The best time of year to plant lavender generally depends on your climate, specifically your last frost date in spring and your first frost date in fall. However, there's a strong consensus:
The ideal time to plant lavender is in the spring, after the last threat of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up (ideally to at least 60°F or 15°C).
Here's why spring planting is usually preferred:
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Warm Soil: Lavender thrives in warm soil. Planting in spring allows the soil to warm sufficiently, encouraging robust root growth.
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Long Growing Season: Spring planting gives the young lavender plants a long growing season to establish strong root systems and develop healthy foliage before the challenges of summer heat or winter cold arrive.
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Reduced Stress: Milder spring temperatures and ample sunlight create favorable conditions for successful establishment, minimizing transplant shock.
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Frost Avoidance: Lavender, especially young plants, is sensitive to cold. Planting after the last frost dramatically reduces the risk of frost damage.
Fall Planting:
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Possible in Warmer Climates (Zone 7 and warmer): In regions with mild winters (USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10), early fall planting is also an option. This allows the roots to establish during the cooler, moist winter weather without the stress of extreme summer heat. However, it's best to plant larger, more established plants in the fall to increase their chances of survival through winter.
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Timing is Crucial: If planting in the fall, do so at least 6-8 weeks before your typical first hard frost to give the roots enough time to anchor themselves before the ground freezes or prolonged cold sets in.
Things to Consider Regardless of Season:
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Well-Drained Soil: This is non-negotiable for lavender. It needs excellent drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it generously with grit, sand, or plant in raised beds. Poor drainage is the quickest way to kill a lavender plant.
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Full Sun: Lavender requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Planting from Cuttings vs. Seeds: Lavender is much easier to establish from small starter plants (often grown from cuttings) than from seeds. Seeds can take a long time to germinate and require specific stratification (cold period) before planting.
General Climate Guidelines:
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Cold Climates (Zones 1-6): Definitely aim for spring or early summer planting after all danger of frost is gone.
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Mild Winters (Zones 7-10): You have more flexibility and can plant in early spring or early fall.
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Very Warm/Humid Climates (Zones 9+ and humid): While some lavender varieties tolerate humidity better, good air circulation and exceptionally well-ddrained soil remain paramount. Planting in cooler parts of the spring or fall when humidity is lower might be beneficial, but avoiding the peak of summer heat and humidity is key for initial establishment.
Always check your local frost dates and growing zone to determine the most precise timing for your specific area.
Lavender Farm in Door County Wisconsin. You can buy lavender products online at islandlavender.com