Plant lavender in spring, after the last frost; RHS says April or May is best. Fall planting can work if plants get about 2 months of good weather before winter, plus heavy mulch (USU), but RHS says never plant in winter. Give it full sun and fast-draining soil; wet soil kills lavender more often than cold (Illinois, RHS). Seed is slow, so start it indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last frost (Johnny's) or buy plants. English lavender is the hardiest type (RHS). The ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Lavender (Lavandula) is a shrubby, evergreen herb in the mint family, native to the Mediterranean (NC State). NC State counts about 47 species. The hardiest are English lavender (L. angustifolia) and lavandin (L. x intermedia); French lavender (L. stoechas) and other tender types are less hardy (RHS). English lavender grows 1 to 2 feet tall (USU), up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide (NC State), and lives 10 to 15 years (USU). NC State notes it prefers cool summers and can struggle in the Southeast.
When to plant lavender
| Timing | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| 8 to 10 weeks before last frost (seed indoors) | Johnny's sows 1/8 in deep and says seed needs light; germination takes 14 to 21 days at 65 to 70°F. USU says seed is slow, 100 to 200 days to transplant size, and direct seeding is not recommended (Johnny's, USU) |
| After the last spring frost (transplants) | USU and Johnny's transplant after the last frost. RHS says April or May is best |
| Early fall (only with time to root) | USU says fall planting works if plants get about 2 months of good weather before winter, plus heavy mulch. RHS says never to plant in winter, when cold, wet soil rots the roots |
| Early to midsummer (cuttings) | RHS takes softwood or semi-ripe cuttings; USU says they root in 30 to 40 days. Illinois says many varieties don't come true from seed, so cuttings are best |
| Late summer (pruning) | RHS trims every year after flowering; USU shears plants back by about half after bloom |
Our planting calendar shows your last spring frost. Plant just after it, or 8 to 10 weeks before it if you are starting seed indoors (Johnny's, USU). If you plant in fall, count back from your first fall frost to make sure the roots get about 2 months to settle (USU). From seed, USU recommends the cultivar 'Lady'; most named varieties are grown from cuttings because they vary from seed (Illinois, RHS).
How to plant lavender
| Lavender | |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (RHS, Illinois); NC State suggests protection from hot afternoon sun in the Southeast |
| Soil | Fast-draining, poor to moderately fertile, including chalky soil; not heavy clay (RHS). pH 6.5 to 7.5 (USU); Johnny's limes soil below pH 6.5 |
| Heavy soil fix | Plant on a mound or ridge 8 to 12 in high, or in a raised bed (RHS, Illinois) |
| Spacing | 18 to 24 in (USU); 12 to 18 in (Johnny's); RHS spaces about 3 ft in groups and 12 to 18 in for hedges |
| Depth | Set plants shallowly, no deeper than they grew (Johnny's) |
Watering, feeding and pruning
- Water the first season. USU gives about 1 gallon per plant per week until established, then about half a gallon every 2 weeks.
- Go easy on food. Lavender needs low nutrients (RHS); USU adds about an inch of compost at planting and warns against over-fertilizing.
- Prune every year. After flowering, RHS removes the flower stalks and about an inch of leafy growth, but never cuts into old, bare wood. USU shears plants back by half after bloom. NC State prunes to 4 to 6 in once frost has passed.
- Harvest: USU cuts when the first two flowers open; Illinois cuts stems as the flowers start to open.
- Replace leggy plants. RHS says old, straggly plants are best replaced.
Lavender in containers
RHS grows lavender in pots 12 to 16 inches across with large drainage holes, in a mix with up to 25% grit, and keeps containers on the dry side in winter. NC State says containers with grit or perlite help where native soil is acid clay. Compact types such as 'Hidcote Blue', about 20 inches (NC State), suit pots.
Fall and winter
- Don't cut back in fall. Illinois waits for new growth in spring before pruning.
- Mulch in cold areas. Illinois lays evergreen boughs or straw over dormant plants once the ground freezes; USU says 'Lady' survives zone 4 if mulched. Illinois suggests rock or pea gravel as a mulch around the plants.
- Hardiness: USU lists English lavender for zones 5 to 10 and NC State gives 5a to 9b for the genus.
- Drainage matters most. Illinois says dampness kills lavender more often than cold.
Pests and problems
Root rot in wet soil is the big one (RHS, NC State); USU names Phytophthora root rot. NC State also lists leaf spot when conditions are too wet. Illinois says wet soil, high humidity and poor air flow lead to decline, and suggests 'Phenomenal' for heat and humidity. USU says heavy grasshopper infestations can cut yields without killing established plants, and deer may browse plants in some areas.
Lavender around the vegetable garden
Lavender wants dry, lean soil, while most vegetables want rich, well-watered beds, so in our view it does best at a sunny bed edge or path rather than among thirsty crops (GardenPal reasoning). USU pairs it with other sun-loving, dry-tolerant perennials such as blanket flower, salvia, coneflower, daylily, black-eyed Susan and iris. For more sunny-border plants, see when to plant irises, when to plant liatris and flowers that attract beneficial insects.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to plant lavender?
In spring after the last frost; RHS says April or May is best. Fall planting works only with about 2 months of good weather before winter (USU).
Can I plant lavender in winter?
No. RHS says never plant in winter, because roots rot in cold, wet soil.
How far apart should I plant lavender?
About 18 to 24 inches (USU); Johnny's uses 12 to 18 inches, and RHS spaces groups about 3 feet apart.
Is lavender easy to grow from seed?
It is slow. Germination takes 14 to 21 days (Johnny's, USU), and plants need 100 to 200 days to reach transplant size (USU). Many varieties don't come true from seed (Illinois).
Why is my lavender dying?
Usually wet soil. Illinois says dampness kills lavender more often than cold, and RHS warns against heavy clay and waterlogged ground.
Is lavender toxic to dogs and cats?
The ASPCA lists English lavender as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with signs like nausea and vomiting. NC State rates the severity low.
Enter your frost dates to time a spring lavender planting or indoor seed start.
Open itSources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Companion Planting in Gardening" (SPES-620P)
- University of Maryland Extension, "Vegetable Succession and Companion Planting"
- Oregon State University Extension, "Companion Planting"
- Penn State Extension, "Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions"
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Planting the vegetable garden"
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (frost/freeze data)
- Royal Horticultural Society, "How to grow lavender"
- Utah State University Extension (Keenen Crummitt, Dan Drost), "English lavender in the garden"
- University of Illinois Extension, "Lavender" (Herb Gardening)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Lavandula"
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Lavandula angustifolia"
- Johnny's Selected Seeds, "How to grow lavender from seed"
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "Lavender"
Pairings are summarized in our own words from extension-service guidance. Research support for many companion effects is limited, so treat them as good habits, not guarantees.