Lavender field at Aurel in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Lavender is planted in rows of various widths to match the harvesting equipment. In south east France, particularly Provence, two varieties of lavender, English Lavender, (Lavandula angustifolia) from the hills and spike lavender, (Lavandula latifolia) from the coast, cross ranges and produce a sterile hybrid - Lavandin. The hybrid is a much more robust plant with more flowering spikes on some stems. By carefully selecting cuttings this plant now supports a substantial industry producing essential oil and various products from the dried seed capsules ( usually referred to as flowers ). The chemical make-up of the oil is different to true lavender - having a greater proportion of camphor in it and is considered by some to be inferior. However, its high productivity make it a more commercially viable plant to farm. The yield is 1 litre per 50 to 250 kilos of cuttings which is a 7 time greater yield than lavender. The essential oil will be added to products like cosmetics, washing powder, candles, soap, and various cleaners. Provence, France.