When to Plant Lavender in Tehama County, CA
Tehama County, California gardeners: here's your May plan
Each item below is timed to Tehama County, California's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: lavender
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.
Tehama County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 78 feet, Tehama County receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lavender to ensure they mature before fall.
Tehama County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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.
Soil Compatibility in Tehama County
How your county's soil matches Lavender's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is within Lavender's preferred range (6.5–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tehama County is excellent for Lavender — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Lavender.
How to Plant Lavender
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lavender
Lavender needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lavender Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 10.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 8.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 1.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 0.2" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.3" | 0" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.3" | 0" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.3" | 0.4" | 0.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 1.3" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tehama County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lavender Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lavender Planting Timeline — Tehama County, CA
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Nov 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–200 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Tehama County
Growing Tips for Lavender in Tehama County
Direct sow Lavender outdoors after March 06 in Tehama County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lavender in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lavender in Tehama County, CA?
Tehama County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tehama County, CA?
Tehama County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 28.
Your Tehama County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tehama County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.