Learn How to Plant and Grow Lavender

If you’ve ever brushed past a lush patch of lavender in bloom, you know the sweet, earthy scent can linger for hours or days on your clothing and skin. Is it a flower, an herb, or a medicine? It’s all the above, and we highly recommend you grow it! Lavender has been used medicinally and in crafting for many years. You’ll also find it in many beauty products, as it has calming properties for aromatherapy. 

Lavender is an excellent addition to any flower farm. It’s multipurpose, straightforward to establish, and long-lasting. However, planting lavender at a time that aligns with your region’s climate is crucial, as the zone affects its success. While lavender can thrive across zones, when you plant it will determine how it performs and when it blooms. What you decide will depend upon your intentions and growing capabilities.  

Plot out space for them, with two to three feet on each side. When your plants are established in future years, split them or propagate plant cuttings, expanding your lavender plot for free! Lavender is a lovely cut flower that does well in bouquets as an aromatic filler or a standalone bouquet to be dried. Blooming lavender plants around the farm will also aid in pollination and create value-added products like room spray, salves, bug spray, and essential oils. Read our article, Boosting Your Farm’s Income With Value-Added Products, for tips to boost your market farm income. 

Now, let’s explore the pros and cons of planting lavender throughout the four seasons. 

Spring Planting

Plant lavender in the spring in zones 1 to 6 for fast establishment. Soft, well-draining soil and mild temperatures allow plants to establish and acclimate.

Pros

When the frost risk has passed and snow begins to melt, soil conditions become optimal for spring lavender plantings. Abundant rainfall and snowmelt provide moisture needed for new transplants and encourage a healthy root system. 

Prepare the soil in the fall, ensuring it has a proper pH level of 6.7 to 7.3, moderate compost levels, and a sandy, loamy, or gravelly soil structure preferred by lavender. If the pH is lower than desired, add lime to increase the level. 

Spring-planted lavender in zones 1 to 6 will establish faster and may even bloom in late summer. Once summer temperatures begin, growth will soar, and you can start enjoying this aromatic bloomer. 

Cons

Spring may bring unexpected late frosts, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, so growers must protect plants in times of inclement weather. Once established, the plants can fend for themselves more, but take care that newly transplanted lavender doesn’t get hit with a late frost, which could cause it to perish. 

Another downfall of spring plantings is that annual weeds will emerge around the time of transplant, creating competition for young plants. Schedule time to hand weed soon after transplanting, and then cultivate with a wire weeder when plants are larger to reduce weed pressure. Don’t skip weeding your new lavender patch! 

Summer Planting

Growers everywhere may plant lavender in the summer, taking extra care when temperatures are consistently hot and dry. Plants will appreciate shade cloth or afternoon shade during stretches of extreme sun. 

Pros

Summer plantings are perfect for most growers in zones 1 to 6 when the frost risk has passed. The soil should be warm, workable, and mostly dried from the snowmelt and spring rain. Transplant when temperatures are between 60 and 85° F (15.5 to 29.4°C). Lavender isn’t as challenging to transplant in the heat as other plants, but you should water it upon transplant. English and Spanish lavenders are good options for humid climate growers as they don’t mind heat and humidity as much as other types. 

The warmth of summer brings robust initial growth, causing your plants’ size to shoot up quickly. Plants that grow well with lavender include other perennial farm flowers like echinacea, ornamental grasses, anise hyssop, Rudbeckia, and salvia. These love well-draining soil and access to full sun and perform well when slightly neglected, making them great companions. Lavender is beautiful in bloom and after harvest, so you can effortlessly work it into fields and landscapes. 

Pro tip: Vegetable growers can plant lavender near brassicas, pot it up, and move it around to assist with pest control and pollination. Lavender doesn’t get along well with hostas, impatiens, and mint, so steer clear of these guys when plotting out your lavender. 

Related: How to Transplant and Up Pot Seedlings

Cons

Summer is the most productive time of year for many growers because of the long days, ample sunlight, and frequent rain showers. However, the heat brings on the need for more frequent watering to keep plants alive and thriving. 

