When to Plant Lavender in Butte County, CA
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.
Butte County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 144 feet, Butte County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lavender during the growing season.
Butte County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lavender Planting Timeline — Butte County, CA
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Dec 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
90–200 days
Soil pH
6.5 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
204 days
Growing Tips for Butte County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Lavender in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lavender in Butte County, CA?
Butte County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Butte County, CA?
Butte County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Butte County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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