When to Plant Lavender in Yakima County, WA
This month in Yakima County, Washington
Your garden in Yakima County, Washington is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Move lavender into the garden
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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.
Yakima County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 3,150 feet, Yakima County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lavender during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lavender successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Yakima County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
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 Yakima County
How your county's soil matches Lavender's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.3) is more acidic than Lavender prefers (6.5–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Yakima County is excellent for Lavender — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Lavender will thrive.
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.3" | 1" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 1.3" | 0.6" | 0.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.3" | 0.3" | 1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.3" | 0.3" | 1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.3" | 0.6" | 0.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 1.3" | 1.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Yakima 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 — Yakima County, WA
Lavender Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Dec 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Yakima County
Growing Tips for Lavender in Yakima County
Direct sow Lavender outdoors after May 06 in Yakima County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 150.0-day growing season in Yakima County is tight for Lavender (90.0-200.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Yakima County, WA?
Yakima County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Lavender planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yakima County, WA?
Yakima County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Yakima County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Yakima County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.