Irrigating new lavender plants is vital to healthy root establishment. Whether you use overhead or drip irrigation, have a plan for irrigating, especially during the first year. Setting it up when you transplant will ensure your plants don’t go without the moisture they require on hot days. Water your lavender during periods of extreme heat or drought conditions. Otherwise, check the first few inches of soil for moistness and water at your discretion. 

While lavender is tolerant of summer transplanting, there is always the risk of transplant shock. Transplant early in the day before the sun is harsh, water immediately after, and cover plants with shade cloth while they acclimate to their new home. 

Fall Planting

Growers in zones 7 to 10 may plant lavender in the fall. To ensure the best performance, allow the plant enough time before the first frost to establish roots. 

Pros

Growers in regions with warm daytime temperatures and cool nighttime temperatures during the fall months are most recommended to plant lavender in the fall. Planting lavender in the fall allows plants to develop better root systems and experience quick initial growth but less stress caused by extreme heat. The cooler temperatures decrease the risk of transplant shock and naturally assist with retaining moisture. 

Many annual weeds have gone by at this time, so weed pressure decreases during fall months. Regardless, plan to cultivate with a swivel hoe or wire weeder to catch any that emerge, as lavender does not perform well when weed pressure is intense. Remember to lightly mulch before your first possible frost to prevent your plants from being damaged. 

Cons

Initial growth may be slower with fall plantings, especially in colder growing regions. Additionally, growers in Zone 1 may experience frost as early as the last week of August, and preparing your lavender for this possibility is essential. If you do not get the timing of the transplant just right, you risk frost damage. Frost can cause long-lasting damage to young transplants that could affect the following year’s production. 

Winter Planting

Only growers in zones 8+ should plant lavender in the winter to ensure the root system develops before frost. Plants should be mature enough to tolerate cold, damp soils without rotting. 

Pros

If you're a mild-climate grower, winter planting lavender can be successful. Lavender doesn’t mind the lower temperatures, and if you plant it properly in the winter, it’ll be set up for spring success. 

Like most perennials, lavender growth slows in winter and may even go dormant. They require fewer resources, including water, making them easier for the grower to maintain. Use frost blankets or straw mulch where winters are extreme. 

Cons

As mentioned above, winter planting works well for mild-climate growers, and that’s it. If you’re in zones 1 to 6 and missed your fall planting opportunity, We recommend you try again in the spring for the best chance at success. If you have the patience and seed-starting ability, start lavender plants indoors from seed during your off-season. While they may take longer to bloom, starting plants from seed is fun and rewarding. Read our article, Tips For Successful Seedling and Plant Propagation, for tips and tricks. 

Plants may become established a bit slower when planted in the winter. Planting your lavender where it will receive full sun, well-draining soil, and plenty of compost will give them their best shot at success. Plants will present healthy and strong in the spring. 

If your region experiences regular temperature fluctuations, your plants may be at risk for frost heaving, which can severely damage perennials. When the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly, soil shifts, and roots and crowns may become exposed to the elements, causing damage or death. Mulching at the base of plants may decrease damage.

Related: Selecting the Right Seed Starting Cell Trays

Growing Zones and Their Influence

Explanation of USDA Growing Zones

The United States Department of Agriculture strategically separated the United States into 13 zones based on the average low winter temperatures from the past few decades. The 13 zones and ’ subzones ‘A’ and ‘B’ help growers select varieties that will thrive in their region. The lowest numbers are the coldest regions and get warmer as the numbers grow. The USDA updated the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in 2023. Some regions changed zones or subzones due to the slow warming of the earth, caused by an increased average of winter low temperatures. Read our article, The USDA’s New Plant Hardiness Zone Map - Explained for further details. 

Your growing zone may affect which type of lavender you choose to grow. While there are lots of lavender varieties, they all fit into these four main categories. Here are a few facts about each:

• English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is best for cool regions with high humidity and is known for its hardiness. Its intense flavor is often used in cooking. It is most popular and known as “common lavender,” which has fragrant flowers. You may have heard of English lavender called ‘Munstead.’ 
• French lavenders (Lavandula dentata), or fringed lavender, are hybrids that cross English and Portuguese varieties with cleansing properties. French lavender is seedless and highly drought-tolerant. 
• Spanish lavenders (Lavendula stoechas) are compact bush-type plants with high drought tolerance. Because of their performance in hot and dry climates, they are the best choice for growers in zones 8+. Cultivars are available with white, pink, or purple blooms. 
• Portuguese lavenders (Lavandula latifolia), or spiked lavender, can reach up to three feet tall and do best in zones 6 to 9. Perfume makers often use this type for its powerful aroma. 

