When to Plant Lavender in Madison 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.
Madison County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 865 feet, Madison County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Lavender during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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
Lavender Planting Timeline — Madison County, VA
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Dec 3 |
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 7a
Growing Season
193 days
Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, VA?
Madison County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, VA?
Madison County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Madison County gardeners in Zone 7a 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.