When to Plant Lavender in Pitkin County, CO
This month in Pitkin County, Colorado
Each item below is timed to Pitkin County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: 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.
Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 6,411 feet, Pitkin County receives approximately 17.8 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. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lavender successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pitkin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.3
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 Pitkin County
How your county's soil matches Lavender's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.3) overlaps with Lavender's range (6.5–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Pitkin County is excellent for Lavender — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Lavender.
How to Plant Lavender
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 1.3" | 1.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 1.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 1.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Pitkin 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 — Pitkin County, CO
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
| Harvest | September 22 | Sep 22 – Dec 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Pitkin County
Growing Tips for Lavender in Pitkin County
Direct sow Lavender outdoors after June 16 in Pitkin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 83.0-day growing season in Pitkin County is tight for Lavender (90.0-200.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Pitkin County, CO?
Pitkin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pitkin County, CO?
Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
Your Pitkin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pitkin County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.