What are the latest growing conditions for lavender?

Lavender originally grew wild in the southern foothills of the Alps along the Mediterranean coast of France and southern Italy, as well as in Spain, North Africa and other places. It has strong adaptability, tolerating both low and high temperatures, and prefers a dry environment with long hours of sunlight. It requires deep, loose, well-aerated, fertile soil rich in silica and calcium. Now let us take a look at the growing conditions for lavender!

Temperature conditions

Lavender has very strong adaptability. Mature plants tolerate both low and high temperatures, and during the harvest season they can withstand high temperatures of around 40°C. In the Huanglong area of Shaanxi, they overwinter safely in the open ground at -21°C. In the Xinjiang region, with soil mounding and snow cover, they can withstand low temperatures of -37°C, while seedlings can tolerate low temperatures of -10°C. During the growth and development process the following year, when the average temperature is around 8°C, budding begins and takes 10~15 days; when the average temperature is 12~15°C, the branches begin to turn green and elongate, taking 20 days; when the average temperature is 16~18°C, flower buds begin to form, taking 25~30 days; when the average temperature is 20~22°C, flowering begins; and when the average temperature is 26~32°C, it is the seed-setting period.

Water conditions

Lavender prefers dry conditions and does not need much water. An annual rainfall of 600~800 mm is relatively suitable. During the green-up period and the bud-formation period, the plants grow relatively quickly and need more water; during the flowering period they need less water; during the seed-setting period the water amount should be moderate; and during the winter dormancy period, winter irrigation or snow cover is needed. The ideal rainfall distribution throughout the year is abundant rainfall in spring, a moderate amount in summer, and sufficient snow in winter.

Sunlight conditions

Lavender is a long-day plant and requires sufficient sunlight during its growth and development period, requiring more than 2000 hours of sunshine throughout the year. If the plants are in a shady and damp environment, they will develop poorly and age relatively quickly.

Soil conditions

Lavender has a well-developed root system and prefers deep, loose, well-aerated, fertile soil rich in silica and calcium. Soil that is strongly acidic or alkaline, as well as plots with heavy clay, poor drainage, or a high groundwater table, are all unsuitable for its growth.