The Farm
 
Red Rock Ranch and Farms LLC, located in Concho, Arizona, grows several different varieties including Provence, Grosso, Royal Velvet, Betty Blue, Hidcote Blue, Phenomenal, Maillette, and Alba. In addition to the plants in the ground, the lavender farm has lavender plants in the greenhouse for sale to people who need plants that are acclimated to grow in similar type climates and altitudes. The lavender is harvested by hand each summer.
 
Growing Conditions
 
The lavender is grown in the pristine climate of the White Mountains of Arizona at an elevation of 6,100 feet. Lavender grown at higher elevations exhibit a higher ester content than lavender grown at lower elevations. The environment and ecosystem of the White Mountains is optimal for producing intensely fragrant lavender with a scent that endures. The lavender plants are nurtured in ideal growing conditions: virgin soil, clean air, and the purest spring water.

At the time the farm started, lavender hadn’t been planted in higher elevations in the U.S. As it turns out, lavender is very tolerant at higher elevations and attracts bees, hummingbirds and the beneficial bugs and even deters what one might consider the bad. Lavender is deer and rabbit repellant. This makes it a one in a million type plant that everybody loves to have.

After planting the lavender and letting them go through some harsh winters and summers, it was evident that they would survive and actually did quite well due to the fact that they like to go dormant. At Red Rock Ranch and Farms, where they go dormant, all the strength is not being put into the plant itself, but rather in the root system which is important for lavender and keeps them healthy.

The plants and fields are all on a highly economical automated drip system with each plant requiring about one gallon of water per week. The real work comes at harvest time. At harvest time, two methods are used for drying. One method is to cut and dry the lavender in the fields to be used to make the lavender oil. The certain varieties that are used for the beauty of the plant are hung up and dried in the lavender barn where the darkness helps to keep the dark purple color.

How the Lavender is Used 

Myriad products are made under our Red Rock Lavender line from the dried lavender and lavender essential oil that is steam distilled on the farm. 100% pure high elevation lavender essential oil and lavender hydrosol is produced from our state-of-the-art distillation system. High elevation lavender essential oil has a well balanced fragrance that is superior to many others and is often the choice of aromatherapists.