Where does lavender grow best?
- English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is most common and hardy to Zone 5. There are hundreds of varieties available in many colors and sizes. It often blooms twice in one season. ...
- Lavandins ( L. x intermedia )—a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender (L. ...
- Spanish lavender ( L. stoechas) and French or fringed lavender ( L. ...
How to grow "true" English lavender?
Planting English lavender in the ground
- Add organic material to the soil, but not so much that the soil stays soggy when watered.
- Old English lavender responds poorly to humidity.
- Avoid watering: mulching is a good way to lessen the level of humidity. Mulch could be either organic like wood chips or, better yet, inorganic like gravel.
- Leave a space of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) between each plant.
How to start a lavender farm?
- Lavender is a Mediterranean plant, and requires a similar climate to thrive.
- Lavender has been grown in most areas of the U.S., but some microclimates can really help, such as being near a large body of water.
- Lavender must have well-drained soil, with a pH of 6 to 8. ...
- Lavender does best in sandy loam soil that provides good drainage.
Is lavender farming profitable?
Lavender farming is one of the most profitable crops that you can grow in your backyard garden. This plant grows well under the sun in dry climates. Lavender seed or cutting planting season starts in spring or fall. Where, if you are a beginner, pick spring when soil is warming up. The whole cultivation process is straightforward.
Is lavender perennial in Michigan?
Beautiful, fragrant lavender is native to hot, dry, Mediterranean climates. But this hardy small shrub adapts to the challenging growing conditions of the Midwest, too. These tips will help you add this perennial bloomer to your garden.
How do you winterize lavender in Michigan?
If your plant will be inside for the winter, keep it in a cool, non-freezing location with sunlight and air circulation. Slow down watering of plants. Lavender prefers a dry soil, and the amount of rain that naturally falls will be sufficient for the plant.
What zones do lavender grow in?
Lavenders thrive in the arid West, but are best grown as annuals or container plants in the South, as they do not thrive in areas of high humidity (with the exception of Lavandula dentata and L. stoechas). Most are hardy from Zones 5 to 9; Spanish Lavender (L. stoechas) is only hardy in Zones 7 to 9.
Is English lavender a perennial in Michigan?
This herbaceous perennial can also handle poor soil, meaning that it doesn't need rich, fertile soil to thrive-in fact, too-rich soil can stunt lavender plants.
How do I care for lavender in Michigan?
Without regular rainfall, young lavender propagules will need to be watered every four to five days during the first month in the field and especially during hot summers or in windy locations. Be sure to let the plant roots dry out between irrigations to prevent root rot diseases.
Does lavender come back every year?
Lavender is a Low-Maintenance Perennial And this beauty will come back to your garden every year, for about 3-5 years, so it's a great investment. What is this? Before you make any plant purchases, however, I want to remind you to always choose plants that thrive in your plant hardiness zone.
Can I leave lavender outside in winter?
English Lavenders are cold hardy and can be left outside over winter. Non English lavenders will only survive winter in mild climates and need to be transferred into pots and brought inside over winter. Prepare your lavender for winter by pruning them into a mound shape that resists winter weather and tidy away leaves.
Will my lavender survive winter?
As mentioned above, English lavender is winter-hardy to Zone 5 and may only need a bit of help in the form of a thin layer of straw. Otherwise, lavender shouldn't need any extra care outdoors. Spanish and French lavenders, on the other hand, are only hardy to Zone 8, and will need to be brought indoors in colder areas.
What temperature is too cold for lavender?
Cold hardy lavender does actually exist. The English varieties can withstand temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 C.) while the French can only withstand temperatures of 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 C.) or higher.
Is lavender cold hardy?
English Lavender varieties, are the only lavender species which is cold hardy and will regularly survive winters in colder climates, despite frosts and snow. The Popular English variety lavender Hidcote Superior can even reportedly survive temperatures up to -30 °C (-20 °F) during winter.
What do you do with lavender in the winter?
In winter, keep the containers fairly dry, maybe in a cold greenhouse or in the rain shadow at the base of a wall to keep off excessive rain, which will help improve the plants' tolerance to cold weather.
Are bees attracted to lavender?
If you are a lavender lover and grower, you have discovered that if bees are nearby, they love lavender in bloom. Lavender and bees are, simply put, very good friends!
When to Plant Lavender in Michigan
As you may have already guessed, you need to pay very close attention to your local weather in the spring. Specifically, you are going to need to watch when the last frost occurs.
When Should You Start Your Lavender Seeds Indoors?
Depending on the type of lavender, it takes roughly 15-20 days to grow lavender from seed indoors and then transplant them to your garden.
How to grow lavender in the spring?