The best lavender plant for your business will be the one that performs the best and thrives in your climate. With over 400 varieties, there are many to choose from. Before selecting one, research types and cultivars that perform well in your climate and soil type. 

Impact on Planting Times

What are your goals for planting lavender? What does your climate allow? Is your region experiencing a hard freeze winter? Your responses will help you determine what time of year you should add lavender to your garden line-up, which will determine when the plants will bloom for the first time. 

Best Practices for Different Zones

• Growers in Zones 1 to 6 should wait until after the last frost of the spring to plant lavender. They should transplant it in late spring or early summer. 
• Zones 7 to 10 growers should plant in the fall, giving them enough time to establish before winter. 
• Warmer region growers in Zones 8+ can plant lavender at any time of the year, ensuring fall-planted plants have time to establish roots before the moist and cool soil of winter sets in. 

If you can justify devoting high tunnel space to growing lavender, there are a number of benefits in colder growing zones including:

• Controlling the humidity
• Plants enjoy protection from harsh winters
• Little maintenance
• No fertilizer needed
• Mostly pest and disease-resistant
• Can attract beneficial insects and pollinators into your growing space

If you see pest damage from whiteflies, aphids, or mealybugs, check soil pH, water drainage, plant spacing, and sun access. Need help to decide if a high tunnel or caterpillar tunnel is right for your business? Read our article, High Tunnel vs Caterpillar Tunnel: Which One is Right For You? 

Tips for Successful Lavender Planting

Soil Preparation

The soil pH should be 6.7 to 7.3 in an area of full sun. To give young lavender plants lots of organic matter, mix organic compost into the top few inches of the soil. Fertilization is not typically necessary. 

Related: How to Test Soil pH Before Planting and Why You Should

Proper Spacing

Follow the recommendations of your selected variety, but a general rule is to give two to three feet of space per plant so they have room to branch out and to keep water and nutrient competition to a minimum. 

Mulching

Mulching is a technique for retaining moisture. Since lavender doesn’t require much moisture to survive, mulching may not be necessary. We lightly mulch our plants here in Zone 5b in late fall with organic straw to protect the root system, which we remove in the spring. You may mulch young plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture when it’s most important, leaving a few inches bare around the crown to prevent fungal disease and excessive humidity. 

Watering

How much water lavender plants need depends on their maturity, season, and location. Young and newly transplanted lavender will benefit from consistent watering sessions to the top few inches of soil. Use the deep watering method so all of the roots receive the moisture. 

When the root system becomes strong, water thoroughly but sporadically. This method will prepare your plants for extreme weather fluctuations like drought and give them resilience. Once established, lavender only needs water when the top few inches of soil are dry. 

Expand Your Plot with Cuttings 

While many growers purchase lavender plants or plugs from nurseries, and local flower farmers or buy lavender plants online, you can also take cuttings from established hardwood or softwood plants.

• Hardwood cuttings: These are woody and can be taken in the spring through fall. 
• Softwood cuttings: Fresh, green stems should be cut before spring flowering. 

Remove a four-inch piece of a bloomless stem using a clean, sharp knife. Scrape down the skin on one side, then place the cutting in fresh potting mix after (optionally) dipping it in willow tea, aloe vera gel/powder, honey, coconut water, or rooting hormone powder. This article, A Comparative Evaluation of Coconut Water as Root Setting Medium for Rhizopora Stylosa Hypocotyl Propagation, explains why we recommend coconut water as the best option for root stimulation but use whatever works best for you. Organic growers are not authorized to use rooting hormones as they contain synthetic chemicals. 

Use durable cell plug trays with air pruning technology for best results. Wait two to four weeks for softwood and up to six weeks for hardwood cuttings to root. Then, you can transfer them to grow bags or harden them off in preparation for transplant. 

