How to Grow Lavender: A Comprehensive Guide for Lavender Farming Success
Introduction: Why Grow Lavender?
Lavender is one of the most popular plants for small-scale and artisanal farming. Known for its fragrant blooms and wide range of uses—from essential oils to culinary products—lavender is both a practical and profitable crop. But beyond its aesthetic and aromatic appeal, lavender also represents a growing trend toward sustainable and local farming practices, making it a highly desirable choice for farmers seeking a versatile crop that can thrive in marginal or small acreage.
For those considering lavender farming, it’s important to understand that lavender’s success hinges on careful planning, from choosing the right varieties and preparing your soil to understanding the seasonal rhythms of lavender cultivation. This guide is designed to provide you with everything you need to know to establish, grow, and profit from your lavender farm, whether you’re cultivating lavender as a side business or planning to make it the cornerstone of your farming operation.
The Global and Domestic Lavender Industry
Global Overview: France, Bulgaria, and Australia
Lavender production on a global scale is dominated by countries like France, Bulgaria, Australia, and New Zealand. These regions boast the ideal Mediterranean climates—hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters—where lavender thrives.
France, specifically Provence, has been synonymous with lavender for centuries. The region produces large quantities of lavender essential oil, which is used in high-end perfumes, aromatherapy products, and cosmetics. In recent years, however, Bulgaria has become a key player in lavender oil production, particularly after France experienced issues with disease affecting its lavender fields. Australia and New Zealand are also increasing their lavender oil production, thanks to their similarly favorable climates.
Globally, lavender essential oil production exceeds 200 metric tons (441,000 lbs) per year, and this figure continues to grow as consumer demand for natural, sustainably produced products increases. Lavender essential oil is one of the most widely used in the world, sought after for its calming properties and versatility in various industries.
Domestic Overview: Lavender in the U.S.
In the U.S., lavender farming has historically been small-scale, with no large industrial operations comparable to those in France or Bulgaria. However, lavender’s popularity is rapidly growing, particularly in regions with climates that mimic those of the Mediterranean. States like California, Washington, Oregon, and even parts of the Southwest are becoming hubs for artisanal lavender production.
Lavender’s introduction to North America is attributed to Spanish settlers, who brought lavender to the Southwestern U.S. over 400 years ago. Lavender has long been used in curandera folk medicine, and its popularity surged again in the 1970s as part of the back-to-nature movement. Today, lavender farming is experiencing a renaissance, as more consumers seek natural health and beauty products, essential oils, and artisanal foods.
Lavender’s Role in Rural and Community Development
Lavender farming is uniquely positioned to contribute to rural development and the revitalization of small-scale agriculture. With relatively low input costs and high product value, lavender farming is viable on small plots of land, making it an excellent choice for farmers looking to diversify their income streams or transition to more sustainable farming practices. Lavender farming can also boost local economies by attracting tourists through agritourism, U-pick farms, and on-farm events.
The Versatility of Lavender: Products and Markets
Lavender is prized for its versatility, and its various products offer multiple avenues for revenue. Understanding the different markets for lavender is key to building a sustainable business.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most valuable products derived from lavender. It is used in aromatherapy, personal care products, perfumes, and even cleaning products. Lavender essential oil is typically distilled from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula x intermedia, with the latter often yielding higher quantities of oil, though it has a stronger camphor scent.
- Market Value: Lavender essential oil can command a high price, especially when marketed as organic or sustainably produced.
- Production Considerations: Essential oil production requires steam distillation equipment, which can be a significant investment. However, many small farmers partner with local distilleries or rent equipment during the harvest season.
Fresh Bundles, Dried Lavender, and Culinary Uses
Aside from oil, lavender can be sold as fresh or dried bundles, which are popular at farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and with florists. Lavender is also gaining popularity in the culinary world, where it’s used in everything from lavender-infused honey to artisanal cheeses.
- Fresh Lavender Bundles: These are typically sold directly at markets or through U-pick events. Fresh bundles can be harvested just before full bloom to maximize their shelf life.
