When is the best time to plant lavender?

Timing lavender planting protects against heat stress and frost. I plant lavender in my zone 6b garden in April so the roots have time to establish before summer. A client in Texas plants in October, where the generally cooler fall temperature resembles the Mediterranean spring temperature lavender thrives in. The key is to plan your lavender planting (or really all perennials) planting dates with your local last frost date in mind, and not just by month.

Spring planting is appropriate in zones 3-7, after the threat of frost has passed.When I tried to plant a hedge of lavender, it was too close to the risk of a May frost; I lost everything. I wait until the apple trees bloom to plant, that's a local phenological cue. In the nursery pots, not in seeds, will get the plants established a bit more before summer droughts.

Instead of Spring planting for Zones 8 to 10 where winters stay above 20°F, a Phoenix Gardener noted planting in October and leaving plants in a shade cloth until roots were firmly set. One must avoid planting during the rainy season where lavender will drown in wet soil. Also, adding gravel mulch helps with crown rot from winter storms.

Containers provide extraordinary flexibility. For instance, my neighbor grows 'Phenomenal' lavender plants in whiskey barrels, allowing them to be moved from their garage to the patio. Use pots that have drainage holes in the bottom and elevate them on feet. This mimics the rocky slopes that lavender grows in naturally and minimizes the potential for waterlogging.

Read the full article: How to Grow Lavender: Complete Expert Guide for Success