Lavender farming in Kenya offers a lucrative opportunity due to the plant’s wide range of uses in cosmetics, essential oils, beauty products, and medicinal applications. Here’s an overview of what you need to know to get started with lavender farming, based on the details from Zack Abuyeka’s article:
Varieties of Lavender Grown in Kenya
- Spike lavender
- Wooly lavender
- Lavandin
- English lavender
- Spanish lavender
- French lavender
Ecological Requirements
- Altitude: 1000-1700 meters above sea level.
- Soil: Well-drained and aerated with a pH of 6-8, and rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Ample sunlight is crucial.
- Water: Sufficient water during the growth stage, though lavender is drought-tolerant once established.
Land Preparation
- Deep ploughing and thorough weeding are necessary.
- Prepare raised beds to ensure good drainage.
- Apply well-decomposed organic manure to enhance soil fertility.
Propagation & Planting
- Propagation: Typically done using cuttings from established plants, as seeds require a lengthy process to grow including about 5 weeks of cold stratification.
- Planting: Transplant seedlings once they have developed strong roots.
- Spacing: 2-3 feet within rows and 3-5 feet between rows. An acre can accommodate about 15,000 to 20,000 plants.
Pests & Diseases
- Lavender is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, phytophthora root rot can be a concern.
- Maintaining high levels of hygiene and proper farming methods can prevent most issues.
Harvesting
- Lavender matures slowly, taking 2-5 years to fully develop.
- Harvesting is ideally done early in the morning when about 50% of the flower buds have opened.
Market for Lavender
- Lavender commands high prices in the local market, with cuttings alone priced between KSh 100-500 depending on size.
- It is sold in flower markets, plant shops, and online platforms like Amazon and eBay.
- The biggest buyers include hotels, pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic industries, and chemical industries.
Conclusion
Lavender farming can be a profitable venture in Kenya with proper management and marketing strategies. The crop’s adaptability to the Kenyan highlands and its high value in various industries make it an appealing choice for farmers looking to diversify their agricultural practices.
