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When to Plant Lavender in Loudoun County, VA

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.

Loudoun County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.

At an elevation of 857 feet, Loudoun County receives approximately 45.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lavender during the growing season.

Loudoun County, VA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
184 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
184 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Loudoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Nov 30
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Dec 5
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 16 – Dec 27

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lavender needs ~2,972 GDD — county provides 3,772 GDD Good fit

Lavender Planting Timeline โ€” Loudoun County, VA

Lavender Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 9
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 โ€“ Dec 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 7a

Growing Season

184 days

Growing Tips for Loudoun 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 Loudoun County, VA?

Loudoun County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Loudoun County, VA?

Loudoun County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 19.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Loudoun County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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