Lavender, that colorful and fragrant herb, has long had a pull on the popular imagination.  An increasing number of commercial lavender growers have sprung up, along with markets featuring locally made lavender products and several lavender festivals.  In fact, in some areas lavender lovers think the herb could play a significant role in the future of the areas agriculture and tourism industries.

Small-scale  farmers need low-maintenance crops that make more money on a per-acre basis.  As it turns out, lavender fits these requirements.  A relatively high volume of lavender can be produced on a small parcel of land and some of the biggest lavender farms are no more than a few acres.

Lavender is drought tolerant.  It also grows well in alkaline soil and tends to be pest and disease resistant.  That makes it an ideal plant for small and organic growers.

Perhaps because of these reasons, commercial lavender cultivation is on the rise.  The initial investment of planting a lavender crop can be expensive, with most money going toward the plants themselves and developing a good irrigation system.  Once in the ground, however, a crop can yield returns for 10 or 15 years.

A fall planting can produce a marketable yield by the following summer.  They can return a pretty steady profit over a number of years. 

While it can be profitable to sell lavender plants--some opt to sell bundles of lavender for about $7 each at Lavender Festivals or Farmer Markets.  Most growers derive the bulk of their revenue from products created from the lavender, everything from soap to jam.

The herb is now one of Sequim, Washington's top crops, with more than 40 farms belonging to the Sequim Valley Lavender Growers Association.  The 10th Annual Sequim Lavender Festival was expected to attract 30,000 visitors. 

PEOPLE LOVE LAVENDER, IT'S JUST AMAZING!!!

Visit the Sequim Valley Lavender Growers Association online to learn more AND try your hand at growing these  fragrant herbs--you'll fall in love as we did!!