After three years of research , University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialists are learn how to successfully grow lavender in Missouri .
The popularity of lavender ’s reinvigorated scent has persist since ancient prison term . Cleopatra reportedly used it to score Julius Caesar and Mark Antony . By the sixteenth 100 , the great unwashed were using it to ward off disease , preserve the dead , and ease indigestion .
" Lavender is more popular than ever , " say MU Extension horticulturist Kelly McGowan , who extend the cogitation .
Today , lavender ’s scent is promoted in many product – detergents , body soaps , balms , perfumes , toilet tissue paper , and much more . It is also used in cooking and medication .
Because of Missouri ’s divers clime and topography , MU researchers planted trial run game in four locations in the country . McGowan used the Springfield Botanical Garden for patch ; horticulturists Katie Kammler and Donna Aufdenberg planted at the MU Extension Center in Ste . Genevieve and Patrick Byers planted at MU ’s Southwest Research Center in Mount Vernon , and Jennifer Schutter grew 22 cultivars and 120 plants over three years in northerly Missouri at Kirksville .
They found that six independent cultivar do well in Missouri : Dutch Mill , Grosso French , Munstead English , Hidcote English , Phenomenal and Provence . Spanish varieties of lavender do not survive Missouri winters , says McGowan . eminent humidity also can adversely affect some assortment . As with all gardening , perform , have soil tested before planting and survey recommendations .
disregarding of location , this member of the mint family suffers when it receives too much water . MU research worker suggest growing it in raised rows and beds , containers , or high tunnels with sound drainage and aegis from excessive rainfall . A watering docket that keeps plant on the juiceless side is also preferred .
plant need to be covered in colder climates , such as in northern Missouri , says Schutter . During the report , she cover some rows and left others reveal . Uncovered plants died or have dieback and needed severe pruning in spring . Protected works survived , with the exception of one cultivar , Blue Spear , which is not recommend in north Missouri .
Plants develop about 1 - 2 foundation improbable . slow hairsbreadth coat the pale fleeceable leaves to give them their trademark silvery sheen . The light purple lavender flowers are tiny and arrange in spike . Every part of the flora contains the vegetable oil that produces a sweet fragrance .
" Fresh lavender works will keep a garden fragrant as well as draw in a miscellanea of pollinators like bee , butterfly , pray mantid and others , " says Schutter . " In urban setting where the population of natural pollinator , including bees and butterflies , is on a decline , lavender plants offer an invaluable attraction to these species . "
In increase to drawing pollinator , lavender can keep forth unwanted insects such as flea , tent-fly , and mosquitoes .
Kammler describes this perennial as " finical . " Even within the same domain , cultivars may respond differently . MU horticulturists say cultivator should design for some nonstarter – as much as 20%-25 % plant passing each time of year .
Plants are easy to propagate , although some cultivars are trademark - protected , and extension is prohibited . For questions , adjoin McGowan at[email protected ] .
McGowan says there is a potent requirement for lavender by home plate gardeners and those wanting to sell value - add up mathematical product such as liquid ecstasy , oils , and balms . " you could very in all probability sell what you grow , " she says .
" Lavender provides many chance for those with diminished land area , " says Byers . In the next phase of MU Extension ’s research , horticulturists design to research manner that growers can lift lavender to advance Missouri ’s agricultural thriftiness through agritourism and note value - added product , he order .
The investigator also plan to let go of an MU annex guide on lavender rise in the spring .
Source : extension.missouri.edu
