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Lavender Study Determines Best Cultivars for Missouri Growers

Extension Education

Jennifer Schutter
HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST
KIRKSVILLE

Abstract

Lavender has increased in popularity for its appeal in the home landscape and its usefulness in culinary, medicinal, beauty products, cut flowers, aromatherapy, and essential oil production. As a result, interest in commercial production has increased, but cultivation resources for growers in Missouri are limited. A team of horticulture specialists was funded a Missouri Specialty Crops Grant through the Missouri Department of Agriculture in 2021 to grow and collect data on lavender cultivars in three regions of the state, including in a high tunnel. Growing practices included plant establishment, soil preparation, winter protection, cultivar selection, plant phenology, insect and disease issues, optimal flower and oil production parameters, and fertilization. Lavender plants were grown in 8” raised rows covered with fabric and irrigation line. At the Adair County MU Extension Center in Kirksville, in the northeast region, data was collected on 22 cultivars. Data was collected on stem length, flower color, winter hardiness, drought tolerance and moisture/rain tolerance.

Peak bloom time was mid-June. Flowers were harvested, bundled and placed on a rack to dry. The plants were covered with row cover and staked down in late December at the Kirksville site, to protect plants from moisture and freezing temperatures. Covers were removed at the end of March. All plants suffered some winter damage to the foliage and had to be pruned back by one-third to a half. They recovered and by the end of May were starting to bloom. By the end of the project, we had learned that ‘Phenomenal’, ‘Provence’, ‘Super’, ‘Grosso’, ‘Hidcote’, ‘Munstead’, ‘Melissa’, ‘Betty’s Blue’ and ‘Sachet’ were the cultivars were best suited to our growing region.

Results of the project were disseminated via workshops, programs, newsletters, a magazine, radio and television. Each of the three sites held a workshop with an average of 45 people in attendance. As a result of our findings, cut flower growers have incorporated hardy lavender cultivars into their operations. One cut flower grower in northeast Missouri planted over 500 lavender plants. Home gardeners who had not grown lavender in the past, are now growing lavender. The project concluded on September 15, 2023.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Jennifer Schutter, Kelly McGowan, Katie Kammler, Patrick Byers, Donna Aufdenberg
  1. Schutter, J. HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 63501
  2. McGowan, K. Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 65807
  3. Kammler, K. Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 63670
  4. Byers, P. Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 65706
  5. Aufdenberg, D. Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 63755