Fertilize in early spring with a top dressing of compost and bone meal. Liquid feed twice during the summer with fish emulsion or seaweed extract. Lavender must be grown in dry soils – it will not tolerate wet feet. To improve your soils drainage, add pea gravel or sand.
How tall does a lavender plant grow?
Rich lavender flower spikes fill the air with their classic lavender scent all summer. Blooms are held above compact plants that grow to a height of around 15 inches in height. Its short, compact, growth makes Munstead a good choice for edging along pathways or as a small hedge.
Why do lavender plants die?
It is dampness, more so than cold that is responsible for killing Lavender plants. Humidity can also be a problem – make sure you do not crowd the plants so that air can flow between them. In colder areas where the ground often freezes it is beneficial to add a layer of mulch to help protect the roots.
When do lavender flowers appear?
The sweet perfumed fragrance of Lavender is strong in both the foliage and the gorgeous deep blue flowers. Flowers first begin to appear in mid July and continue to appear into the later parts of September.
Can lavender grow in full sun?
GROWING LAVENDER. English Lavender plants will grow in a wide range of growing conditions but it does best in full sun in a very well drained soil. For best results we recommend amending your soil with a small amount of compost and a couple of shovels of sand. The sand will help provide drainage, and good drainage is a critical factor ...
Can lavender be pruned?
Older lavender plants will not survive heavy pruning, especially if there is more woody growth than new, green growth. If there is new growth visible above the woody stalks, begin by pruning back as much of as possible above the woody areas, without actually cutting into them.
Do you need to prune lavender plants?
Lavender doesn’t require a great deal of maintenance, but some attention is needed in the pruning department. The most important thing to remember is to begin pruning lavender while the plant is still young. This way new growth will be encouraged right from the start.
When does lavender bloom in Michigan?
Lavender blooms in Michigan from mid June through mid August. However if you want to experience peak bloom, with those picture-perfect fields of rolling purple, then aim for mid July. Exact peak bloom time is different every year. Rainfall, temperature, and the previous winter all influence it.
When is Mid Michigan Lavender open?
Confirm hours on their website. Mid-Michigan Lavender is a family-owned lavender farm. It is open throughout the summer months, and visitors can pick their own lavender from July through August. There is also a gift shop, open on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August, with lavender and local Michigan-made products.
Where is Indigo Lavender Farms?
Indigo Lavender Farms is one of the only lavender farms in southeast Michigan or the thumb region. It’s the closest lavender farm to Detroit! This is also one of the bigger lavender farms in Michigan, at 50 acres with 14,000 plants. There are rows and rows of full-grown lavender making it a perfect photoshoot spot.
Where is Bohemian Lavender?
Bohemian Lavender is a really idyllic lavender farm, not too far off M-22 if you are driving toward Traverse City. It is set off a dirt road and very secluded. They have U-pick lavender most days in their beautiful gardens, plus plenty of lavender products and local art for sale in their barn.
Is Old Mission Peninsula lavender farm open?
Lavender on Old Mission Peninsula is one of the few lavender farms featured on this list that is not regularly open to the public. This farm is only open to the public for special events, including their annual Veteran’s Day U-Pick. I personally emailed the owner, Amy, to set up my visit.
How to grow lavender in Indiana?
Give lavender space, mulch and water. Give lavender space, mulch and water. Provide room to grow. Kieran and Libbe O'Connor, who have nearly 4,000 lavender plants at Willowfield Lavender Farm in Mooresville, Indiana, space their plants 3 feet apart on mounded rows of well-draining soil.
How should I plant lavender in the Midwest?
Plant in full sun. Lavender likes at least eight hours of sun a day. Prepare 8-12 inches of well-draining soil for your plants. Lavender doesn't like the clay soils of the Midwest, which trap moisture. Prepare an ideal soil that drains well with one-third garden soil, one-third sand or pea gravel and one-third organic compost. When Deborah and Steve Nathe started their lavender farm, Winding Brook Estate, in Eureka, Missouri, just outside St. Louis, they literally added tons of sand to the soil. A mounded bed also helps provide drainage. Without good drainage, lavender will rot. Plant in spring for best results. While lavender can be planted anytime from early spring to late fall, it has a better chance of thriving if it goes through a full growing season before winter. Winding Brook Estate
What is lavender used for?
The powerful fragrance is said to relieve pain, soothe sunburn, cure insomnia and repel insects.This multifaceted herb spurs such interest--and sales--that it's the star attraction of at least a dozen farms around the Midwest. Thousands of guests visit every summer during the peak flowering season of June through August. As visitors brush up against fragrant wands of blooms on a walk through a field of lavender, aromatherapy takes on new meaning.
How tall does Mitcham Grey grow?
So even if it isn't hardy where you live, you can grow it as an annual that reaches 16 inches tall. 'Mitcham Grey', growing about 20 inches tall and wide, is the favorite lavender of Kieran and Libbe O'Connor at Willowfield Lavender Farm in Indiana. They love its dark blue flowers and heady fragrance.
