Introduction to Commercial Introduction to Commercial Introduction to Commercial Introduction to Commercial Introduction to Commercial Introduction to Commercial Introduction to Commercial Introduction to Commercial Lavender ProductionLavender ProductionLavender ProductionLavender Production

Propagation, Planting, Soils, Weeds & Much More!

By Dr. Curtis Beus, WSU Extension, Clallam County

Lavender Propagation

The Art of CloningThe Art of Cloning

•Lavender should always be propagated from cuttings to maintain the true characteristics of a particular cultivar. Lavender grown from seed will not be consistent.

•Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia) such as “Grosso” are sterile and cannot be propagated from seed

•Some lavender cultivars are easy to root and others are not.

•Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in Spring or Fall (and, if source plant is properly managed can be taken nearly

Propagation

Semi-hardwood cuttings

if source plant is properly managed can be taken nearly year-round). Softwood cuttings may be taken in Spring.

Lavender tissue culture is relatively

easy, but beyond the means & needs of

most growers

Propagation

Cuttings

Semi-hardwood cuttings

Cuttings

Mix 50% potting soil and 50% fine perlite for new cuttings to promote good drainage.

Propagation

Dip into rooting hormone

Bottom heat, misting, cool ambient

Cuttings ready to grow

Scrape one side of the cutting

Bottom heat, misting, cool ambient

temps, will speed rooting

Depending on cultivar & condition, rooting will usually take between 3 and 6 weeks

It is Critical to Keep New Plants Properly Watered

But, over-watering cuttings and young plants causes plant

stress and can lead to various disease problems. You

must also be sure to use a very “light”, porous planting mix.

In some cases of you could lose your entire crop.

Therefore, you must be careful not to over-water. Plants

should be kept moist, but not saturated.

Healthy Plants Sick Plants

Humidity and air circulation are very important when

young plants are being grown out in the greenhouse

Poor air circulation and/or high humidity leads to fungal diseases

Soils & Soil Fertility for Lavender

Soil Textural Triangle

Size of Soil Particles

Sand .05 - 2 mm

Silt .002 - .05 mm

Clay Less than .002 mm

Lavender does best in well-drained, low-clay soils

There’s More to Soil than Topsoil

A Horizon

B Horizon

Topsoil

Subsoil

C HorizonSubstratum

Nielton Very Gravelly Sandy Loam Schnorbush Loam

Soils & Soil Fertility for Lavender Production

� “Light” Sandy, Sandy Loam, Gravelly and Even Rocky Soils are best

� Soils MUST be well-drained� “Heavy” soils with high clay content are typically poor

for lavender production� Check the subsoil -- not just the topsoil – hardpans can

lead to poor drainage� If soils are not well-drained, plant lavender in mounds � If soils are not well-drained, plant lavender in mounds

or berms, and/or install a drainage system� It is often best to plant on slopes and high places in the

landscape -- avoid low spots, especially on more poorly drained soils

� If drainage is very poor, installing drainage systems might be necessary

� Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0 -- 6.5 - 7.5 is ideal

� Check pH before planting -- if pH is below 6.5, apply enough lime to raise pH – periodically check pH and add lime if pH falls below 6.5

� Amending large areas of soil is very expensive and often ineffective

� If subsoil is compacted, fracturing it with a deep chisel can significantly improve drainage

� Conduct soil test before planting -- correct major

Soils & Soil Fertility for Lavender ProductionSoils & Soil Fertility for Lavender ProductionSoils & Soil Fertility for Lavender ProductionSoils & Soil Fertility for Lavender Production

� Conduct soil test before planting -- correct major deficiencies

� Nitrogen applied at 90 pounds per acre (split between spring and post-flowering) can increase canopy development in first 3 years

� If used at all on mature plants, nitrogen should be applied at no more than 40-50 pounds per acre

� Over-fertilization may actually reduce oil yield and quality and make mature plants less healthy, hardy and drought tolerant

� Over long periods of time lavender can deplete soil nutrients and necessitate rotation to other crops to renew soils

� Keep organic mulches away from base of lavender plants

� Light colored soils, or mulches of white sand,oyster shells or other light colored materials may increase oil yields and improve plant health,