- Dried Lavender: Dried lavender can be used in sachets, potpourri, and decorative crafts. Dried lavender is also a key ingredient in culinary lavender products, including tea blends, baked goods, and beverages.
- Culinary Lavender: Lavender buds are used to infuse flavor into products like lavender-infused syrups, lavender salt, and lavender sugar. Culinary lavender is usually sourced from English Lavender due to its sweet, floral taste, as Lavandula x intermedia tends to have a stronger, camphor-like flavor.
Lavender Varieties: Choosing the Right Lavender for Your Farm
Choosing the right lavender variety is crucial for ensuring that your lavender thrives in your specific climate and meets your production goals. While there are numerous species and cultivars of lavender, the two most commonly grown in North America are Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) and Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin).
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
English lavender is prized for its sweet fragrance, making it ideal for essential oil production and culinary use. It’s hardy, typically growing well in USDA zones 5–9, and has compact blooms that are easy to harvest for dried bundles and oil extraction.
- Bloom Time: English lavender blooms from late spring to mid-summer, usually lasting 3-4 weeks.
- Best Uses: Essential oils, dried bundles, and culinary lavender products.
Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin)
Lavandin is a hybrid between English lavender and spike lavender. It is larger, more vigorous, and produces more oil than English lavender, though the oil has a slightly stronger camphor scent. Lavandin is better suited to regions with warmer climates (zones 6–9) and tends to bloom later than English lavender, often extending the harvest season into late summer.
- Bloom Time: Lavandin blooms from mid-summer to early fall, providing a later harvest compared to English lavender.
- Best Uses: High-yield essential oil production, dried bundles, and crafts.
Other Popular Varieties
While English Lavender and Lavandin are the most commonly grown varieties
, other species like Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender) and Lavandula dentata (French Lavender) are popular for their ornamental value.
- Lavandula stoechas: Known for its distinctive “rabbit-ear” flowers, this variety is primarily used for decorative purposes.
- Lavandula dentata: Also called French lavender, it is more ornamental and often used in landscapes for its highly aromatic foliage and unique flower shapes.
Establishing a Lavender Farm
Successfully establishing a lavender farm requires careful planning and site preparation. Here, we’ll outline the steps necessary to set up a productive and profitable lavender farm.
Site Selection and Climate Considerations
Lavender thrives in conditions that replicate its native Mediterranean habitat. The ideal climate for lavender is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In the U.S., lavender grows best in the Western states, but it can also be grown in regions with similar conditions if proper care is taken to ensure well-draining soil and sufficient sunlight.
Key Considerations:
- USDA Zones: Lavender grows well in zones 5–9, depending on the variety.
- Sunlight: Lavender needs full sun, at least 6–8 hours per day.
- Drainage: Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot. Lavender prefers sandy loam soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Soil Preparation: Testing and Amending for Success
Before planting lavender, it’s essential to test your soil for pH, nutrient levels, and drainage capacity. Lavender prefers alkaline soils with good drainage, so if your soil is too acidic or too compact, you’ll need to amend it.
Steps to Prepare Your Soil:
- Test Your Soil: Use a soil testing kit or send a sample to your local extension office to determine the pH and nutrient levels.
- Amend the Soil: If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in gravel or sand to improve drainage.
- Prepare the Planting Beds: Lavender grows best in raised beds or on sloped land to ensure water drains away from the roots.
Sourcing Plants: Seedlings vs. Cuttings
Lavender can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or purchasing seedlings from a nursery. However, it’s important to note that Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin) cannot be grown from seed as it is a hybrid and must be propagated through cuttings.
- Seedlings: For new growers, purchasing nursery-grown seedlings is often the easiest way to start. Look for healthy, established plants that are 1-2 years old.
- Cuttings: If you have access to established lavender plants, taking cuttings is a cost-effective way to propagate lavender. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering shoots and rooted in a light, well-draining medium.
Staggering Planting for Continuous Production
Lavender plants typically live for 8-12 years, but to ensure continuous production, it’s a good idea to stagger plantings over several years. This way, you’ll always have lavender at various stages of maturity, ensuring a steady supply of flowers and essential oil.
