Preparing Lavender for Harvest

Preparing Lavender for Harvest

Harvest does not begin on the day the lavender is cut. It begins long before, in the weeks spent watching and waiting.

Lavender tells you when it is ready, but only if you are paying attention. Buds begin to swell, color deepens, and fragrance becomes more pronounced. These signs arrive gradually, not all at once, and timing matters. Harvesting too early sacrifices fragrance and oil. Waiting too long can affect quality and structure.

Much of our preparation focuses on balance. Plants need enough time to develop strong stems and healthy buds, but they also need careful management so energy is not lost to stress. Good air circulation, clean rows, and consistent observation all play a role in preparing lavender for a successful harvest.

Weather becomes especially important during this stage. Warm, dry days allow oils to concentrate, while excess moisture can work against both plant health and fragrance. We plan around conditions as much as calendars, allowing the land and season to guide our decisions.

Harvesting lavender is both physical and precise work. Each cut affects the plant’s future growth, so care is taken to preserve shape and encourage healthy regrowth. Done properly, harvesting strengthens the plant and supports the seasons that follow.

This stage of the process reflects much of what we value at JW Farms. Preparation, patience, and respect for timing are just as important as the work itself. When lavender is harvested thoughtfully, its quality reflects that care — in fragrance, structure, and longevity.

As the season moves forward, these moments of preparation quietly shape everything that comes next.