A Detailed Guide to the Latest Lavender Propagation Methods
Lavender is a flower that everyone rather likes. A home decorated with lavender is romantic and full of atmosphere, and it is also a flower with a very wide range of uses. I believe everyone would like to grow a few pots at home. Propagation mainly includes seed sowing, cuttings, layering, root division and other methods. In production, cutting propagation is mainly used. Let us take a look at the propagation methods of lavender together!
Lavender Division Propagation
Lavender division propagation can be carried out in both spring and autumn. Use 3-4 year old plants, and in spring from March to April, divide the old roots of mature plants, with each division carrying bud eyes.
Lavender Seed Propagation
1. Seed collection: Lavender blooms in April, and the seeds can be harvested after they mature in June-July. After picking the spike-shaped inflorescences of lavender, spread them indoors or in a greenhouse with plastic film. Do not pile them too thickly; let them dry naturally in the shade. After about 10 days, once the flower stalks and outer fruit skins have lost water and become brittle, rub them, then winnow them so the small nuts and impurities can be separated. The nuts of French lavender need further air drying, and when their moisture content drops to 12-15%, they can be stored in a ventilated, cool place for later use.
2. Sowing method: Lavender is suitable for spring sowing (March-May) and autumn sowing (September-October). It is better to use a special sowing medium when sowing, or a mix of peat plus a small amount of perlite can also be used. Put the medium in a seedling tray, level it, spray a small amount of water to moisten it, and then sow. Either drilling or broadcasting can be used. Sow about 10 seeds per square decimeter. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of coconut coir or vermiculite, then spray water once more. After that, spray water appropriately depending on whether the medium is dry or wet.
3. Management after sowing: After lavender seeds are sown, they can emerge in about one week. The seedlings have strong disease resistance. After emergence, spray 800 times diluted carbendazim once every two weeks to prevent disease. They need a certain amount of light and nutrients, otherwise they tend to grow leggy and form slender seedlings. When lavender grows to 4-6 true leaves, it can be transplanted once to encourage side branch development. Autumn-sown seedlings can be planted out in spring, and spring-sown seedlings can be planted out after 50-60 days.
Lavender Cutting Propagation
1. Cutting time: Lavender has strong adaptability to cutting propagation and can be propagated in both spring and autumn. Even in summer, softwood cuttings are feasible, only the requirements for conditions are stricter: if humidity is too low, they easily wilt, and if humidity is too high, they easily suffer stem rot. From a production perspective, cuttings are generally best taken in autumn when the ground temperature drops to 15-25°C.
2. Cutting preparation: The quality of the cuttings has a direct effect on the survival rate of cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, robust, good plants, selecting one-year-old semi-lignified branches that have not yet headed out and have short, thick internodes, cutting them at 8-10 cm from the tip as the cuttings. The cut on the cutting should be near the stem node at 0.5-1 cm below it, and the cut surface should be as smooth as possible. Remove the lower two-thirds of the leaves, and do not let the phloem rupture.
3. Cutting method: For the cutting medium, a mixed medium of half perlite and half peat is best. Nurseries with the conditions can make a cutting bed in a greenhouse for cuttings; those with poorer conditions can make a cutting bed in the open field. After cutting, set up arched supports and cover with plastic film. The cutting bed is generally 1.5 m wide, and the length depends on the site. Spread the medium to about 15 cm thick, and be sure to disinfect it before use. Insert the cuttings 5-8 cm deep, with a plant spacing of 3-4 cm and a row spacing of 5-6 cm. Water thoroughly immediately after cutting, and cover with plastic film to retain moisture.
4. Management after cutting: After lavender cuttings are taken, keeping humidity appropriate and raising the ground temperature can promote well-developed roots and increase the seedling formation rate. Roots will form more than 10 days after cutting. Lavender is quite sensitive to water, and slightly dry conditions are preferable. After two months, they can be put into nutrient pots or transplanted to promote sound root development, increase branching, and cultivate strong seedlings.