Poland’s meadows turn purple as warm weather boosts lavender growth

Lavender fields are flourishing in Poland as farmers adjust to changing climate conditions and growing consumer demand.

Anna Sjwarek and Slawomir Stanczuk, two lavender growers, are cultivating the fragrant lavender yield in Nowy Pozog and Purzec. These crops are traditionally associated with countries such as France and Bulgaria.

Skwarek notes that lavender thrives in hot weather and doesn't require much watering. This advantageous characteristic makes it resilient to climate variations.

She grows two species, angustifolia and intermedia, which can survive Polish winters.

“…because these species generally survive in Poland, as French lavender is still occasionally available on our market. But it can only withstand temperatures down to minus seven degrees Celsius, so it freezes very often”, she said.

Stanczuk, five years ago had decided to change “pinks for purples” and grow lavender instead of traditional beetroot.

"I didn't want to grow wheat, beets, or all those conventional, standard things," he said. 

According to Stanczuk’s observations, crops typically reserved for warmer countries are now growing in his homeland. 

"We've already started to get used to the weather anomalies and the extreme heat, and crops that are somewhat reserved for those countries are doing very well in Poland" he explained. 

Meanwhile, he said that there are regional differences in blooming times in various parts of Poland. Fields near Warsaw are blooming about two weeks later than those in western Poland.

Both lavender field owners are capitalizing on the growing demand for lavender products. Skwarek highlighted its popularity in cosmetics and household items. However, Stanczuk has diversified into producing lavender-based goods such as creams, candles, and even ice cream.

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