The most commonly cultivated Lavender species is Lavandula angustifolia. The common Lavender belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. Due to the relaxing and calming effect of Lavender’s fragrance, it was very popular in ancient Rome and Greece.

The shrub has a multi-branched stem with numerous small, dark violet flowers on spikes. While the bottom leaves appear white because they are covered with fine white hairs, the top ones are of a grey-green color. The first harvest of a Lavender bush can occur after about three years. The plant may then continue to yield its fragrant Lavender flowers for another thirty years.

Weleda has partners in Bulgaria, Moldova and France for the cultivation of Lavender. In the former Soviet Republic, Moldova was one of the primary sources of Lavender. The fertile black earth as well as hot and dry summers are very favourable cultivation conditions. Many Moldovians, especially in rural areas, live below the poverty line as subsistence farmers.

Weleda partners with the company Resendjer in Moldova, located about 40 kilometers north of the capital, Chisinau. This project for the cultivation of organic Lavender and the production of Lavender essential oil greatly supports the economic and social makeup of the region. Through this project, the farmers have the ability to export their goods with a long-term guarantee, providing them with a secure demand.

The harvest of the fields begins in mid-July with up to 200 seasonal workers.  Once picked, the spikes and flowers are dried for one to two days. The process of steam distillation then follows. Per hectare, approximately 40-45 kilograms of Lavender Oil are yielded. The essential oil derived through this steam distillation must then ripen for another two to three months before it is used in a variety of Weleda products.

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