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Lavender Season in California: Farms & When to Go

June 7, 2026 · 7 min read

California's lavender season is short, photogenic, and surprisingly spread out — from Paso Robles wine country to the Inland Empire foothills to the Santa Rita Hills near Lompoc. Here's when the fields peak and where to cut your own bundles.

When is lavender season in California?

California lavender blooms from late May through mid-July, with peak timing varying by elevation and microclimate:

  • Central Coast (Paso Robles, Lompoc, Santa Barbara) — Coastal fog and mild summers push peak bloom to late May and June. Lavender thrives alongside wine grapes in this region.
  • Inland Empire & Beaumont foothills — Higher elevation at places like 123 Farm means bloom typically starts in early June and can last through mid-July with cooler mornings.
  • North Bay (Santa Rosa area) — Late May through July. The Mediterranean climate around Santa Rosa suits lavender well, with Bees N Blooms running an extended bloom season.
  • Sierra Foothills (Grass Valley) — Cooler nights extend the season at elevation. Expect late June through early July at farms like Sun Smile Farms.
  • Central Valley (Galt area) — Hot summers mean a faster, earlier bloom — late May to mid-June before the heat pushes plants past peak.

Lavender blooms fast and fades. A stretch of 95-degree days can take a field from peak to past-prime in under a week. Check the farm's Instagram or subscribe to their email list before making the drive.

U-pick lavender farms by region

Bay Area

Lavender u-pick near the Bay Area is limited but well worth seeking out. Brentwood's Farmer's Daughter Produce offers lavender alongside other cut flowers — check their harvest calendar before visiting.

Central Valley

Call ahead to confirm lavender u-pick availability before visiting.

Sierra Foothills

Grass Valley's elevation keeps lavender blooming later into the summer than the valley floor — a good fallback if you miss the earlier coastal season.

Call ahead to confirm lavender u-pick availability before making the drive.

Southern California

The Inland Empire foothills host the most concentrated lavender u-pick experience in Southern California. Tanaka Farms in Irvine offers lavender seasonally alongside its year-round produce u-pick operation.

Tips for visiting lavender farms

  • Go early in the day. Lavender fragrance is strongest in the cool morning hours. Fields are also less crowded before 10am, and you'll get better photos.
  • Book timed entry when required. Popular farms like 123 Farm sell out quickly on weekends. Buy tickets at least a week in advance — walk-ins are often turned away at peak bloom.
  • Wear light colors. Bees work lavender fields hard during bloom. They're not aggressive but dark colors attract more attention. Light grays and whites are best.
  • Harvest stems long. When cutting your own bundles, cut as low on the stem as possible — longer stems dry better and make better arrangements. Rubber-band bunches of 10–15 stems together before they warm up.
  • Bring a reusable bag. Fresh lavender bundles are fragile and aromatic. A tote bag or paper bag keeps bundles upright better than plastic, and you'll want that scent contained in the car for the drive home.
  • Ask about culinary vs. ornamental varieties. Farms growing “true” lavender (Lavandula angustifolia — Hidcote, Vera, Munstead) are best for cooking and sachets. Lavandins (Grosso, Provence) are bigger-blooming but slightly camphor-forward — better for sachets than in the kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

When does lavender bloom in California?

Late May through mid-July, depending on region. The Central Coast and Bay Area tend to peak in late May and June; the Inland Empire and Sierra Foothills run from early June through July; the Central Valley blooms earliest but fastest, typically late May to mid-June.

Can I cut my own lavender at California farms?

Yes — most lavender farms offer u-pick or cut-your-own. Bring scissors if you have them (farms usually provide some, but supply runs thin on busy weekends). You'll typically pay by the bunch or by stem count.

Are there lavender farms near Los Angeles?

Yes. The 123 Farm fields in Beaumont and Cherry Valley are roughly 90 minutes from LA. Tanaka Farms in Irvine offers lavender seasonally and is much closer for Orange County and South LA residents.

Where can I cut lavender near San Francisco?

The closest options are Bees N Blooms in Santa Rosa (about an hour north) and Farmer's Daughter Produce in Brentwood.

Ready to pick?

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