Soils & Soil Fertility for Lavender ProductionSoils & Soil Fertility for Lavender ProductionSoils & Soil Fertility for Lavender ProductionSoils & Soil Fertility for Lavender Production

increase oil yields and improve plant health, especially in more humid climates

� NZ studies have found that the longest-lived lavender is found on locations that have:

1) north-facing mid-slopes (that would be south facing for us)2) light, well-drained soils with low organic matter3) high stone/gravel content4) low active calcium5) stable soil structure without compaction6) low available phosphorus7) medium available magnesium8) low to medium available potassium

In “Heavy” or Poorly Drained Soils it is a Good

Idea to Plant Lavender into Berms/Raised Beds

You may even need to install drainage

Soil Preparation Sequence at My Farm

Soil Preparation Sequence at My Farm

Mix 50% bone-meal and 50% composted chicken

Mix bone-meal and chicken manure with the soil

Planting Lavender

50% composted chicken manure – add 1-2 cups

manure with the soil

Cut the bottom roots, especially if root-bound

Press soil firmly around new plant & water immediately

Planting Sequence at My Farm

Plant Spacing

• 4 - 7 ft. between rows –5 - 6 feet most common

• 2 - 4 ft. between plants –36” - 42” most common

• 2,000 - 4,000 plants per acre -- 2,500 is the acre -- 2,500 is the average (3’ x 6’ spacing will

yield 2,400 to 2,500 plants per

acre)

• Adequate spacing is necessary so plants get needed sunlight, air movement, and for ease of weeding, harvest, etc.

Establishing Plants• “Harden” plants before

planting in field

• Fall planting best in mild climates*—with bigger plants (not plugs)

• Spring planting is OK, and is often the best option in areas with option in areas with harsh winters**

• Clip flower buds for first 2 years to get plants well established

*Fall establishment is often better because it is often the “slower” season, and because roots can get established and give plants a “headstart” for the next Spring

**Better quality plants are often more available in Spring, with a bigger selection available

Unless you know what you’re doing and have the time to carefully monitor and care for them, it is best not to plant plugs directly to the field

Clip Flower Buds for the First Year,,

and Possibly even Two Years!

Clip Flower Buds for the First Year,,

and Possibly even Two Years!

Buying Lavender Plants• Plugs -- 72 plug tray $.60

to $.75 wholesale – about $45 to $55 per flat

• 2 ½” pots -- $3.00-$4.50 retail, $1.10-$1.50 wholesale

• 3 ½” pots -- $4.00-$6.00 retail, $1.50-$2.50 wholesale

• 1 gallon -- $7.00-9.00 retail, • 1 gallon -- $7.00-9.00 retail, $3.50-$4.50 wholesale

• Make sure to buy healthy plants

• Know what type of lavender you want before you buy

• MAKE SURE YOU ARE BUYING WHAT YOU THINK YOU’RE BUYING – a lot of confusion & mis-identification of lavender varieties

Cost of plants can run from $2,000 to $12,000 per acre, depending on size of plants

72 Count “Plugs”72 Count “Plugs”72 Count “Plugs”72 Count “Plugs”

3 ½” Pot3 ½” Pot3 ½” Pot3 ½” Pot 2 ½” Pot2 ½” Pot2 ½” Pot2 ½” Pot

2 ½” Pot2 ½” Pot2 ½” Pot2 ½” Pot

PlugPlugPlugPlug

Irrigation• Drip irrigation is

recommended

• Irrigation is Critical in the

1st year, and often

essential in the 2nd year

• Irrigation may

increase production

in mature plantings

• In dry climates, and/or with fast draining soils, irrigation will be • In dry climates, and/or with fast draining soils, irrigation will be necessary, even for mature plants

• Overhead sprinklers are suitable for plants early in the season, but once stems have elongated and flower heads are becoming developed, sprinklers may cause plant and/or flower damage. There is also the risk of bacterial and fungal diseases, particularly in more humid conditions.

• Although lavender is a drought tolerant plant, it often benefits from irrigation, especially in light soils and during dry years – but, be careful not to over water!

• Irrigation after harvest can stimulate added shoots for next year’s crop

• The amount you will need to irrigate will depend greatly on your soil type, and on your local climate. I.e., hot, dry areas with sandy soil will irrigate FAR more than cooler, rainier areas with heavier soils.

ERROR: stackunderflow

OFFENDING COMMAND: ~

STACK: