When to Plant Lavender in St. Bernard Parish, LA
May to-do list for St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
Each item below is timed to St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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It's harvest week for lavender
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Get ahead of 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.
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 2 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 312 days.
At an elevation of 455 feet, St. Bernard Parish receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 104°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.
St. Bernard Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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 St. Bernard Parish
How your county's soil matches Lavender's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.5) is more acidic than Lavender prefers (6.5–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Bernard Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lavender will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Lavender prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). 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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Bernard 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 — St. Bernard Parish, LA
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Oct 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
312 days in St. Bernard Parish
Growing Tips for Lavender in St. Bernard Parish
Direct sow Lavender outdoors after February 02 in St. Bernard Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Bernard Parish 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 104°F in St. Bernard Parish, provide afternoon shade for Lavender and water deeply in the morning.
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 St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 2. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 2 and first fall frost is December 11.
Your St. Bernard Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Bernard Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.