Lavender Flower Business, Starting a lavender flower business is one of those things that sounds incredibly calming and profitable, right? I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of a field full of purple blooms swaying in the breeze, turning into everything from essential oils to pretty dried flower bouquets? When I first decided to dive into the world of lavender farming, I imagined it all going smoothly—like in those dreamy Instagram photos. But trust me, there’s a lot more to it than just picking flowers. If you’re thinking about starting a lavender business, I want to share the tips and lessons I learned along the way. Spoiler: It’s not all lavender-scented sunshine, but it can be incredibly rewarding.
Why Lavender?
Let’s start with the basics. Why lavender? Lavender is one of the most versatile and in-demand plants out there. It’s used in everything from skincare products and perfumes to teas and aromatherapy oils. For a small business owner, this makes it an attractive crop to grow. The demand is steady, and lavender can be grown in a wide range of climates, making it perfect for many types of farmers or even hobbyists looking to turn their passion into a business.
But, there’s a catch: while lavender can be pretty low-maintenance once established, it requires specific growing conditions, especially when you’re growing it for a profit. I learned this the hard way.
Finding the Right Variety and Growing Conditions
There are different types of lavender—English, French, and Spanish varieties, to name a few. The one you choose will depend on your local climate and what you’re aiming to produce. For example, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is best for essential oils, while French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is great for ornamental purposes. I started out with English lavender because I wanted to focus on making oils, but I didn’t realize how picky it is about soil conditions. I learned through trial and error that lavender thrives in well-draining soil, so I spent a whole season trying to grow it in clay-heavy soil. Spoiler: It didn’t work.
If you’re planting lavender, make sure your soil is slightly alkaline and drains well. You’ll also need to find a sunny spot, because lavender doesn’t do well in the shade. If you’re not sure about your soil, it’s a good idea to get it tested before you plant. A few bucks spent on a soil test will save you a ton of frustration later.
Starting Small and Scaling Up
If you’re just starting out, I recommend growing lavender on a small scale first. Start with a few dozen plants, maybe in a backyard garden or a small plot. This way, you can experiment with the growing process, find what works best for your location, and figure out what you want to produce. Lavender can be sold fresh, dried, or turned into oils and other products. I began by selling dried lavender stems at local farmers’ markets, but I quickly realized that making and selling lavender essential oils was where the real profit was. It’s a whole different ball game, though, and you’ll need some equipment for that.
But here’s a key tip: don’t expect to make big money right away. Lavender takes time to grow and mature, usually around two to three years before the plants are producing at their best. So, patience is essential! But once they’re mature, lavender plants can produce for years, which is where the beauty of this business lies.
Marketing Your Lavender Business
Now, let’s talk about the fun part—getting your lavender products out into the world. The first thing I did was create an Instagram account and post pictures of my lavender plants. I’m not gonna lie—seeing my farm grow and getting messages from people asking where they could buy my lavender was so exciting. The visual aspect of lavender is huge, so make sure to capitalize on it. People love the aesthetic of lavender fields, and you can use that to draw attention to your products.
I’d recommend creating a website or an online shop early on. Even if you’re just selling locally at first, an online presence makes it easier for customers to find you. Social media, particularly Instagram, is an amazing tool for marketing anything agricultural. Post your beautiful lavender blooms, share the process of making lavender oils, and maybe even post a few fun “behind the scenes” moments. It’s all about building a connection with your customers.
Here’s something I wish I’d known earlier: Don’t be afraid to niche down. You don’t have to sell everything lavender-related. Find a specific product that works best for you and your skills. For me, it was lavender essential oils. Focus on one thing, and do it really well, rather than spreading yourself too thin.
Selling at Farmers’ Markets or Online?
Farmers’ markets are a great place to start selling lavender products. I started there and made decent sales, plus I learned a lot about customer preferences. But, the truth is, farmers’ markets can only get you so far. If you really want to scale, you’ll need to move online. Websites like Etsy, or even setting up your own eCommerce site, can help you expand your reach.
Pricing is another tricky part. When I started, I didn’t realize how much I needed to charge for my oils to actually make a profit after factoring in all the overhead costs—like bottles, labels, and marketing. Once I got it right, though, the business started to grow.
Challenges I Faced and How to Overcome Them
No business is without its challenges, and lavender farming is no exception. One of my biggest challenges was dealing with pests. Lavender is generally pest-resistant, but when I planted a large number of plants, I found that certain bugs and insects—like aphids—can still be a problem. I had to experiment with organic pest control methods, like neem oil, to keep things in check without using harmful chemicals. It took a bit of time, but once I found what worked, it was much easier to manage.
The weather can also be unpredictable. In my area, droughts can be an issue, and lavender requires a steady supply of water, especially in the first few years. If you’re in a drought-prone area, it might be worth looking into irrigation systems or even mulching around the plants to retain moisture.
Starting a lavender business isn’t as simple as throwing seeds in the ground and hoping for the best. It takes planning, patience, and a good understanding of your local climate and market. But if you’re willing to put in the work, it can be an incredibly rewarding venture—both financially and emotionally. The joy of seeing your plants grow, learning to make oils, and knowing that you’re selling something people genuinely love is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. So, if you’re considering it, go for it—but be prepared for a bit of a learning curve along the way. And remember, there’s always room to grow.
