When to plant Lavender in Androscoggin County, ME
Androscoggin County sits in cold Zone 5b. Plant Lavender May 29–June 12 for the single annual harvest; the October 6 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Lavender in Androscoggin County, ME
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a fragrant Mediterranean sub-shrub prized for its silver-gray foliage and intensely aromatic purple flower spikes. A classic companion for roses and an unmatched pollinator magnet, lavender thrives in the exact conditions that challenge many plants: poor, rocky, alkaline soil with excellent drainage and full sun. English lavender is the most cold-hardy species, reliably perennial in Zones 5–9. Fresh or dried flowers are widely used in sachets, essential oils, culinary applications, and dried arrangements.
Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,087 feet, Androscoggin County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lavender during the growing season.
Androscoggin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lavender Planting Timeline — Androscoggin County, ME
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Bloom | August 7 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Androscoggin County
Growing Tips for Androscoggin County
The single most important requirement for lavender success is excellent drainage — it will rot in heavy clay or wet winter soils before cold alone kills it. Amend with coarse sand or fine gravel if needed; raised beds work well in Zones 5–6. Start from rooted cuttings or transplants rather than seed for named cultivars. Transplant after last frost when soil is reliably warm (55°F+). Avoid rich or overly moist soils. Prune lightly after each flush of bloom, but never cut into old wood below the green growth zone — it will not regenerate from leafless woody stems. In Zones 5–6, mulch lightly with gravel (not bark/organic material which traps moisture) around the crown for winter protection. Year 2+ plants develop into full, mature shrubs with the most prolific bloom.
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 Androscoggin County, ME?
Androscoggin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Androscoggin County, ME?
Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Lavender in Androscoggin County, ME?
In Androscoggin County, ME, plant Lavender after the last frost (around May 8) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Androscoggin County, ME for Lavender?
Androscoggin County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lavender grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lavender grow in Androscoggin County's climate?
Yes — Lavender grows well in Androscoggin County's temperate climate. Androscoggin County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 6.
Your Androscoggin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Androscoggin County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.