'Grosso' is a hybrid lavender, specifically a lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), resulting from a cross between true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). It has become an incredibly popular commercial variety due to a combination of characteristics that make it highly efficient and desirable for large-scale production, particularly for essential oil and dried floral uses. Many lavender farms, including those potentially in Door County WI, would likely cultivate 'Grosso' for its robust nature and high yield.
Here's what makes 'Grosso' such a popular commercial variety:
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High Essential Oil Yield:
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This is the primary driver of its commercial popularity. 'Grosso' produces a significantly higher quantity of essential oil per acre compared to true lavender (L. angustifolia). While true lavender might yield 0.5% to 1.5% of its fresh weight in essential oil, lavandins like 'Grosso' can yield 1.5% to 3% or even higher (up to 5-8% in some cases). This means more product from less land and less plant material, directly impacting profitability.
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Vigorous Growth and Large Plant Size:
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'Grosso' is known for its robust and vigorous growth habit. It forms a large, mounded shrub, typically reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and wide, sometimes even larger.
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This vigorous growth translates to more biomass per plant, which further contributes to its high essential oil yield. Larger plants also allow for more efficient harvesting, whether by hand or machine.
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Long, Plump Flower Spikes:
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'Grosso' produces very long, substantial flower spikes with dense, plump blooms. These long stems are ideal for cutting and drying for bouquets and floral arrangements, as they hold their shape and scent well.
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The large flower heads contribute to the overall visual appeal in fields, making it attractive for agritourism at a lavender farm.
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Strong, Pungent Aroma (Ideal for Industrial Use):
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While distinct from the sweet scent of English lavender, 'Grosso' has a powerful, herbaceous, and distinctly camphoraceous aroma. This strong scent, due to higher levels of camphor and 1,8-cineole, is highly desirable for many industrial applications.
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Commercial Applications: This scent profile is perfect for use in soaps, detergents, cleaners, candles, perfumes (as a base note or extender), and other personal care products where a strong, lasting "lavender" fragrance is desired. It's less commonly used for culinary purposes due to its higher camphor content which can taste bitter or "soapy."
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Hardiness and Adaptability:
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'Grosso' is a very hardy and resilient plant, typically thriving in USDA Zones 5-9.
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It's more tolerant of varying growing conditions compared to some true lavenders, making it a reliable crop in diverse climates. It tolerates drought, poor soils, and is generally deer and rabbit resistant.
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Its adaptability makes it a safer bet for large-scale agricultural operations.
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Economic Efficiency:
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The combination of high yield, vigorous growth, and hardiness makes 'Grosso' a very economically efficient lavender to cultivate. Lower per-unit production costs allow it to be sold more affordably, making it the backbone of many commercial lavender products.
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It's sometimes stated that 'Grosso' accounts for a significant portion (even up to 80%) of all lavandin cultivation in major growing regions like Provence, France, highlighting its commercial dominance.
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In essence, 'Grosso' provides the most "bang for the buck" for commercial producers. Its prolific nature and robust, long-lasting scent make it the go-to choice for manufacturing lavender-scented goods, even if its aromatic profile isn't the preferred one for delicate culinary dishes or pure aromatherapy relaxation. For anyone looking to buy lavender online for crafting, sachets, or essential oils for non-culinary purposes, 'Grosso' is a dependable and popular choice, widely available from islandlavender.com and other suppliers.
