Blog

When to Plant Lavender in Matagorda County, TX

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.

Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.

At an elevation of 161 feet, Matagorda County receives approximately 57.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Lavender may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Lavender will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lavender root diseases.

Matagorda County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
290 days
Last Spring Frost February 19
290 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Matagorda County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 14 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Oct 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (38 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 26 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Oct 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Nov 19

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lavender needs ~3,081 GDD — county provides 6,183 GDD Excellent fit

Lavender Planting Timeline โ€” Matagorda County, TX

Lavender Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Harvest May 28 May 28 โ€“ Oct 29

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

90โ€“200 days

Soil pH

6.5 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 9a

Growing Season

290 days

Growing Tips for Matagorda 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lavender in Matagorda County, TX?

Matagorda County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Matagorda County, TX?

Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Matagorda County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Matagorda County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.