Where are the latest lavender production areas distributed?
Lavender is a small shrub of the genus Lavandula in the Lamiaceae family, with many varieties and high ecological and ornamental value. Its leaf shapes and flower colors are elegant and graceful, and its blue-purple inflorescences are slender and beautiful. It is a new perennial cold-hardy flower for courtyards, suitable for group planting or row planting along flower borders, and can also be grown in pots for viewing. It originated along the Mediterranean coast, various parts of Europe and the islands of Oceania. Let us take a look at the production area distribution of lavender below!
Foreign production areas of lavender
Lavender originally grew wild in the area along the southern slopes of the Alps along the Mediterranean coast of France and southern Italy, as well as in Spain, North Africa and other places. In the 13th century it was a major cultivated plant in the gardens of European medical monasteries. In the 15th century it began to be planted in the Haute-Provence area. At the end of the 16th century it began to be cultivated in southern France. In the 18th century, Mitcham in Surrey, Lavender Hill in south London, Provence in France, and the mountainous areas near Grasse were all famous for growing lavender and became world-famous tourist destinations. In the 19th century, countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Hungary, Bulgaria, Russia and Japan successively introduced and cultivated it, and it has now spread throughout the countries along the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
Domestic production areas of lavender
After 10 years of careful cultivation by the people of Ili, Xinjiang, lavender has formed a scale at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains and by the Ili River. It is a precious and important natural spice plant, with a fresh, crisp and rich, pleasant fragrance. The Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains, is the main base for lavender planting and processing in China, and is the largest spice production base in Asia.
Production environment of lavender
1. Temperature: Lavender has strong adaptability. Adult plants tolerate both low and high temperatures, and during the harvest season they can tolerate high temperatures of around 40°C. In the Huanglong area of Shaanxi, they can overwinter safely in the open field at -21°C. In Xinjiang, with soil mounding treatment and snow cover, they can tolerate low temperatures of -37°C. Seedlings can tolerate low temperatures of -10°C. In the growth and development process of the following year, when the average temperature is around 8°C, sprouting begins and takes 10~15 days; when the average temperature is 12~15°C, the plant branches begin to turn green and elongate, taking 20 days; when the average temperature is 16~18°C, budding begins and takes 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.
2. Water: Lavender prefers dry conditions and does not need much water. An annual rainfall of 600~800 mm is relatively suitable. During the greening and budding stages, the plants grow relatively quickly and need more water; during the flowering stage they need less water; and during the seed-setting stage the water amount should be appropriate. During the winter dormancy period, winter irrigation or snow cover is needed. The ideal rainfall distribution throughout the year is abundant rain in spring, a moderate amount in summer, and sufficient snow in winter.
3. Sunlight: Lavender is a long-day plant and requires sufficient sunlight during its growth and development period. It requires more than 2000 hours of sunshine throughout the year. If the plant is in a shady and damp environment, it will develop poorly and age relatively quickly.
4. Soil: Lavender has a well-developed root system and prefers deep, loose, well-aerated, fertile soil rich in silicon and calcium. Strongly acidic or strongly alkaline soil, as well as plots with heavy clay, poor drainage or a high groundwater level, are not suitable for its growth.