Growing Temperature:
65° F until new shoots emerge or desired size is reached, can cool down later to hold plants
Holding Temperature:
50° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.2
EC (What is EC?):
1.25-1.75 pour through method
Fertility:
Lavender is a very light feeder and grows well under a constant liquid fertilizer program at a rate of 50-75 ppm.
Vernalization:
Most lavender varieties require 8-10 weeks of cold temperatures to flower.
SWEET ROMANCE® is cold benificial but can flower without vernalization. This makes it easy to grow from small plugs in spring or summer.
Pests & Diseases:
Damping-off, leaf spot (Septoria), root rot (Armillaria) and Botrytis can be problematic.
If planting bare root lavender, it is recommended to apply a preventative drench after transplant. Preventative fungicide sprays with activity against Botrytis are also recommended. Daconil is very effective but also leaves a residue so should only be used early in the crop. Milstop and Decree are two chemistries that can be used later on, as they do not leave residue.
Potting & Timing:
Root trimming is generally not necessary.
Lavender prefers a moderately cool start (~65) until their roots are established. Too cool of temperatures, however, especially when combined with media that stays too wet or does not drain well, will result in poor performance.
Bare root lavender is a great quick turn choice for late winter to spring crops. If planting mid to late spring it is suggested to plant fresh dug plants as they will begin to grow quicker in the container.
Moisture:
For potting soil use well-drained commercial planting media.
Water in bare root plants throughly to eliminate any air pockets. Allow media to dry slightly before watering again.
If planting from plugs, grow slightly dry until new growth appears. Once actively growing then lavender prefer to be slightly moist. Avoid over-watering to ensure a healthy root system and avoid watering late in the day to prevent foliar diseases.
Planting Level:
Crown even with soil line.
PGRs/Pinching:
Most lavender are compact and do not require a PGR application. If needed, apply Sumagic at 5 ppm. A second application 7 days later may be needed to control the growth.
Small plugs may benefit from a soft pinch two weeks after transplanting.
Lighting:
Provide high light levels for lavender, a high light intensity produces a better quality plant.
Once vernalized, lavender will flower under any day length.
Other Comments:
Wet, poorly-draining soil and high humidity conditions with poor air movement are the demise of lavender plants and often will lead to decline.
