Schedule Crop - Lavandula Blue Spear

Lavandula Blue Spear

Data is gathered from our Elburn, Ill., trials (Zone 5a) for a North American audience. Warm-climate growers: expect 1-2 weeks earlier finishing. Cool-climate growers: expect 1 week slower. Dates based on standard 288 plug size.

Notes/Pitfall Management
PGR's are not necessary due to the dense branching habit. Provide good air flow. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry, or use sub-irrigation.

Week color desired

Sow week

Plug transplant week

Early Spring

Quart
(1 ppp)

Gallon
(3 ppp)

Can be finished for early Spring sales using long day lighting. High light intensity for Southern growers can help compensate for photoperiod.

Spring/Summer

Quart
(1 ppp)

Gallon
(3 ppp)

Late-Summer/Fall

Quart
(1 ppp)

Gallon
(3 ppp)

Lavandula Blue Spear

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Germination
Seed Form:	PRM
PlugSize:	288
Seeds/Cell:	3-4
Plug Crop Weeks:	6-8
Days from 50% to maximum germination:	4-5
Cover Seed:	Yes

Plug Production
Stage 1
Moisture:	Level 4
Temperature:	65-68°F (18-20°C)
Light:	Light

Stage 2
Moisture:	Level 3
Temperature:	65-68°F (18-20°C)
Light:	2,000-2,500 fc (21,500-26,900 Lux)
Fertilizer:	100 to 175 ppm N (0.7 to 1.2 EC)

Stage 3
Moisture:	Level 2-3
Temperature:	60-65°F (16-18°C)
Light:	2,500-3,500 fc (26,900-37,700 Lux)
Fertilizer:	175 to 225 ppm N (1.2 to 1.5 EC)
PGR:	daminozide/1,000-2,000 ppm/Spray

Stage 4
Moisture:	Level 2
Temperature:	60-65°F (16-18°C)
Light:	4,000-5,000 fc (43,100-53,800 Lux)
Fertilizer:	175 to 225 ppm N (1.2 to 1.5 EC)
PGR:	daminozide/1,000-2,000 ppm/Spray

Vernalization:

Propagation Key Tips:

For forcing info: see Perennials Forcing Guide.
For scheduling info: see Lavender scheduling tool.
Spray damp-off fungicide. Provide good ventilation and active respiration in plug production. Grow on the dry side, watering in the early morning to allow the plugs to dry up during the day. If respiration and fertilisation are too low, Lavandula angustifolia can show "black spots" on cotyledons due to root pressure damage. This is reversible with improved ventilation and higher fertilisation.

Growing on to Finish
Growing on Temperature:	(day) 60-72°F (16-22°C) (night) 54-60°F (12-16°C)
Target Media pH/EC (1:2):	5.8-6.5 pH 1.1-1.4 mmhos/cm
Fertilizer:	100 to 175 ppm N (0.7 to 1.2 EC)
Daylength:	Facultative Long Day
Daylength Notation:	Critical Daylength: 11 hours in High DLI (15Mol/day/m2); 12 hours in Low DLI (5Mol/day/m2) See Lavender Scheduling Tool at panamseed.com for finishing schedules per region.
Fertilizer Notation:	Apply constant fertilizer at rate 1 to 2 (100 to 125 ppm N/0.7 to 1.2 mmhos/cm EC or 150 ppm as needed). Maintain the pH at 5.8 to 6.5 and EC 1.2 to 1.5 mmhos/cm. For overwintering outside, add some extra nitrate-based fertilizer in early Spring (EC 1.5 to 1.6 mmhos/cm) when plants start to re-grow.
Finishing Key Tips:	Avoid planting plugs deep. Keep plug surface same as medium surface. Grow with low RH and high light. Let top soil dry in between waterings, but do not allow medium to dry, as high EC could cause root damage. Monitor for Botrytis, Root Rot, Leafspot, Aphids and Mites. For shipping, keep soil moist and plant dry.