Understanding Lavender’s Production Cycle
Lavender has a relatively long production cycle, with plants taking around 3 years to reach full maturity. However, once established, lavender plants require minimal care and continue producing for many years.
Seasonal Work on the Lavender Farm
Lavender farming is a year-round activity, with most of the labor concentrated in the spring and summer months when planting, harvesting, and distillation take place.
- Spring: Planting, pruning, and preparing for the growing season.
- Summer: Harvesting, trimming, and distilling essential oil.
- Fall: Post-harvest cleanup and soil maintenance.
- Winter: Marketing products, performing equipment maintenance, and planning for the next season.
Pruning for Health and Longevity
Pruning is essential for maintaining healthy lavender plants. Without regular pruning, lavender plants can become woody and less productive. Prune your lavender once or twice a year, cutting back about one-third of the plant after flowering. This encourages new growth and ensures that the plant will continue to produce flowers year after year.
Planting and Caring for Lavender
Once your soil is prepared and your plants are sourced, it’s time to start planting. Lavender is relatively easy to plant and care for, provided you follow a few key guidelines.
How to Plant Lavender in Rows and Containers
- Spacing: Lavender plants need plenty of air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow them to grow and spread without crowding.
- Planting Depth: Dig a hole just large enough for the plant’s root ball, and ensure that the base of the plant is level with the soil surface. Lavender roots don’t like to be buried too deeply, as this can lead to rot.
- Container Planting: Lavender can also be grown in containers, which is a good option if your soil is too heavy or you live in an area with harsh winters. Use a well-draining potting mix and choose a container with good drainage holes.
Installing Irrigation Systems
Lavender doesn’t require much water once established, but during the first year of growth, consistent watering is essential to help the plants get established. Drip irrigation is the best option for lavender, as it provides steady moisture directly to the roots without wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Watering Lavender: Getting It Right
Lavender is drought-tolerant once established, but young plants need regular watering to encourage root growth. After the first few months, gradually reduce watering to avoid over-saturating the soil.
- New Plants: Water every 2-3 days for the first few weeks.
- Established Plants: Water once every 2 weeks, or only when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing and Soil Health
Lavender prefers lean, low-nitrogen soils, so you won’t need to fertilize heavily. In fact, too much fertilizer can result in excessive leafy growth and fewer flowers. Apply a light layer of compost or slow-release organic fertilizer once a year in the spring to maintain soil health without overfeeding your plants.
Managing Pests and Diseases Naturally
Lavender is relatively pest-resistant, but certain pests and diseases can still affect your plants, particularly in more humid regions.
- Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can occasionally target lavender, but they can often be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Diseases: Lavender is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Make sure your plants are in well-drained soil, and avoid overwatering to prevent this problem.
Harvesting Lavender for Different Markets
Lavender can be harvested for several different markets, including essential oil production, fresh bundles, and dried flowers. The timing and method of harvest will depend on your target market.
Timing Your Harvest for Essential Oils vs. Fresh Bundles
- For Essential Oils: Lavender should be harvested when the flowers are in full bloom and about two-thirds of the buds have opened. This is when the oil content is highest.
- For Fresh Bundles: Harvest lavender just before the flowers fully open for the freshest and longest-lasting bundles.
Drying and Storing Lavender for Maximum Profit
After harvesting, lavender can be dried for later use in sachets, potpourri, and culinary products. To dry lavender, tie the stems into small bundles and hang them upside-down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space. Properly dried lavender can retain its fragrance and color for up to a year.
Building a Lavender Business: From Start to Finish
Starting a lavender farm is not just about growing the plants—it’s about building a sustainable business. Here’s how to create a business plan that ensures long-term success.
Developing a Business Plan for Your Lavender Farm
Before you plant your first lavender plant, it’s essential to create a business plan that outlines your goals, market strategy, and financial projections.
Key Considerations:
- Initial Investment: Lavender farming requires an initial investment in plants, irrigation, and harvesting equipment. Make sure to budget for these upfront costs.
