The first commercially grown cultivar of lavender in the Texas Hill Country was Provence lavender, a Lavandula x intermedia, hybrid. While Provence is grown at most Blanco area lavender farms, new cultivars are continually being tested. An example of a few of the cultivars being grown are Grosso, Buena Vista, Sachet, Goodwin Creek, Silver Frost, and Royal Velvet . With over 30 species of the genus lavandula, and cultivars numbering in the hundreds, we all agree that there are a lot from which to choose!

The Blanco lavender farms continually test new ways to grow and maintain lavender and, like most pioneers, often differ in their opinions about the best lavender for this area, as well as how to grow it. Throughout the year, members of the Blanco Lavender Growers Association meet and stay in constant communication about their common passion; lavender. In general, most Blanco lavender growers agree on the following concerning cultivars they have tried in this area:

Ideal growing conditions for lavender consist of full sun in well-drained sandy loam soil, with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. A slight slope helps drainage, while mounding can also be used to improve drainage. Additionally, most lavender likes plenty of circulation with low humidity. Lavender planted too closely together, or in an area that receives little circulation, will typically suffer.

While lavender cannot tolerate saturated soil, young plants need frequent watering to become established. Although considered a drought-resistant plant, during those extremely dry periods in the Texas Hill Country, plant health and blooms will benefit from periodic watering. Plants should be watered at the root line, rather than from above on the leaves, as lavender can be susceptible to mold. When using lavender in landscaping, it should be planted near other low-water plants and away from sprinkler systems.

In general, lavender needs little fertilizer or constant maintenance. In this area, each lavender farm will differ as to the method and frequency of fertilization.

Depending upon the specific lavender, annual rainfall, and timing of the rain, beautiful blooms can be experienced as early as May or as late as October. Some varieties can produce blooms throughout the season, while others will save their beauty for once or twice a year. In the late fall, growers recommend cutting back lavender bushes by at least one-third. This trim will assist the lavender with its naturally rounded shape and help produce more flowers the following bloom season.

Many farms on the tour will sell lavender plants for your garden, while lending their personal experiences with different cultivars. Each grower will have one, or many, favorites ... and, on that score, every opinion will be different!