Combining Field Research and Education to Grow the Lavender Industry in Missouri
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Kelly McGowan
Field Specialist in Horticulture
University of Missouri Extension
Springfield
Abstract
Call for Presenters in Horticulture and Turfgrass
COMBINING FIELD RESEARCH AND EDUCATION TO GROW THE LAVENDER INDUSTRY IN MISSOURI
McGowan, K.1, Schutter, J.2, Byers, P.3, Kammler, K.4, Aufdenberg, D.5
1Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension, Springfield, Missouri 65810
2Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension, Kirksville, Missouri 63501
3Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension, Marshfield, Missouri 65706
4Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension, St. Genevieve, Missouri 63670
5Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension, Jackson, Missouri 63755
Field studies are being conducted by specialists with University of Missouri Extension to determine a set of standardized growing practices for lavender in Missouri. This research is the result of an increase in demand for state-specific guidelines which are currently unavailable. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) has increased in popularity for its appeal in the home landscape, value-added products, and agritourism. As a result of the project, we were able to determine the best cultivars for Missouri growers based on winter hardiness, drought tolerance and disease management. Results of this project are being disseminated via real-time, in-field workshops and field days. Four workshops took place in 2021 and 2022 with 484 in attendance and with many indicating they would add lavender to an existing operation or expand current production. As a result of attending the workshop in northeast Missouri and working with the horticulture specialist there, the Titus Creek Flower farm south of Kirksville planted 400 lavender plants in the fall of 2022, and are planning to plant 400 more in spring 2023, for a total of 800 plants. The workshops took place in three different geographical areas of Missouri. These workshops included a formal presentation, essential oil distillation demonstrations, and a walk through the research field to continue discussions. An official guide sheet will result from field data collections at the conclusion of the project. Attendees of Extension programs often prefer the mixture of classroom and in-field learning. This popular approach to learning could easily be replicated with other types of research.
Authors: Kelly McGowan, Jennifer Schutter, Patrick Byers, Donna Aufdenberg , Katie Kammler
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Kelly McGowan Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension , Missouri, 65807
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Jennifer Schutter Field Specialist in Horticulture , University of Missouri Extension , Missouri, 63501
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Patrick Byers Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 65706
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Donna Aufdenberg Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension , Missouri, 63755
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Katie Kammler Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension , Missouri, 63670