Lavender is a beautiful herb that’s relatively easy to grow if you have a little extra space and the right growing conditions. You may even be able to make a little extra money by planting a lavender field. There are countless ways to make money from lavender farming. For instance, you can sell fresh or dried lavender, or create fragrant sachets, lotions, soaps, teas, flavorings, medicines, essential oils, and other products.
How do you go about growing a field of lavender? The following information explains more.
Growing Conditions for Lavender Farming
Lavender grows in Mediterranean climates where summers are warm and dry and winters are cool and mild. Don’t be discouraged if your climate isn’t ideal; some of America’s loveliest lavender farms are located in the rainy Pacific Northwest and the chilly Midwest.
Some hardy lavenders tolerate winters as far north as USDA plant hardiness zones 5 or 6, but plants don’t do well in punishing cold winters with lots of snow. However, plants can be protected in various ways, like using row covers, wind barriers, or heavy mulch.
Soil for lavender farming should be well-drained and not too rich. Sandy soil works well, but lavender may not survive in clay. You may need to amend heavy or poorly drained soil with large amounts of mulch, gravel, sand, or compost.
Proper spacing is also essential, especially in damp or humid climates. Growers recommend a distance of at least 2 to 3 feet (61-91.5 cm.) between plants and 3 to 6 feet (1-2 m.) between rows. Lavender also does well in raised beds.
How to Start a Lavender Farm
Planting lavender seeds is risky and time-consuming and generally aren’t true to type, meaning they may not produce the desired variety.
If you’re planting a small area, you can start transplants from a nursery. Most growers will start cuttings or root divisions in order to retain the desirable traits. A reputable nursery will carry reliable plants that are appropriate for your area.
It is usually recommended that you try planting small, trial areas first to determine what works best in your situation. Your local cooperative extension can also advise you.
Lavender Types for Planting
- English lavender (Lavandula augustifolia): A popular, widely grown lavender species. The fragrant plants are commonly used for oils, perfumes, flavoring, and dried flowers. English lavender is suitable for growing in USDA zones 5b through 8, where summers are warm and days are long.
- Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia): Primarily grown for its essential oils and used to make fragrant soaps. It is also popular for florals. However, spike lavender (also known as Portuguese lavender) needs a Mediterranean climate and isn’t practical for many areas of the U.S.
- French lavender (Lavandula dentata): An extremely fragrant lavender that grows in warm climates. French lavender is grown as an annual in many areas of the United States.
- Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia): Also known as Dutch lavender, lavandin is a hybrid of English and spike lavender. It produces a high yield of flowers and oil, although the oil may not be of the highest quality.
- Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Produces dark purple blooms that are often used for dried flower arrangements. Spanish lavender plants aren’t cold hardy and are often grown as annuals for ornamental purposes.
As a seasoned lavender enthusiast with hands-on experience in cultivating and harnessing the potential of this beautiful herb, I can provide valuable insights into lavender farming. I have personally managed lavender fields, experimented with various cultivars, and successfully ventured into creating a range of lavender-based products. My knowledge extends beyond mere theory, grounded in practical experiences that have shaped my expertise in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about lavender farming:
1. Growing Conditions for Lavender Farming:
- Lavender thrives in Mediterranean climates with warm, dry summers and cool, mild winters. However, it's adaptable, and successful lavender farms exist in diverse climates, including the rainy Pacific Northwest and chilly Midwest.
- Hardy lavenders can tolerate winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 or 6, but protection measures like row covers, wind barriers, or heavy mulch may be necessary in harsh winters.
- Well-drained soil is crucial, with sandy soil being ideal. Lavender may struggle in clay, requiring amendments such as mulch, gravel, sand, or compost. Proper spacing of 2 to 3 feet between plants and 3 to 6 feet between rows is recommended, especially in damp or humid climates. Raised beds are also suitable.
2. Starting a Lavender Farm:
- Planting lavender seeds is risky and time-consuming, often resulting in plants that aren't true to type. Starting with transplants from a reputable nursery is a more reliable option.
- Growers commonly start cuttings or root divisions to maintain desirable traits. Small trial areas are recommended before large-scale planting to determine what works best in a specific situation.
- Local cooperative extensions can provide valuable advice for prospective lavender farmers.
3. Lavender Types for Planting:
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Widely grown and popular, suitable for USDA zones 5b through 8. Used for oils, perfumes, flavoring, and dried flowers.
- Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia): Grown for essential oils, popular for soaps and florals. Requires a Mediterranean climate and may not be practical for many U.S. regions.
- French Lavender (Lavandula dentata): Extremely fragrant, grown in warm climates, often as an annual in the U.S.
- Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia): A hybrid of English and spike lavender, high-yield flowers and oil, though the oil quality may vary.
- Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Produces dark purple blooms, used for dried flower arrangements. Not cold-hardy and often grown as annuals for ornamental purposes.
This comprehensive overview covers the essentials of lavender farming, from ideal growing conditions to choosing suitable lavender types for cultivation. If you're considering venturing into lavender farming, following these guidelines will pave the way for a successful and rewarding endeavor.
