Can Lavender Be Grown in the North? Planting Time, Methods and Profit Prospects Explained

Lavender belongs to the genus Lavandula in the family Lamiaceae. It is a plant material for laying out flower beds, flower borders, and creating flower seas and other garden landscapes, while also having good practical value in medicine, health care, and the chemical industry. So how do you grow lavender? Can it be grown in the north? Planting time and methods? Can it make money?

I. Lavender Planting Methods

The sowing period is generally chosen in spring. In warm regions it can be done from March to June or from September to November each year. In cold regions it is best to sow from April to June, and in a greenhouse it can also be sown in winter. Germination takes about 14 to 21 days. The suitable germination temperature is 18 to 24°C. After germination, proper light is needed; weak light easily causes leggy growth. Because the seeds have a relatively long dormancy period, they should be soaked for 12 hours before sowing, then soaked in 20-50ppm gibberellin for 2 hours before sowing. Before sowing, level the soil finely, water it thoroughly, and after the water has seeped down, spread the seeds evenly, then cover with a layer of fine soil 0.2 cm thick and cover with plastic film to preserve moisture. Maintain 15 to 25°C, keep the seedbed moist, and seedlings will emerge in about 10 days. If gibberellin treatment is not used, it will take one month to germinate. Below 15°C, germination takes 1 to 3 months. During the seedling stage, pay attention to spraying water. When the seedlings are too dense, thin them appropriately. When the seedlings are about 10 cm tall, they can be transplanted.

II. Can Lavender Be Grown in the North?

Yes.

[Growth Habits]

1. Lavender has strong adaptability. Mature 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, lavender plants overwinter safely in the open field at -21°C;

2. In the ** area, with soil mounding treatment and snow cover, it can tolerate a low temperature of -37°C.

3. Seedlings can tolerate a low temperature of -10°C.

4. During the growth and development process of lavender in the following year, when the average temperature is around 8°C, it begins to sprout and needs 10~15d;

5. When the average temperature is 12~15°C, the plant branches begin to turn green and elongate, requiring 20d;

6. When the average temperature is 16~18°C, it begins to form buds, requiring 25~30d;

7. When the average temperature is 20~22°C, it begins to bloom; when the average temperature is 26~32°C, it is the seed-setting period.

III. Planting Time and Methods

[Cultivation Environment] Lavender prefers a warm climate, is cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, light-loving, and afraid of waterlogging. It is not demanding about soil, tolerates poor soil, and prefers loose, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Because it is not tolerant of waterlogging, growing lavender in the ground in southern regions is somewhat difficult, but as an aromatic plant it is an excellent potted flower.

[Sowing] Lavender seeds are small, so it is best to raise seedlings and then transplant. In warm regions, seedlings can be raised by sowing at any time throughout the year; in cold regions, it is best to sow in spring. Before sowing, first level the soil finely, water it thoroughly, and after the water has seeped down, spread the seeds evenly, then cover with a layer of fine soil 2-3 times the thickness of the seeds, and cover with grass or plastic film to preserve moisture.

[Watering] Lavender prefers a dry environment and is not tolerant of moisture. When grown at home, never water it frequently. Water must not accumulate in the pot soil or on the ground, and ventilation should be maintained. After potting, water once thoroughly. After it survives, the principle of watering is “see dry, see wet”. When watering, note that water should not be poured directly onto the leaves, and soil should not splash onto the branches and leaves, so as to avoid disease. You can also spread a layer of small stones on the surface of the pot soil, which is both attractive and disease-preventing. If using tap water, it is best to first let the tap water sit in sunlight for two days before use.

[Sunlight] Lavender is a long-day plant. Light plays an extremely important role in its development and the formation of aromatic oil. Excessive shading will cause leggy growth and make it prone to disease, but during extreme heat it is best to provide some shading to avoid direct sunlight.

[Fertilizing] Lavender has low fertilizer requirements. In its rapid growth period in spring (March-May), a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer can be applied monthly as a top dressing, mixed into a solution for watering, at a concentration of just 1%. Too much nitrogen fertilizer easily causes leggy growth.

[Shaping] After flowering, cut at the first node below the flower, and by the way prune the plant into a hemispherical shape. At ordinary times, cut off dried and withered branches at any time. To control plant height or obtain a better plant shape, prune heavily as appropriate in late summer and early autumn to promote new branches. When the seedlings are too dense, thin them appropriately. When the seedlings are about 10CM tall, they can be transplanted. It grows rapidly and needs repotting once a year.

[Pest and Disease Control] There are few insect pests. The main disease is root rot, with the highest incidence under high temperature and waterlogged conditions. Control method: drench the roots with an 800-fold solution of carbendazim or chlorothalonil, once a month, especially from June to October. Pay attention to preventing water accumulation and keeping the air dry.

IV. Can Growing Lavender Make Money?

Lavender has medicinal, edible, cosmetic, and ornamental economic value. It has a very broad market.