Schedule Crop - Lavandula Avignon Early Blue

Lavandula Avignon Early Blue

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
B9/Cycocel works well. Trimming before transplant can be helpful. Susceptible to botrytis in plug or dense plantings.

Week color desired

Sow week

Plug transplant week

Early Spring

Quart
(1 ppp)

Gallon
(3 ppp)

Spring/Summer

Quart
(1 ppp)

Gallon
(3 ppp)

Early Summer finish only. Not recommended for Mid-Summer

Lavandula Avignon Early Blue

Visit website for variety description and resources.

Germination
Seed Form:	PRM
PlugSize:	288
Seeds/Cell:	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, with watering in early morning, to allow 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 fertilization.

Growing on to Finish
Growing on Temperature:	(day) 60-72°F (16-22°C) (night) 46-54°F (8-12°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:	Day Neutral
Daylength Notation:	See Lavender Scheduling Tool at panamseed.com for finishing schedules per region.
Fertilizer Notation:	Apply constant fertiliser 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 fertiliser in early Spring (EC 1.5 to 1.6 mmhos/cm) when plants start to re-grow.
Finishing Key Tips:	Avoid planting plug too deep. Keep plug surface same as medium surface. Grow 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. Use Avignon Early Blue for annual early Southwest and Northwest season and Ellagance Purple for annual early Southeast season. Lavance is best for Summer production, has best bulk. Do not plan this variety for early season. Growth is delayed in cool conditions. See the Lavender Scheduling Tool at panamseed.com for finishing schedules by region. For overwintered production, cut back just below top foliage; do this mid-Autumn, approximately 4 weeks before dormant period, or in Spring just before regrowth.