Lavender honey is prized for its delicate floral flavor and aromatic qualities, making it one of the most sought-after monofloral honeys. If you’re a beekeeper or aspiring apiarist looking to produce exceptional lavender honey, choosing the right varieties is crucial. Here’s a florist guide to help you select the best lavender for your bees.

Why Lavender Matters for Honey Production

Lavender produces abundant nectar and is highly attractive to honeybees. The resulting honey typically has a light amber to pale yellow color, a smooth texture, and a distinctive sweet flavor with subtle floral notes. The quality and quantity of honey produced depends significantly on the lavender variety you plant.

Top Lavender Varieties for Honey Production

1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

English lavender is the gold standard for honey production. This variety produces generous amounts of nectar and is extremely attractive to bees.

Key characteristics:

• High nectar production
• Hardy and easy to grow (zones 5-9)
• Blooms mid to late summer
• Compact growth habit (18-24 inches)
• Excellent honey flavor profile

Recommended cultivars:

• ‘Hidcote’ – Dense purple flowers, heavy bloomer
• ‘Munstead’ – Early flowering, reliable nectar source
• ‘Royal Velvet’ – Long blooming period

2. Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia)

Lavandin is a hybrid between English lavender and spike lavender, producing larger plants with more flower spikes. While some beekeepers debate its honey quality compared to English lavender, it offers significantly higher yields.

Key characteristics:

• Extremely high nectar production
• Larger plants (24-36 inches)
• Longer flowering period
• Produces more honey volume
• Hardy (zones 5-9)

Recommended cultivars:

• ‘Grosso’ – The most widely planted variety for commercial honey production
• ‘Provence’ – Traditional French variety, excellent for bees
• ‘Hidcote Giant’ – Abundant flower spikes

3. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

Spanish lavender has distinctive “rabbit ear” bracts on top of flower spikes and blooms earlier than other varieties, providing an early-season nectar source.

Key characteristics:

• Early blooming (spring to early summer)
• Good nectar production
• Less hardy (zones 8-9)
• Unique appearance
• Can rebloom in fall

Best for: Warmer climates and extending the honey season

Planting Considerations for Maximum Honey Production

Scale Matters

For meaningful honey production, you’ll need substantial plantings. Commercial lavender honey typically requires at least 1-2 acres of established lavender. For hobby beekeepers, even a quarter-acre can provide a noticeable lavender contribution to your honey.

Bloom Timing

Consider planting multiple varieties with staggered bloom times to extend the nectar flow:

• Early: Spanish lavender (April-June)
• Mid-season: English lavender (June-July)
• Late: Lavandin (July-September)

Growing Conditions

All lavender varieties require:

• Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Well-drained soil (lavender despises wet roots)
• pH 6.5-7.5
• Minimal fertilization
• Good air circulation

Spacing

Plant lavender 18-36 inches apart depending on variety. Dense plantings create better nectar flows for bees, but ensure adequate air circulation to prevent disease.

Management Tips for Beekeepers

Avoid pesticides: Never use pesticides while lavender is blooming. If pest management is necessary, apply treatments in early spring before flowering or after the bloom period ends.

Water wisely: While lavender is drought-tolerant once established, consistent moisture during blooming increases nectar production. Water deeply but infrequently.

Pruning: Prune lavender after flowering to encourage bushier growth and more flower spikes the following year. Cut back by one-third, avoiding woody stems.

Hive placement: Position hives within 100-200 feet of lavender plantings if possible. While bees will forage up to 3 miles, closer proximity increases lavender nectar concentration in your honey.

Expected Honey Yields

Honey production varies based on climate, lavender variety, colony strength, and other factors. General expectations:

• Small plantings (under 1 acre): Lavender will contribute to polyfloral honey but won’t produce monofloral lavender honey
• 1-3 acres: Potential for 20-40 pounds of lavender honey per hive
• Larger commercial operations (5+ acres): Can produce 50-80+ pounds per hive in ideal conditions

The Bottom Line

For most beekeepers, Lavandula × intermedia ‘Grosso’ offers the best combination of nectar production, plant vigor, and honey yield. However, if you prioritize honey flavor complexity over volume, traditional English lavender varieties like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote’ produce exquisite honey with more nuanced floral notes.

Consider planting a mix of varieties to extend your bloom period and provide consistent forage for your bees throughout the summer months. With proper planning and care, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most aromatic and delicious honey your hives can produce.