Lavender farmers often have questions about what varieties will work best for them in their particular region. This is not, however, replacement for your own homework in any way, and makes no guarantee of suitability of success in your specific area or intended purpose.
WORK TO BE DONE BEFORE PURCHASING PLANTS
*Frequently asked questions from lavender farmers are often ones we don’t feel comfortable answering but we do have resources available to them.*
SOIL AND WATER TESTING:
• Local extension agencies are available for water and soil testing, but are often lacking in covering all nutrients.
• In order to know if one needs fertilizer or soil amendments, a good source of testing is JR Peters Lab at www.jrpeterslab.com or Dr. Curtis Swift at www.mesalavenderfarms.com. They both work with many growers.
FIELD PREP:
• Drainage is key. Raised berms or beds can be used or planting on sloped areas.
• Loamy soil is better than adding sand or gravel. Sand+gravel+clay=concrete
SUN AND TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS
• All lavenders need full sun and a winter vernalization period in order to bloom.
• Vernalization is achieved during the winter months. Rule of thumb is 8 weeks of cool nights.
• Each lavender has its own cold zone limit and humidity tolerance which will be indicated later in this form.
WHY ARE YOU GROWING LAVENDER?
- Uses are culinary, oil distillation, dried flowers, and cut flower production.
- Each variety has its own distinct character – check our list to find out which variety can work for you.
- Phenomenal® (Introduced 2013) – The deep-purple lavender that started it all, offering exceptional performance and reliability. H: 30-32” W: 30-32”
- Exceptional™ (Introduced 2023, PBR) – Directly descended from Phenomenal®. Striking white blooms, fragrant aroma, ideal for hedges and oil production. H: 30-32” W: 30-32”.
- Sensational!® (Introduced 2021, PBR) – Unparalleled fragrance and vigor with large, dense purple flowers. Perfect for hedges and oil production. H: 24 to 30” W: 30 to 36”
- Inspirational!™ (Coming 2025, PPAF, PBR applied for) – Derived from Sensational!®, A future favorite already inspiring growers everywhere with large, dense white flowers. H: 24 to 30” W: 30 to 36”
INFORMATION PULLED FROM WEB
- ‘Big Time Blue’, angustifolia, large deep blue flowers, silver foliage. Patented, propagation prohibited
- ‘Hidcote Blue’ is a classic semi-dwarf English lavender, growing to 18 inches in flower. Excellent selection for drying, flowers dry dark. Hidcote Blue’ is good culinary.
- ‘Munstead’ , bushy plant, growing to no more than 18 inches in bloom. Very early spring bloomer – it can bloom as early as mid April in central California. Like ‘Hidcote’ it is an excellent choice for cooking. Nice selection for containers, as the highly aromatic foliage is desirable even when the plant is not blooming.
ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES
Michigan State – online lavender curriculum
Beagle Ridge Lavender – growing advice
Curtis Swift Swift Horticultural Enterprises