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it's a easy way to start a bussines with lavender plants
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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.
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