Lamb's Ear Seeds

Scatter Lambs Ear seeds directly on the soil surface after the last frost and press them lightly. Since they need light to germinate, seeds should not be buried deep. Germination usually takes ten to twenty days at a soil temperature around 65–70°F. Indoors, start six to eight weeks before your last frost date in shallow trays, keeping the surface consistently damp until sprouts appear. Thin seedlings to about twelve inches apart once they have two sets of true leaves, since the plant spreads wider than most people expect in the first year.

Lamb's Ear wants full sun, at least six hours a day, though it will tolerate light afternoon shade in the hottest climates. It can grow in basically every soil type, but give it well-drained, slightly sandy or gravelly ground and it rewards you with denser, more compact rosettes. Overwatering is the main killer of Lambs Ear plant, as the fuzzy leaves trap moisture, which invites rot. To avoid it, let the soil dry out between waterings rather than keeping it consistently moist.

Once established, Lamb's Ear needs almost no attention beyond an occasional trim of spent flower stalks to keep the clump tidy and encourage fresh leaf growth. Divide the clumps every two to three years in early spring, since the center can die back while the outer edges keep spreading. Leaves can be harvested any time during the growing season for dried crafts, sachets, or natural bandaging in a pinch. Cut back damaged or blackened foliage after winter to make room for new spring growth.