When to Plant Lavender in Clinton County, MI
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.
Clinton County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 519 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lavender to ensure they mature before fall.
Clinton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lavender Planting Timeline — Clinton County, MI
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Harvest | August 6 | Aug 6 – Oct 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 5b
Growing Season
166 days
Growing Tips for Clinton 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 Clinton County, MI?
Clinton County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clinton County, MI?
Clinton County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Clinton County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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