- Revenue Streams: Consider all the different products you can sell, including essential oils, dried flowers, fresh bundles, and value-added products like soaps and candles.
- Marketing Strategy: How will you sell your lavender? Will you focus on farmers’ markets, craft fairs, or online sales? Having a clear marketing strategy from the start is critical.
Creating Value-Added Products: Oils, Soaps, and Crafts
One of the most profitable aspects of lavender farming is the ability to create value-added products. These can include everything from lavender-infused oils and lotions to handmade soaps and sachets. Creating your own products not only increases your profit margins but also helps differentiate your brand in a competitive market.
Exploring Lavender Agritourism
Agritourism is a growing trend in lavender farming, with many farmers offering on-farm events, workshops, and U-pick opportunities. Hosting lavender festivals, offering farm tours, or creating a lavender labyrinth can attract visitors and generate additional income.
Lavender Marketing Strategies: How to Sell Your Products
Successfully selling lavender products
requires a well-thought-out marketing strategy. Here are some of the best ways to reach your target audience.
Selling at Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are an excellent place to sell fresh lavender bundles, dried lavender, and lavender-infused products. Set up an eye-catching booth with plenty of fresh lavender on display, and engage with customers by offering product samples or demonstrations.
Hosting On-Farm Events and Festivals
Hosting events like lavender festivals or U-pick days can draw visitors to your farm and boost your sales. Many lavender farmers host annual festivals that feature live music, lavender-themed food, and workshops on making lavender products. These events not only generate revenue but also help build a loyal customer base.
Crafting an Online Presence
Having a strong online presence is critical for reaching a broader audience. Set up an e-commerce website where customers can purchase your lavender products year-round, and use social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your farm and products. Blogging about lavender farming, crafting, or lavender recipes can also help drive traffic to your site.
Sustainability in Lavender Farming
Lavender is an inherently sustainable crop, but there are steps you can take to make your farm even more eco-friendly.
Organic Lavender Farming Practices
Although not all lavender farmers choose to pursue organic certification, many grow their lavender organically without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Lavender is naturally pest-resistant and requires little fertilization, making it well-suited to organic farming.
Water Conservation Strategies
Since lavender is drought-tolerant once established, water conservation is a key part of sustainable lavender farming. Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to water lavender, as it delivers moisture directly to the roots without waste.
Lavender Farm Management Checklist
Running a successful lavender farm requires careful planning and management. Use this checklist to ensure that you’re on track for long-term success.
- Have you selected the right varieties for your climate and market?
- Have you tested and amended your soil for optimal growing conditions?
- Do you have a marketing strategy in place to sell your lavender products?
- Have you planned for seasonal labor needs?
- Are you taking steps to ensure your farm’s sustainability, including water conservation and organic practices?
Lavender in Different Regions of the U.S.
Lavender can be grown in many regions of the U.S., but it’s important to choose the right varieties and adjust your growing practices based on your local climate.
Growing Lavender in the West vs. the East
In the Western U.S., lavender thrives in states like California, Washington, and Oregon, where the climate mimics that of the Mediterranean. In the Eastern U.S., lavender can still be grown successfully, but farmers need to take extra care with drainage and soil conditions, as the region tends to be more humid.
Regional Lavender Events and Festivals
Many regions of the U.S. host annual lavender festivals that draw thousands of visitors. These festivals provide a great opportunity for lavender farmers to showcase their products, connect with customers, and network with other growers. Some notable festivals include the Sequim Lavender Festival in Washington and the Blanco Lavender Festival in Texas.
Conclusion: The Future of Lavender Farming
Lavender farming offers a unique opportunity to grow a sustainable, high-value crop with minimal inputs. Whether you’re looking to start a small artisanal farm or expand into commercial lavender production, this guide provides the foundation for building a successful lavender farm. With proper planning, attention to detail, and a focus on sustainability, you can cultivate a thriving lavender business that benefits your community, the environment, and your bottom line.
If you’re ready to start your lavender journey, visit our online store to purchase lavender plants, supplies, and everything you need to get started!