How long does it take for lavender to dry?
Good air circulation will prevent the lavender from becoming moldy. It should dry in about a month.
How to harvest lavender?
Harvest spikes of mature plants as soon as they bloom. Cut just above the leaves. Don't be afraid to cut a lot of spikes; harvesting will promote new growth and keeps the plants from becoming leggy. Harvest on a dry day, or after a series of dry days. This will mean less moisture on the plant. Late morning, after dew has evaporated, is an ideal time . Dry in bundles. Tie six to 12 lavender spikes together and hang upside down on poles or hooks in a dry, dark place. Good air circulation will prevent the lavender from becoming moldy. It should dry in about a month.
When does lavender bloom?
It blooms in late spring and may rebloom in the same season. Pictured: 'Hidcote Giant' 'Lady', a Zone 6 seed-grown variety (other lavenders originate as cuttings), is the only lavender to reliably bloom its first summer. So even if it isn't hardy where you live, you can grow it as an annual that reaches 16 inches tall.
When is the best time to visit Michigan lavender fields?
Generally, the best time to visit lavender fields in Michigan is mid-July, when lavender reaches peak bloom. Most of Michigan’s lavender farms open in June, but this is subject to change. Sometimes the lavender’s color will last into August.
What is Harbor View Lavender Farm?
When you visit Harbor View Lavender Farm, you can peek into the 130-year-old barn and learn about the many uses of lavender. You might also get to sample a taste of the farm’s refreshing lavender lemonade.
What is lavender used for?
In addition to its beauty, lavender is sought after for its medicinal properties, fragrance, and use in food and beverages. Many of these Michigan lavender farms have gift shops where visitors can purchase hand-crafted lavender products. Also, many of Michigan’s lavender farms sell distilled essential oil, bath and beauty products, linen sprays, ...
Where is Lavender Hill Farms of Niles?
Located in Southwest Michigan’s Berrien County, this 1.25-acre farm has 4,000 lavender plants. Stopping by the farm’s shop, you’ll find farm-made lavender products, including lavender essential oil, fragrant lavender water, and lavender honey. Lavender Hill Farms of Niles has a gift shop for limited customers to shop at one time.
Where is Indigo Lavender Farms?
Indigo Lavender Farms. One of the closest lavender farms to the Detroit area , Indigo Lavender Farms is a nearly 20-acre, woman-owned family farm with 14,000 lavender plants. The farm sells oil, honey, chamomile tea, and a variety of bath and beauty products all made with lavender.
Do lavender farms need sun?
However, it is always best to check with the farm before visiting for hours, tour availability, and special events. Please keep in mind lavender needs sunshine and bees in order to thrive. Therefore, when you visit these farms, make sure you have sun protection — such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or a hat.
When is lavender season in Michigan?
Their gardens are spectacular. Summerhouse Lavender Farm's season goes though the 2nd week in October.
Where is Indigo Lavender Farms?
Indigo Farms is a FANTASTIC Michigan lavender farm located in Imlay City. As you can see, it is well kept and just gorgeous with rolling fields of lavender as far as the eye can see. It's one of our favorite lavender farms in Michigan! Indigo Lavender Farms: Michigan Lavender Farms, Fields and Festivals!
How much does it cost to visit Indigo Lavender Farms?
There is a $5 fee to visit Indigo Lavender Farms but it's included in the cost if you attend the fabulous Michigan Lavender Festival featured below. Indigo Lavender Farms also has beautiful bee hives that helps the local bees. There's a wonderful farm tour, events and a shop to find delightful lavender products.
Where is Shades of Lavender located?
Shades of Lavender: Michigan Lavender Farms, Fields and Festivals! Shades of Lavender Farm located in Mattawan Michigan is a lovely place to pick your own lavender (they provide scissors!) and wander past all the variety of lavender. Be sure to stop into their lovely shop for everything Lavender!
When is summerhouse lavender season 2021?
Summerhouse Lavender Farm's season begins May 8th 2021 and they will be open for guided tours Thursday-Sunday 11am-5pm all summer! Book a tour on their website! This lovely Michigan lavender farm is located in Fennville, Michigan.
Where is Lavender Hill Farm?
Established in 2003, Lavender Hill Farm is one of the largest commercial lavender farms in Michigan. Embark on guided tours ($5) or free walking tours throughout the farm. There's also a mile of trails to discover additional lavender gardens! Take lots of pictures as the area is just gorgeous!
Where is Harbor View Nursery located?
Harbor View Nursery & Lavender Farm located in beautiful Traverse City is family-owned and operated on beautiful Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan. Sonja and Bret Richards opened for business in 1993!
