When To Plant Lavender In Washington State

If you want a garden filled with fragrant purple spikes, knowing when to plant lavender in Washington State is the first step to success. Timing your planting correctly ensures your lavender establishes strong roots and delivers those optimal spring blooms we all love.

Washington’s diverse climates, from the rainy west to the dry east, make timing a bit tricky. But don’t worry, we’ll break it down simply. This guide gives you the exact windows for planting and the simple steps to ensure your lavender thrives.

There are two ideal planting windows for lavender in Washington, and they depend on how you start your plants.

For spring planting, the absolute best time is after the last frost date when the soil has warmed up. Lavender hates cold, wet feet. In Western Washington, this is typically from mid-May to early June. In Eastern Washington, you can often start a bit earlier, from late April to mid-May.

For fall planting, aim for early September to mid-October. This gives the plant enough time to settle its roots into the still-warm soil before winter dormancy. Fall planting is often very successful in Washington, especially east of the Cascades, but requires sharp drainage to prevent rot.

Understanding Your Washington Growing Zone

Your specific location changes your planting date. Washington spans USDA zones 4b through 9a.

Western Washington (Zones 8a-9a): Mild, wet winters. Focus on perfect drainage. Spring planting is safest for beginners to avoid winter rot.
Puget Sound Area: Follow the mid-May guideline. The marine influence keeps springs cool.
Eastern Washington (Zones 4b-7b): Colder winters, hotter summers, and drier air. Both spring and fall planting work well here, but winter protection is key for young plants in colder zones.

Why Timing is Everything for Spring Blooms

Lavender blooms on new growth. Planting at the right time allows the plant to focus its energy on building a robust root system first. A well-established plant survives winter better and pushes out more vigorous, bloom-ready growth when spring arrives.

Plant too early in cold soil, and the plant may stagnate or rot. Plant to late in fall, and the roots won’t anchor in time for winter. Getting the timing right is the simplest way to guarantee a spectacular show.

How to Plant Lavender for Success

Even perfect timing won’t help if lavender is planted incorrectly. Follow these steps to give your plants the best start.

Step 1: Choose the Right Lavender Variety

Pick a variety known for its hardiness and suitability to our state’s regions.

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Best for Western WA and colder parts of Eastern WA. It’s the most cold-hardy. Look for ‘Hidcote’, ‘Munstead’, or ‘Phenomenal’.
Lavandin Hybrids (Lavandula x intermedia): Great for hotter, drier areas of Eastern WA. They are larger and very fragrant. ‘Grosso’ and ‘Provence’ are excellent choices.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): More tender. Only try this in the warmest parts of Western WA (Zone 9a) with excellent drainage and winter protection.

Step 2: Find the Perfect Sunny Spot

Lavender demands full sun. That means a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. More is better. Without enough sun, plants become leggy, produce fewer blooms, and are more prone to disease.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil (The Most Important Step)

This is non-negotiable. Lavender needs lean, gritty, alkaline, and very well-drained soil. Washington’s native clay soil is its worst enemy.

Test Drainage: Dig a hole 12 inches deep and fill it with water. If it doesn’t drain within a few hours, you must improve drainage.
Amend the Soil: Create a planting mix. Use 1/3 original soil, 1/3 coarse sand or poultry grit, and 1/3 compost or well-rotted manure. This creates the perfect loose structure.
Check pH: Lavender prefers a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Most Washington soils are acidic. Add a handful of garden lime to the planting hole to sweeten the soil.

Step 4: The Planting Process

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Gently loosen the roots if the plant is pot-bound.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown (where stem meets roots) is slightly above soil level to prevent rot.
Backfill with your prepared soil mix and firm it gently.
Water deeply to settle the soil. After this initial watering, wait until the soil is dry before watering again to encourage roots to seek moisture.

Caring for Your Lavender After Planting

Proper aftercare ensures your plant transitions smoothly and prepares for blooming.

Watering Wisely

Overwatering is the fastest way to kill lavender. Once established, it’s incredibly drought-tolerant.

First Year: Water once or twice a week during dry spells, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.
Established Plants: Rainfall is often enough in Western WA. In Eastern WA, deep watering every 2-3 weeks in summer may be needed.

Feeding and Mulching

Lavender needs little fertilizer. To much nitrogen promotes leafy growth, not flowers. A light top-dressing of compost in spring is sufficient.

Use a thin mulch of pea gravel or crushed rock. Avoid organic mulches like bark, which hold moisture against the stems and cause rot.

Pruning for Optimal Spring Blooms

Pruning is essential for longevity and bloom production. Never cut back into old, woody growth that has no leaves.

Year 1: After flowering, give it a light trim to shape it, removing about 1/3 of the green growth.
Subsequent Years: Prune in early spring as new growth appears, cutting back by about one-third. Prune again lightly after summer blooming to maintain shape.

Common Problems and Solutions in Washington

Even with great care, a few issues can pop up.

Root Rot: Caused by wet soil. Ensure perfect drainage and avoid overwatering. There’s no cure; prevention is key.
Frost Heave (Eastern WA): Freeze-thaw cycles can push plants out of the ground. A gravel mulch helps, and gently pressing plants back in in spring is sometimes necessary.
Leggy Growth: Means not enough sun. Consider transplanting to a sunnier location in the following spring.
Poor Blooming: Usually due to excess nitrogen, insufficient sun, or improper pruning. Correct these factors for better blooms next year.

FAQ: Planting Lavender in Washington

Can I plant lavender in early spring in Washington?

It’s risky. Wait until soil is warm, usually late spring. Planting in cold, damp soil can lead to failure. Patience is key for a healthy plant.

Is fall planting better than spring planting?

In Eastern Washington’s drier climate, fall planting can be excellent, allowing roots to establish before summer heat. In wetter western areas, spring planting is often more reliable for beginners to avoid winter wetness.

What is the best lavender for Seattle area gardens?

Stick with English lavender varieties like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote’. They handle the winter moisture better than other types when given excellent drainage.

How do I protect my lavender in a cold Washington winter?

In zones 6 and below, a layer of gravel mulch is the best protection. Avoid covering with leaves or plastic, which trap moisture. For potted plants, move them to a sheltered location like a garage.

Why did my lavender die over the winter?

In Washington, winter kill is usually from wet soil, not cold. Poor drainage causes roots to rot. Ensure your planting site and mix are very fast-draining for next time.

By following this timing and planting guide, you can enjoy the serene beauty and fragrance of lavender in your Washington garden. With its sunny disposition and simple needs, a well-planted lavender will reward you with those optimal spring blooms for many years to come. Just remember: sun, grit, and a light hand with the hose are the secrets to your success.