Lavender Planting Guide
Lavender is a fragrant perennial herb with silvery foliage and purple flower spikes. It is prized for its essential oils, culinary uses, and ornamental beauty.
Lavandula angustifolia · Herb · Lamiaceae family · 90–200 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Lavender?
Lavender Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Lavender planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 2 | Aug 1 – Oct 17 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | Apr 25 | Jul 25 – Oct 10 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Apr 17 | Jul 17 – Oct 30 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 10 | Jul 10 – Oct 23 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 1 | Jul 1 – Nov 11 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Mar 25 | Jun 24 – Nov 4 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 15 | Jun 14 – Nov 15 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 4 | Jun 3 – Nov 4 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 17 | May 19 – Oct 20 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 1 | May 3 – Oct 4 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Soil pH
6.5 – 8
Hardiness Zones
Zone 5a – 9b
Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained, sandy soil. Avoid heavy mulching around the crown. Prune after flowering but do not cut into old wood. Lavender resents wet winter conditions.
Saving Lavender Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Lavender by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Lavender?
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) takes 90 to 200 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Lavender grow in?
Lavender can be grown in USDA zones 5a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Lavender need?
Growing Lavender requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Low — drought tolerant, and soil pH of 6.5 to 8.