The Bridestowe Lavender Estate has about 40 hectares dedicated to lavender cultivation. This makes us one of the largest, if not the largest pure lavender farm in the world.

Traditionally, lavender cuttings, carefully selected from five unique clones, were propagated by direct planting, in winter, in curved rows to suit the land contours. The contouring protocol maximises soil and water conservation and ensures optimum drainage.

More recently however, we have been evaluating the planting of pre struck cuttings from our new nursery. Early results have been encouraging with a significantly improved field response, and this method will assume greater importance in future years.

The cuttings take some four years to reach beneficial oil production. Plants properly managed can produce good flower densities for up to 20 years, though we progressively rest and rehabilitate sections of the farm and replant with new stock between 10 and 15 years after careful assessment of productivity. Lavender is removed and legume and brassica crops are rotationally planted to build organic matter and restore nutrients.

Our true lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, flowers once per year in December and January. Weed control must be comprehensive, as the plants cannot tolerate competition. Minimal quantities of non-residual herbicides are applied and supported by cultivation and hand removal of weeds and stray lavender seedlings. Hand weeding takes place twice a year, in winter and pre harvest. The weeding team walks the equivalent of the distance from the farm gate to Hobart and back!

Following comprehensive soil analysis, nutrients including dolomite or lime, organics including compost from processed lavender and nitrogen as urea are applied as required.

Pesticides are not required. We actively retain 40 hectares of native and cultivated forest around the farm to ensure abundant bird life and hence low insect pressures.

Bees are encouraged through the use of qualified apiarists as fertilised flowers lead to higher oil yields. The farm produces significant quantities of exquisite Lavender Flower Honey.

An unseasonal frost in November or December can significantly reduce flower yields. Statistically this can occur every seven years. Root fungus related to poor drainage is closely monitored.

Besides the annual harvest, the bushes require side pruning to retain an optimum shape. Without pruning, the plants become leggy and debilitated. This, in part, is the secret behind our plants’ long life. Trimming back by about one third after flowering helps maintain plant vigour.

Irrigation is not required as the average rainfall of 900mm, combined with our contour farming techniques, is adequate especially as the roots of the lavender plants reach very deeply into the soil. However, a drought year will see the harvest and hence oil yields reduced.

Adult plants yield about 5 tonnes of flowers per hectare.