Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Lavender Farm
Starting a lavender farm can be exciting and rewarding, but it’s important to know that lavender farming comes with its own challenges. Many new lavender farmers make mistakes that can impact their farming and business success. By understanding these challenges and avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your lavender farm is a successful business with fragrant blooms. Here are the list of top 5 mistakes to avoid when starting your lavender farm:
1. Choosing Wrong Lavender Variety
One of the most common mistakes new lavender farmers make is choosing the wrong lavender variety. Not all lavender varieties are suited for every climate or soil condition. For your zone and find out if your area is proper for lavender farming, please check out our post on Understanding USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
For example, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is ideal for cooler climates, while Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) thrives in warmer, more arid environments. When starting your lavender farm, it’s essential to research which varieties will grow best in your zone. This will prevent poor growth and low yields. Choosing the right lavender variety is the first step toward ensuring a successful harvest. More details on lavender verity can be find in our previous blog post on Lavender Types.
If you need to speak with specialist or want to have consultation with expert, please do not hesitate to contact Farzaneh Valley Lavender. We can guide you to choose best options based on your need and your zone.
2. Improper Soil Preparation
Lavender farming requires careful attention to soil quality. It is important to note that Lavender plants need well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline to reach best growing outcome. Thus, improper soil preparation can lead to serious problems like root rot or stunted growth for your lavender plants. Before planting, make sure to test your soil’s pH level and drainage capabilities. There are many test kits available to purchase. You can also use test labs to test for more details which can only cost few hundred dollars for a comprehensive test.
In addition, for small scale farm, you can improve drainage by adding sand or gravel to your soil mix. For your garden, it should be very easy to do, but for large-scale farm, it is important to assess the drainage in advance or talk with experts in lavender farming such as Farzaneh Valley lavender.
You can also refer to our blog post on where to buy farm in California or 8 best website to find farmlands in the USA.
Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing, as lavender prefers soil that is not too rich in nutrients. Preparing your soil properly will help your lavender farm avoid these common issues and promote healthy, productive plants.
3. Overwatering Lavender
As we all know, except Cactus or other plants that grow in desert, watering is critical for any crop. However, keep in mind that when it comes to lavender, less is often more.
What I mean is overwatering is one of the most frequent mistakes in lavender farming. Please make sure do not overwater lavender plants. Once established, lavender is a drought-tolerant plant, meaning it can survive with minimal water. In fact, overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal issues that can damage or kill your plants. Make sure to water your lavender sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
In well-drained soil, lavender prefers a dry environment, which mirrors its native Mediterranean habitat. A well-irrigated lavender farm will produce healthier plants and more abundant blooms.
4. Planting Lavender in the Shade
Another critical mistake is planting lavender plants in shade. Lavender thrives in full sun and requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow well. Planting your lavender in a shaded or partially shaded area can lead to weaker growth and fewer flowers.
If you are interested to know when to plant lavender seeds and when to plant indoor and when outdoor, please check out our post on when to plant lavender seeds.
If you're setting up your lavender farm, make sure to choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day, 6-8 hours of direct sunlight is preferred. Adequate sunlight is key to producing strong, vibrant lavender plants that will reward you with a bountiful harvest.
5. Neglecting Pruning Lavender
Lavender pruning is essential in lavender farming, yet many new growers neglect it. Regular lavender pruning helps maintain the shape, size, and overall health of your lavender plants. Without pruning, your lavender plant will become woody and less productive over time. Pruning also encourages new growth, which results in more flowers in the next bloom. To prune effectively, trim your lavender plants back after the first bloom, cutting off about one-third of the green growth. This will keep your plants from becoming overgrown and will ensure consistent flowering year after year. A well-maintained lavender farm will produce high-quality flowers that are perfect for harvesting in next years as well.
Conclusion
Avoiding these 5 common mistakes mentioned above when starting your lavender farm will set you on the path to success. By choosing the right lavender variety, preparing your soil correctly for lavender farming, proper management of watering lavender, providing adequate sunlight for lavender plants, and maintaining your plants through lavender pruning, you'll create the best environment for your lavender plants.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of lavender farming or need expert guidance, sign up for our newsletter or contact us for a consultation. Farzaneh Valley Lavender can help your lavender farm flourish!
