When to plant Lavender in Howard County, MO
Howard County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Lavender April 27–May 11 for the single annual harvest; the October 24 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Lavender in Howard County, MO
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.
Howard County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 945 feet, Howard County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lavender during the growing season.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Lavender
Lavender needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lavender Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Howard County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lavender Planting Timeline — Howard County, MO
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Bloom | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Howard County
Growing Tips for Howard 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 Howard County, MO?
Howard County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howard County, MO?
Howard County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Lavender in Howard County, MO?
In Howard County, MO, plant Lavender after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Howard County, MO for Lavender?
Howard County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lavender grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lavender grow in Howard County's climate?
Yes — Lavender grows well in Howard County's temperate climate. Howard County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 24.
Your Howard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Howard County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.