Pelindaba Lavender is a working farm and retail business in Washington State

Pelindaba Lavender is a lavender farm located on San Juan Island in Washington State. The farm grows lavender and produces lavender-based products — soaps, oils, sachets, and dried bundles — that you can purchase on-site or online. Unlike some lavender farms that operate purely as tourist attractions, Pelindaba is a functioning agricultural operation where lavender is harvested, processed, and sold directly to visitors and mail-order customers.

The farm has been in operation since the 1990s and has become one of the larger lavender producers in the Pacific Northwest. If you are planning a visit to San Juan Island or looking to order lavender products by mail, understanding what Pelindaba offers and how to reach them will help you decide whether it fits what you are looking for.

Key Takeaways

  • Pelindaba Lavender is located on San Juan Island in Washington and sells both fresh and processed lavender products.
  • You can visit the farm in person during operating seasons to walk the fields, purchase products, and see the harvesting and processing work.
  • The farm sells online and by mail order, so you do not need to travel to San Juan Island to buy their products.
  • Pelindaba grows multiple lavender varieties and uses them to make soaps, essential oils, dried bundles, and other items.

What products Pelindaba makes and sells

Pelindaba produces a range of lavender products for different uses. Their core offerings include dried lavender bundles (which you can use in closets, drawers, or as decoration), lavender essential oil, lavender-infused soaps, sachets, and culinary lavender for cooking. They also make body products like lotions and salts, and seasonal or specialty items that change depending on what is in stock.

The products are made from lavender grown on the farm itself. Because Pelindaba controls the growing and processing, the quality and potency of the lavender in each product is consistent. If you have used lavender from other sources and found it weak or stale, farm-direct products often have a noticeably stronger scent and longer shelf life.

Prices vary by product type and size. A small sachet costs less than a large dried bundle or a bottle of essential oil. Bulk orders and seasonal sales sometimes offer discounts. Checking their website or calling ahead will give you current pricing and what is in stock.

How to visit Pelindaba in person

Pelindaba is open to visitors during the growing and harvest season, typically from late spring through early fall. The farm is located on San Juan Island, which you reach by ferry from Anacortes, Washington (about 90 minutes north of Seattle). The ferry ride itself takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on which island you are traveling to.

When you visit, you can walk through the lavender fields, see the plants at different stages of growth, and watch or learn about the harvesting and drying process if timing allows. The farm has a retail shop on-site where you can purchase products directly. Many visitors combine a trip to Pelindaba with other activities on San Juan Island, such as visiting other farms, hiking, or exploring the town of Friday Harbor.

Hours and seasonal closures vary, so contact the farm before you travel. You can reach them by phone or check their website for current visiting information, directions, and any special events they may be hosting during the season.

Ordering Pelindaba products by mail

If you cannot visit in person, Pelindaba ships products to most U.S. addresses. You can order through their website, which shows what is currently in stock and allows you to add items to a cart and check out online. Shipping costs depend on the weight and destination of your order.

Mail orders typically arrive within one to two weeks, though this varies by season and shipping method. If you are ordering during peak season (summer and early fall), processing may take slightly longer. Pelindaba also sometimes offers bulk or wholesale pricing for larger orders, so if you are interested in buying in quantity, contacting them directly may save you money.

Some specialty items or seasonal products may be available only during certain times of year or only at the farm itself. If you are looking for something specific, checking their website first or calling ahead will confirm whether it is currently in stock and available for shipping.

The difference between Pelindaba lavender and grocery store lavender

Lavender sold in grocery stores, garden centers, or mass-market retailers is often dried and packaged months before it reaches the shelf. During storage and transport, the scent fades and the oils dry out. By the time you open the package, the lavender may smell faint or stale.

Farm-direct lavender from Pelindaba is harvested fresh, dried on-site, and packaged for shipment or sale much sooner after harvest. This means the scent is stronger and lasts longer. The lavender is also typically higher quality because the farm controls every step — soil, water, harvest timing, and drying conditions — rather than relying on suppliers and middlemen.

If you use lavender regularly (in sachets, for cooking, or in crafts), buying from a farm like Pelindaba often costs less per unit over time because the product lasts longer and you need less of it to achieve the same scent or effect.

Lavender varieties grown at Pelindaba

Pelindaba grows multiple lavender varieties, each with slightly different scent profiles and uses. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most common and has a classic, clean lavender scent. French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) has a more herbaceous, slightly different aroma. Lavandin is a hybrid that produces more oil and a stronger scent, making it popular for soaps and essential oils.

Different varieties mature and flower at different times, which is why Pelindaba can offer fresh lavender products throughout the season. Some varieties are better for cooking, others for essential oil production, and others for dried arrangements. If you have a preference for a particular scent or use, the farm staff can recommend which product or variety suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Pelindaba year-round?

No. Pelindaba is open seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall when the lavender is growing and flowering. Winter and early spring hours are limited or closed. Contact the farm directly to confirm current hours before making the trip.

Do I need a reservation to visit the farm?

Policies vary by season. During peak summer months, the farm may require reservations or have limits on daily visitors. Off-season visits may be walk-in. Check their website or call ahead to find out what is required for the time you plan to visit.

What is the difference between Pelindaba essential oil and dried lavender?

Essential oil is a concentrated liquid extract of lavender scent and compounds, used in diffusers, cooking, or skincare. Dried lavender is the whole flower, used in sachets, arrangements, or tea. Essential oil is stronger and lasts longer, but costs more. Dried lavender is less concentrated but lasts months in a sachet.

Can I use Pelindaba lavender in cooking?

Yes, if you purchase their culinary lavender specifically. Culinary lavender is grown and processed to food safety standards. Other lavender products (like those made for sachets or essential oils) may not meet food standards and should not be eaten. Always check the label to confirm the product is labeled for culinary use.

How long does dried lavender from Pelindaba last?

Dried lavender in a sealed sachet or bundle typically holds its scent for several months to over a year, depending on storage conditions. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat to extend its life. Once opened or exposed to air regularly, the scent fades faster — usually within a few weeks to a few months.