 F (24C).  They should germinate in 3 or 4 weeks.  Once they have germinated place them outdoors in a protected area where they will be in the shade and protected from rain, wind, etc. for about 10 days and then they can be exposed to direct sunlight but you'll still have to protect the seedlings from wind an drain until they have grown large enough and then you can plant in full sun.  Lavandula stoechas which is the Spanish lavender and Lavandula dentata or French lavender grow in milder climates and people in Australia grow them.  There is a Canary Island lavender (L. buchii) which grows in the tropics which you might consider although it doesn't seem as pretty.  Here is a link to a company that sells it.  I'm not recommending, just giving you an idea.  http://www.rareplants.de/shop/prodtype.asp?strParents=70&CAT_ID=113&numRecordPos...  I hope this helps.
Tom