What are the growing conditions and environmental requirements 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 is highly adaptable, 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 silicon and calcium. Let's take a look at the growing conditions for lavender below!
Temperature conditions
Lavender is highly adaptable. Mature plants tolerate both low and high temperatures, and can withstand high temperatures of around 40°C during the harvest season. In the Huanglong area of Shaanxi, it overwinters safely in the open field at -21°C. In **, with soil mounding and snow cover, it can withstand low temperatures of -37°C, and 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, it takes 10~15 days to start sprouting; when the average temperature is 12~15°C, it takes 20 days for the plant's branches to start turning green and elongating; when the average temperature is 16~18°C, it takes 25~30 days to start forming buds; when the average temperature is 20~22°C, it starts blooming; and when the average temperature is 26~32°C, it is the seed-setting stage.
Water conditions
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 faster and need more water; during the flowering stage they need less water; and during the seed-setting stage the water amount should be moderate. 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, with an annual sunshine duration of more than 2000 hours. If the plant is in a shady and humid environment, it will develop poorly and age more quickly.
Soil conditions
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.