Related: How to Propagate Roses from Cuttings: The Best Way to Grow New Roses from Stem Cuttings

Selling Your Lavender

Once you have established a lavender patch, use it to diversify your market, wholesale, or farmstand offerings. Lavender is a versatile product that you can sell as is or use to make value-added items to enhance your offerings. 

How To Harvest and Dry Your Lavender

Harvest lavender just before the flowers open to enhance their fragrance when dried. Once the flowers have browned, it’s too late. Harvest them about ⅔ of the way down on each stem, using clean, sharp garden shears. Stay above any woody parts of the stem. Bundle and tie about 30 to 40 stems, then hang them upside down to dry.

Dry your bundles in a cool, dark place with plenty of air circulation. Leave them be for several weeks. Then, strip, pluck, or shake the flowers off the stem. Store them in an airtight container until used in a cool, dry place. 

Value-Added Products You Can Make Using Homegrown Lavender

Experiment using your dried lavender to make healthy home goods for you or to sell.

• Dried lavender bundles. Don’t underestimate customers’ desires for the simple elegance of a dried lavender arrangement. Wrap it in craft paper, hang it using jute or colored ribbon, or add it to a wall planter. 
• Lavender olive oil. Use in baking, marinating meats, or add it to homemade moisturizers. 
• Bug repellent spray. Combine lavender essential oil, carrier oil, witch hazel, and distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well before using it and reapply it as necessary. 
• Candles. Essential oil, a wick, a container, dried lavender, and wax can be used to make a simple, aromatic, and safe alternative to candles containing synthetic fragrances. 
• Room and linen spray. A simple blend of lavender essential oil, witch hazel, and distilled water will create a lovely and soothing nighttime spray for bedrooms and sheets.
• Incorporate them into sage smudge sticks. Wrap the lavender with the sage before drying the stick to decrease the risk of it cracking and breaking off. 
• Lavender sugar for baked goods, there is an easy recipe in our Top 10 Edible Flowers to Grow article. 

Pro tip: Adhere cohesive labeling to anything you create and intend to sell to keep your branding consistent. 

Lavender Production, Markets, and Agrotourism from the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program is a great free resource for learning more.  

Common FAQs

What is the best season for planting lavender in Zone 6?

Zone 6 growers should plant lavender at least eight to ten weeks before their first fall frost to ensure enough time for roots to establish before winter. Mulching will help protect the root system from early frosts. Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for guidance. 

Related: Did Your Growing Zone Change? | USDA’s New Plant Hardiness Zone Map Explained 

How does the growing zone affect lavender planting times?

Zones 1 to 6: Plant in late spring or early summer after the last spring frost. 

Zones 7 to 10: Plant in early to late fall with enough time to establish robust root systems. 

Zones 8+: Plant any time, but remember to plant early enough in the fall so plants can establish strong roots before heavy frosts. 

Can I plant lavender in late spring?

Yes, as long as the frost risk has passed and you can work the soil. Be prepared to protect your plants if there is a sudden drop in temperature and possible frost. Consider having shade cloth on hand for early heat waves.

How much water does lavender need in the summer?

Water at the base once to twice weekly until the top few inches are thoroughly soaked. Watch plants closely during extended periods of drought or extreme sun and water more accordingly. 

What are the benefits of fall planting for flower farmers?

With the proper sunlight, soil nutrients, and water, fall-planted lavender can bloom the following summer, giving flower farmers big rewards with little work. 

Are there any risks to planting lavender in winter?

While lavender thrives in cool weather, plants can become dehydrated in the winter months when there is not ample rain or snow. Take caution when planting in the winter and protect plants from frost and harsh sun as needed. Ensure adequate irrigation in dry times. Only plant in the winter if this is your only option. 

Do you have to plant lavender every year, or will it come back? 

Lavender plants can survive 10 to 15 years when cared for adequately and protected in areas with harsh winters. 

What lavender varieties produce highly concentrated oil? 

Cultivars in the Lavender X intermedia species are highly productive, producing large plants and highly concentrated oils, which are ideal for essential oil products like sprays, salves, and balms. 

Written by Jenna Rich of Partners’ Gardens, LLC.