If you’re wondering when to plant lavender in Arizona, timing is everything for success. The intense desert sun and unique climate zones mean you need to pick the perfect window to give your plants the best start.
Planting at the right time helps lavender establish strong roots before facing extreme heat or unexpected frost. This guide will walk you through the best planting times for each region of Arizona, along with simple tips to ensure your lavender not only survives but thrives.
When to Plant Lavender in Arizona – Best Planting Times for
The ideal time to plant lavender in Arizona is during the cooler months of fall and early spring. This avoids the punishing summer heat. For most areas, aim for October through November or late February through March.
Fall planting is often superior because it allows roots to grow deep over the winter. The plant is then ready to handle the summer stress. Spring planting works too, but you’ll need to be vigilant about watering as temperatures rise quickly.
Understanding Arizona’s Climate Zones
Arizona isn’t just one big desert. It has several microclimates that affect your planting schedule. Knowing your zone is the first step to picking your date.
- Low Desert (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma): This zone has very hot summers and mild, frost-free winters. The best planting times are from October to early November, and again from late February to early March.
- High Desert (Prescott, Kingman, Payson): With higher elevations, these areas experience colder winters. Target early fall (September to October) or mid-spring (April to early May) after the last frost danger has passed.
- Mountain Regions (Flagstaff, Show Low): Cold winters with hard freezes are common here. Planting is best done in late spring, once all frost is gone, typically from May to early June. Choose cold-hardy varieties like English lavender.
Choosing the Right Lavender Variety
Not all lavenders are created equal for Arizona’s heat. Picking a heat-tolerant variety is as important as the planting time. Here are the top performers for our state.
- Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Excellent for the low desert. It handles intense heat and humidity better than most types. It flowers prolifically in spring.
- Grosso Lavender: A hybrid lavandin known for its high oil content and strong fragrance. It’s very resilient in heat and drought once established.
- Provence Lavender: Another robust lavandin. It’s a great all-around choice for Arizona gardens, offering long stems and a classic scent.
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Best for the high desert and mountain regions where summers are cooler. It requires excellent drainage and can struggle in the low desert’s extreme summer heat.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve got your timing and variety sorted, follow these steps to plant correctly. Proper planting prevents many common problems down the road.
- Pick the Sunniest Spot: Lavender demands full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. More is better in cooler zones.
- Amend the Soil for Drainage: Arizona’s native soil is often heavy clay. This is lavender’s worst enemy. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Mix the native soil with 50% coarse sand, crushed gravel, or small pumice. Avoid organic compost that holds moisture.
- Plant High: Set the lavender’s crown (where the stem meets the roots) slightly above the surrounding soil level. This prevents rot. Mounding the soil into a slight berm is a smart technique.
- Water Wisely at First: Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil. Then, allow the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill lavender.
- Skip the Mulch: Do not use organic mulch like wood chips around lavender. It retains too much moisture. Instead, use a thin layer of white gravel or crushed granite. It reflects sun, keeps the crown dry, and looks great.
Care After Planting
Your job isn’t done after putting the plant in the ground. The first year is critical for establishment. Consistent care during this period sets your lavender up for a long, healthy life.
Water deeply but infrequently, mimicking a desert rainstorm. Then let the soil go dry. As the plant matures, you can reduce watering significantly. Established lavender often thrives on rainfall alone in many parts of Arizona.
Fertilizer is rarely needed and can harm the plant’s fragrance and growth. If you must, a light application of a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring is sufficient. Prune lightly after the first bloom to maintain shape, and do a harder pruning in early spring to prevent woodiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors with lavender in the desert. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Planting in Summer: This is the biggest mistake. The heat will shock and likely kill a new plant before it can establish roots.
- Using Rich Soil or Compost: Lavender thrives in poor, rocky, alkaline soil. Rich soil leads to weak growth, fewer flowers, and root rot.
- Overwatering: Lavender is drought-tolerant. Soggy soil causes fungal diseases and root rot. When in doubt, don’t water.
- Planting in Shade or Part Shade: Without full sun, lavender becomes leggy, produces few flowers, and is more prone to disease.
FAQ: Planting Lavender in Arizona
Can lavender survive Arizona summer heat?
Yes, many varieties can, but only if they are planted at the correct time (fall/spring) and have excellent drainage. Established plants are remarkably resilient.
What is the best month to plant lavender in Phoenix?
Aim for mid-October through November. Late February is your second-best option if you miss the fall window.
How often should I water newly planted lavender?
Water every 3-4 days for the first two weeks. Then, gradually extend the time between watering to once every 7-10 days, always checking that the soil is dry first.
Why is my lavender plant turning brown?
Browning is usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil. Browning in the center of the plant can also indicate it’s becoming woody and needs pruning.
Can I grow lavender in a pot in Arizona?
Absolutely. Pots are a great way to control soil and drainage. Use a terra cotta pot with a large drainage hole and a cactus/succulent potting mix amended with extra perlite or grit.
By following these guidelines for when to plant lavender in Arizona, you give your garden a beautiful, fragrant, and water-wise addition. Remember, the keys are timing, sun, and neglectful watering. With the right start, your lavender will provide years of beauty and that iconic calming scent to your outdoor space.