The report on the progress of lavender research trials up to spring 2014 is now available on the Ontario Lavender Association website at www.ontariolavenderassociation.org. The research was a collaborative effort between the Ontario Lavender Association, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the University of Guelph and nine participating lavender farms. The report includes results of cultivar trials conducted at six sites across southern Ontario in which 27 cultivars are being evaluated for winter survival, flower and oil yield and quality, and flower characteristics. Results include the winter survival ratings conducted after the harsh winter of 2013/2014.

The report also includes results on two years of winter row cover trials (thin and thick white row vs straw vs uncovered), a trial on white and black plastic mulches for weed control, and an oil distillation trial examining the changes in yield and quality of essential oil through the distillation run. Highlights of the research results will be presented on this blog over the next few months.