When to Plant Lavender in Bossier Parish, LA
May in Bossier Parish, Louisiana — your action list
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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.
Bossier Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 469 feet, Bossier Parish receives approximately 59.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Lavender during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lavender root diseases.
Bossier Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
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 Bossier Parish
How your county's soil matches Lavender's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) overlaps with Lavender's range (6.5–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bossier Parish is excellent for Lavender — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help 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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bossier Parish). 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 — Bossier Parish, LA
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Nov 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Bossier Parish
Growing Tips for Lavender in Bossier Parish
Direct sow Lavender outdoors after March 15 in Bossier Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With 59" of annual rainfall in Bossier Parish, 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 Bossier Parish, LA?
Bossier Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bossier Parish, LA?
Bossier Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Bossier Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bossier Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.