When to Plant Lavender in Nassau County, FL
This month in Nassau County, Florida
A quick May briefing for Nassau County, Florida gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Basket week: lavender
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Nassau County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.
At an elevation of 408 feet, Nassau County receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Lavender may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — 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.
Nassau County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-5.8
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 Nassau County
How your county's soil matches Lavender's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–5.8) is more acidic than Lavender prefers (6.5–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Nassau County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lavender will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lavender.
How to Plant Lavender
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.3" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Nassau 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 — Nassau County, FL
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Oct 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
290 days in Nassau County
Growing Tips for Lavender in Nassau County
Direct sow Lavender outdoors after February 14 in Nassau County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Nassau County dries quickly — mulch Lavender with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 101°F in Nassau County, provide afternoon shade for Lavender and water deeply in the morning.
With 58" of annual rainfall in Nassau County, ensure good drainage for Lavender — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 Nassau County, FL?
Nassau County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nassau County, FL?
Nassau County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your Nassau County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nassau County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.